Background:
The Government of Iraq, through its National Development Plan (2024 2028), has prioritized the establishment of a National Public Works Programme (NPWP) as a key national initiative. The NPWP is envisioned not only to deliver essential infrastructure and natural resources assets and services, but also to serve as a catalyst for addressing persistent challenges of high unemployment and widespread informality. By generating decent and productive jobs, enhancing skills development, and expanding access to social protection, the programme aims to advance poverty reduction while supporting broader economic recovery and resilience
The Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the ILO in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the International Trade Centre (ITC), provides a key framework for advancing these efforts. At the request of the Government of Iraq, the project is supporting the development of a National Public Works Programme by delivering technical assistance and guiding its design and implementation through a structured Road Map process. Since 2024, the Road Map process has progressed through national consultations, governance structures, capacity building, and sector prioritization, shaping the National Public Works Programme and prompting further support to integrate it into a proposed Sustainable National Initiative.
As part of the Road Map Process, a comprehensive suite of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manuals, guidelines, and tools will be developed with the objective of ensure coherence, efficiency, and quality in the PWP. In this respect, the project is currently collaborating with the ILO PROSPECTS Project in the Development of Comprehensive Guidelines and a Technical Framework on the Application of Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP). The Guidelines which are being developed following experiences in implementation of Phase 1 of PROSPECTs are to support the scaling of Public Works Programme in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and Federal Iraq.
Recent developments following consultations and engagements, have established the need to supplement the EIIP Guidelines being developed with additional Infrastructure and Green Works sector specific guidelines to support implementation of the NPWP within Iraq. To achieve this, the ILO is seeking to assign a qualified consultant to develop the complementary sector specific guidelines.
The overarching goal of this assignment is to:
(a) Develop complementary bespoke guidelines that will provide a technical framework for implementation of the NPWP within the Infrastructure and Green Works sectors, ensuring the integration of Employment- Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) Labour-Based and Resource-Based (LBR) approaches in accordance with country specific context and related laws and guidelines.
(b) Engage and facilitate a consultative process that actively involves relevant national institutions, social partners, and technical experts including Technical Working Group (TWG) for inputs and comments to alignment with existing institutional procedures, regulatory frameworks, and operational modalities to ensure national ownership, coherence with ongoing government practices, and the long-term sustainability of the NPWP.
(c) Prepare Inception Report, Draft Guidelines and associated documents for review of project and stakeholders.
(d) Conduct a validation process involving key relevant stakeholders to provide feedback which will be carefully reviewed and incorporated to refine and finalize the documents, ensuring they are practical, context-specific, integrate good practices and fully aligned with national procedures and priorities.
(e) Deliver two bespoke sector-focused documents for Infrastructure/Construction sector and Green Works sector. Note is to be taken that the two documents produced will complement and not replace Comprehensive EIIP Guidelines that are being developed jointly by the PROSPECTS and BEIT projects of ILO.
The assignment holder will conduct a desk review of existing and draft Standard Operating Practices (SOPs), Guidelines, Manuals on Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) including relevant BEIT project documents including the final draft of NPWP roadmap process to gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope and objectives of the sectoral guidelines and manuals.
The assignment holder will conduct a wide range of consultation at various levels ensuring the guidelines are sector and context-specific and aligned with local realities. Expert interviews will focus on gathering technical inputs to ensure that the guidelines reflect best practices and are practical for national application.
Following the desk review and the consultations, the assignment holder will analyse and consolidate information and technical input received to leverage on the identified challenges and opportunities in addition to the best practices to draft the sectoral focused guidelines documents ensuring both addresses the critical gaps and propose solutions that enhance the effectiveness of public works programs, decent works and NPWP design consideration based on the final draft of Road Map process for the National Public Works Programmes.
Guidelines developed will to extent possible, not seek to replicate, but complement existing guidelines to ensure complementarity, synergy and harmonization.
The assessment will ensure that the proposed guidelines reflect ILO methodologies, align with national policies, good practices
economic growth. The key tasks include:
Conduct consultations with ILO relevant projects, relevant national institutions, social partners, and technical experts including Technical Working Group (TWG) for NPWP to ensure that they realize the intended objectives.
Reviewing and analysing the existing EIIP materials, PWP documents including the final draft of the road map process for the National Public Work Programmes
Outline the structure of the two Guidelines/ Manuals documents that are focused on the Construction and the Green Works Sectors.
Developing context and sector specific, clear, and adaptable guidelines that are consistent with ILO tools, methodologies, good practices and national priorities.
Aligning the two Guidelines to be developed to link and complement the Draft Comprehensive Guidelines and Technical Framework on the Application of Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP)
Conduct a validation workshop for the two developed Guidelines documents to support facilitating the endorsement and to inform governmental adoption.
Develop Infrastructure and Green Works Guidelines to support implementation of the NPWP.
involve a maximum 24 days over a three and half period (01 November 2025 to 15 February 2026). The assignment holder must prepare inception report to guide the implementation of the assignment, draft guidelines for review, facilitate validation process and submit an Infrastructure Guideline and Green Works Guideline. All documents under this assignment must be produced in English. All deliverables received are considered drafts and must be revised/refined in line with the consultations and the validation process to be accepted as a final deliverable. The table below explain the four requested deliverables:
Deliverable Duration Timeframe
Deliverable 1: Inception and Planning o Kick-off Meeting,
o Initial Review,
o Develop and submit Inception Report outlining understanding, methodology, approach for assignment, structure for the Guidelines, comments on ToR, Work Plan, Stakeholder engagement plan and potential
risks for assignment Up to 2 working days Deadline: To be submitted 2 weeks following the signature and commencement of
the agreement
Deliverable 2:
Development of Draft Sectoral Focus Guideline on Infrastructure and Green Works o Research and Desk Review
o Stakeholder Engagement
o Incorporate Good Practices
o Align to EIIP, LRB, National Frameworks
o Analyze and Formulate Development of 2 Nos. Guidelines for Infrastructure and Green Works Sectors to be submitted for review. The Guidelines should provide guidance including and not restricted to details on the Works/Services/Shelf of Works applicable to the Sectors, responsibilities of the parties, applicable clauses to be inserted to enforce contracts, planning and operational requirements, implementation models, capacity building interventions, reporting and performance indicators and templates specific to the sector while taking into consideration the
government structures and requirements Up to 10 working days Deadline: To be
submitted 6 weeks following the signature and commencement of the agreement
Deliverable 3: Prepare and Conduct Validation Workshop to present and validate the developed Sectoral Focused
Guidelines o Conduct Consultative Workshop
o Present Draft Guidelines
o Validate Recommendations. Up to 4 working days Deadline: To be conducted within 12 weeks following the signature and commencement of
the agreement
Deliverable 4: Revise and improve the Draft Guidelines based on the feedback provided and Finalization of o Revise and incorporate feedback from validation process
o Submit 2 Nos. Guidelines on Infrastructure and Green Works Sectors Up to 8 working days Deadline: To be submitted 14 weeks following the signature and commencement of
the agreement
The assignment holder will be reporting to the ILO BEIT Project Manager and or the Officer in Charge. All the activities should be coordinated with BEIT team to ensure smooth implementation and to leverage on ILO strategic partnership with Government of Iraq. The assignment holder will be onboarded in the context of the other projects involved and relevant to the assignment. The ILO may provide documents to broaden the understanding of the assignment focus and the cross-cutting issues.
preference, the timeframe of seeking governmental feedback and comments in line with the validation process.
Education:
A in Infrastructure and Built Environment disciplines, Sustainable Development, or a related field from a recognized institution, or a related field.
Preferred Certification in Project management, Environmental Sustainability, Green Works or relevant qualifications demonstrating expertise in managing infrastructure and green works development programs focused on EIIP and PWPs.
Experience:
At least 10 years of professional experience in policy development, program design, or proven experience within employment-intensive investment programs (EIIP), green works, sustainable development, or public works implementation.
Proven expertise in developing EIIP/PEPs/PWPs guidelines, manuals, standard operating practices or related toolkits is an asset.
Direct involvement in designing and managing employment-focused programs for livelihood, EIIP and Public Works Programmes PWP for enhancement and support to vulnerable populations.
Preferred Experience:
o Familiarity with ILO methodologies, such as OSH guidelines, and their application in employment-intensive investments; Experience working in Iraq or similar conflict-affected regions, with knowledge of local governance structures and socio-economic challenges.
o Track record of scaling or adapting development models for national-level public works implementation.
o Understanding of governance frameworks in the Middle East, particularly regarding public sector management and project execution.
Language:
Proficiency in English (verbal and written).
Criteria Weight Description
qualification and competences
10% Relevant education background and competences which include minimum of a
Sustainable Development, or a related field from a recognized institution, or a
related field. Preferred Certification in Project management, Environmental Sustainability, Green Works or relevant qualifications
Professional experience relevant to the ToR
15% At least 10 years of professional experience in policy development, program design, or proven experience within employment-intensive investment programs (EIIP), green works, sustainable development, or public works implementation. Proven expertise in developing EIIP/PEPs/PWPs guidelines,
manuals, standard operating practices or related toolkits is an asset
Technical expertise
10% Understanding of technical aspects including Employment Intensive Investment Programmes, Green Works, Standard Operating Practices, Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing Systems and Tools
Compliance with the ToR
45% The proposal should demonstrate a solid compliance with the ToR showing the
methodology to be used to conduct the assignment and estimated schedule to achieve all deliverables described in this ToR
Providing evidence of developing
related documents
20% Provide samples of previous work showing excellence in writing high-level Standard Operating Practices, Guidelines, Manuals, Tools and similar documents
The assignment is to involve not more than twenty four working days spread over a period of three and half months. An initial desk review will be conducted that will provide an Inception Report that will include understanding, methodology, approach for assignment, structure for the Guidelines, comments on ToR, Work Plan, Stakeholder engagement plan and potential risks for assignment (2 working days). Following the approval of the Inception Report to the satisfaction of the ILO, and based on extensive desk review, consultations, good practice including engagement with the Technical Working Group then a Draft Guideline for Infrastructure Sector and a Draft Guideline on Green Works sector will be formulated and circulated for comments and input. The Draft Guidelines should provide guidance including and not restricted to details on the Works/Services/Shelf of Works applicable to the Sectors, responsibilities of the parties, applicable clauses to be inserted to enforce contracts, planning and operational requirements, implementation models, capacity building interventions, reporting and performance indicators and templates specific to the sector while taking into consideration the government structures and requirements (10 working days). A Validation Workshop will then be facilitated to provide input from stakeholders (4 working days). Comments will then be compiled from stakeholders and integrated into the Guidelines for Infrastructure and Green Works Sectors which will be finalized and submitted as a final output (8 working days).
First Payment (50%): Upon submission of Deliverables 1 and 2 amounting to up to12 working days to the satisfaction of the ILO, payment shall be accrued by December 2025 and processed in January 2026
Second and Final Payment (50%): Upon submission of Deliverables 3 and 4 amounting to up to 12 working days, to the satisfaction and acceptance by ILO, to be paid by 15 February 2026.
To facilitate the smooth execution of the assignment, the ILO will provide the following logistical support:
Travel: ILO will cover the international flights based on the shortest, most economical, and direct route between the country of residence to Erbil- Iraq. The assignment will cover one roundtrips/ international flights during the contract period.
Daily subsistence Allowance: ILO will provide the consultant with a daily allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses during field visits, in accordance with UN regulations.
Transportation and movements within Erbil will be under the responsibility of the consultant Movements to the project sites in Erbil shall be arranged by the ILO
In case transportation is needed between Erbil and other governorates in the KRI i.e Dohuk or Sulaymaniyah, then ILO will arrange the movements.
Visa and Permits: The ILO will cover the Visa application cost and support the consultant with the necessary visa and permits for travel to Iraq-KRI, ensuring all entry requirements are met.
A Projects or technical tasks of a narrow scope and low complexity
B Projects or technical tasks of moderate complexity with either broad scope/limited depth or restricted scope/considerable depth
C Projects or technical tasks of broad scope and considerable depth
D Projects or technical tasks of broad scope, high complexity and impact
Projects or technical tasks of exceptionally complex programmatic scope, unusual complexity and/or sensitive nature
1 Limited technical skills and less than 3 years of relevant experience
2 Limited technical skills and more than 3 years of relevant experience
Specialized degree or training in the relevant field and more than 5 years of relevant experience
Specialized or technical knowledge and skills and more than 10 years of extensive relevant professional experience
Highly specialized skills and expertise with more than 15 years of extensive relevant experience
How to apply
If you want to apply, please use below link to fill your information.
Link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/281431