Project Coordinator

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience, in Social Sciences, Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Media, or other related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in project management or coordination.
• Proven experience in implementing projects related to livelihoods, SME development, training, entrepreneurship support, or economic recovery.
• Strong understanding of SME ecosystems, market development, business services, and innovation programming.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, and leadership skills with ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with climate-smart business approaches, gender equity, disability inclusion, and youth employment programming.
• Strong financial management and donor compliance experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English. Kurdish is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to project locations in Ninewa and Erbil.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with UNDP or other international donor-funded programs.
• Experience working with government counterparts, business associations, private sector actors, and academic institutions.
• Experience with business incubators, startup ecosystems, and digital innovation programs.

NEF will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline will be on June 14, 2025.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents on the Near East Foundation’s career page at: 

https://neareast.bamboohr.com/careers/460?source=aWQ9MTY%3D 

1. Cover letter outlining relevant experience and skills based on the requirements outlined above;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer).

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Pre-employment Checks

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening;
• Receipt of satisfactory references;
• Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.

NEF’s strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF’s mission from day one.