ABOUT FIELD READY
Field Ready is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering people living in complex environments to make the things they need, where and when they need them. Our vision is to meet development goals through technology, innovative design, and engaging people in new ways. We make useful items to solve problems locally using the latest and traditional technology. We build capacity to continue this through makerspaces and communities of makers.
POSITION SUMMARY
The successful applicant would support Field Ready’s growing presence in Iraq. Core to this is our GIZ-funded work which has established a series of co-working and makerspaces throughout Iraq. In Erbil Field Ready now runs the Erbil Innovation House in conjunction with Re:Coded NGO, and in 2021 will establish a makerspace within the Culture Factory in Sulaymaniyah. Field Ready supported Mosul Space community to establish their co-working and maker space in Mosul in 2019 and IOT Maker to establish their makerspace in Baghdad in 2020 and continues to oversee their operation. These spaces provide youth with the opportunity to gain practical digital fabrication skills to boost their future employability, opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship and prospects for peace. They also support industry, academia, government and the aid sector through prototyping, training and bespoke services.
The Iraq Country Lead will support the Middle East Regional Innovation Lead in developing Field Ready’s portfolio of work in Iraq and take onboard oversight of new projects, including those responding to humanitarian needs. Most notably currently, they will oversee the Humanitarian Grand Challenge (HGC) COVID-19 response in Iraq to locally manufacture critical health items. They will work with the project’s global lead and a team of field engineers to coordinate and ensure a smooth implementation of the project in Iraq.
The role of the Iraq Country Lead is absolutely critical to delivery of this project and Field Ready’s goals in Iraq, it is the most senior role in the Iraq country programme. The post holder is responsible for overseeing all aspects of programme management and development while overseeing all staff in Iraq. They will work closely with the Regional Innovation Lead to build the strategy and partnerships to provide the makerspaces with a sustainable future. They will support the makerspace teams to plan and deliver a schedule of activities, to manage resources, and build relationships with both the Iraqi and global makerspace community. They will spearhead engagement with NGOs, donors, academia the private sector to identify potential new partnerships and project ideas in Iraq.
An effective Iraq Country Lead will combine relevant technical know-how with excellent interpersonal skills and proven self-drive, to contribute to the development of Iraq’s innovation eco-system.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are illustrative responsibilities that will evolve over time and depend on organisational needs:
- Manage Field Ready’s Iraq programming, providing direct oversight and management to teams in Erbil, Mosul, Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah.
- Support the makerspace teams develop training and events series in the spaces, engage an active community and develop services.
- Lead engagement with donors, NGO, private sector, government and academia to guide spaces activities and identify new opportunities, and engage in external representation as directed.
- Support the makerspaces across all support functions such as finance, procurement and human resources management.
- Work with the Regional Impact Lead to continue to develop and implement the MEAL system and oversee staff inputs.
- Lead development of business plans for long-term sustainability of makerspaces and Field Ready in Iraq, including developing concept notes and proposals where relevant.
- Contribute to Field Ready’s external communications, providing blog post material, photos etc.
- Thoughtfully participate in Field Ready’s internal communications including weekly team meetings, Tales From The Field calls, programme and other necessary calls.
- Provide oversight and support to the HGC project’s team in Iraq by working with the engineers and director of the project.
- All other tasks and responsibilities assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS
The best applicants will combine relevant technical know-how with strategic thinking, a brilliant analytical mind, humility, excellent listening skills, good interpersonal skills and an ability to get things done. Required competencies:
• Project management: the ability to effectively manage projects throughout their life cycle including writing project reports, demonstrated by several years of project management.
• Business/Program Development: the ability to plan, secure funding for and establish a programme comprising one or more projects or funding streams and development of additional revenue streams.
• Budget management: the ability to prepare, monitor and manage several budgets up to approximately $1.5M and experience of working with grant funds.
• Monitoring and evaluation: the ability to effectively monitor project implementation, evaluate project and programme impact, collect and report on monitoring and evaluation data.
• Tech for Good commitment: demonstrable prior interest in the role of tech in social innovation.
• Working with others: the ability to work effectively with others and promote a congenial work environment.
• Self-management: the ability to work independently and take initiative to seek out new opportunities and work in a challenging environment.
Required skills and experience:
• English and Arabic Language: excellent written and interpersonal communication in English and Arabic.
• International work: experience of working in Iraq, or in a similar context.
• Location: ability and willingness to work in Erbil, Iraq with frequent trips to surrounding areas.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject.
Desirable criteria:
• Kurdish Language: the ability to communicate effectively in Kurdish is desirable.
• Networks: Strong connections in Iraqi aid, investment, start-up or maker communities and ability to use them to further Field Ready’s vision.
• Humanitarian work: experience with refugees and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities.
• Innovation: prior work with start-ups, SMEs, social enterprise or co-working spaces an advantage.
• Engineering/Tech: prior knowledge of fabrication techniques and their application an advantage.
• Needs assessment: the ability to design and conduct needs assessments to identify need which may lead to programme development opportunities.
• Education: Master’s degree in relevant subject.
How to apply
Please fill the application form here, including a CV and cover letter that describes your qualifications, reasons for applying and understanding of the requirements outlined above. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and are encouraged ASAP.
