Vacancy no.: BEY/DC/2025/22
Publication date: 11 November 2025
Application deadline (midnight local time): 25 November 2025
Job ID: 13386
Department: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Organization Unit: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Location: Baghdad
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: One year, renewable subject to availability of funds (as of 01/02/2026)
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.
The following are eligible to apply:
ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations. External candidates**The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade. The entry level salary for this position is 45742 (USD) yearly.
Introduction
โPromotion of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Iraqโ is an eight-year project funded by the KFW.
The project aims to provide sustainable access to financial services for already operating but also start-up SMEs in Iraq for an improved job creation with focus on youth and women. This will take place through credit guarantees offered to commercial banks which lend to SMEs. Capacity building within project national partners including ICBG and participating financial institutions is a first step followed by funds injection in ICBG. The overall objective is to contribute to Iraqโs private sector development through enhancing the productivity of SMEs and hence their job creation potential.
The proposed Project structure combines three components, which are considered necessary for a significant contribution to the financial inclusion of SMEs in Iraq:
SME window established by selected private PFIs through their own capital funds for SMEs An effective credit guarantee scheme: which is critical to overcome the obstacles that SMEs face in securing acceptable collaterals. Technical assistance to capacitate the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), Iraqi Company for Banking Guarantees (ICBG), as well as the SMEs
Reporting lines
The SMEs Development Coordinator will report to the Chief Technical Advisor and will work under the overall supervision of the ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq and will receive technical guidance and backstopping support from the DWT Beirut Enterprise Specialist as well as from the concerned colleagues in the MSMEs Branch and the Social Finance Unit in the ENTERPRISES department in HQ.
Description of Duties
This position is part of the Promotion of the Development of SMEs in Iraq project. The incumbent will support the planning and delivery of SME capacity-building activities, including the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Financial Education (FE) programmes. The role also involves coordinating project activities with key stakeholders and ensuring smooth implementation at field level.
Support and oversee the implementation of SME development activities, including the roll-out of the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Financial Education (FE) trainings, incubation support, and the quality assurance of work carried out by the external service providers and trainers. Develop and update workplans, budgets, and activities schedule, and trainings, ensuring alignment with project target and timelines. Monitor the progress of project activities and follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets. Coordinate and monitor the work of implementing partners, trainers, and service providers to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of actives as well as reporting in the assigned data bases. Provide in liaison with the ILO network of master trainers, regional trainers and trainers and relevant colleagues, technical and logistical support on entrepreneurship, business planning, coaching, and mentoring as well as on financial education to partner institutions and SME beneficiaries. Track, analyse, and report on training delivery, SME support services, incubation and access to loans results, ensuring accurate data collection and documentation. Draft progress reports, briefs, and knowledge products including success stories, case studies, and lessons learned. Facilitate, monitor and report on linkages between SMEs, financial institutions, and business development service providers to strengthen the local entrepreneurship ecosystems. Represent the project in coordination meetings and workshops, and stakeholder engagements related to SMEs and entrepreneurial development. Perform other duties as assigned by the CTA.
Required qualifications
Education
First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies, business administration, or a relevant field.
Experience
At least one year of relevant professional experience at the national level in SMEs Development, Business support services, training delivery, and project implementation. Proven Experience working with business incubators, financial education programmes, or entrepreneurship support initiatives is an asset.
Technical requirements: Strong understanding of the SMEs ecosystem in Iraq, incubation models, and financial literacy tools.
Languages
Excellent command of Arabic and good working knowledge of English.
Competencies
Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration. Among these nine competences, the following are of particular importance for this position: Customer Orientation, Communications, Collaboration
Technical competencies
Knowledge of project administration, budgeting, monitoring tools, and the SME/Labour market context in Iraq. Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to interpret project data and propose solutions. Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders professionally. Ability to work both independently and as part of a multicultural team, managing tasks under tight deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive project delivery.optional section (if needed)
Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
Fraud warning
The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - @ilo.org - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.