Program Development Specialist

Required Qualifications and Skills

· • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or related disciplines). A Master’s degree or equivalent advanced qualification is considered an asset and is preferred.

· A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program development, fundraising, proposal writing, and project management, preferably within the NGO, INGO, or international development sector, with a strong track record of successful resource mobilization and donor-funded project design and implementation.

· Demonstrated success in securing funding from diverse institutional donors, including the development of competitive proposals and successful resource mobilization strategies.

· Proficiency in English, Kurdish, and Arabic, with strong written and verbal communication skills in all three languages.

· Strong understanding of the NGO/INGO sector in Iraq, including local context, socio-political dynamics, and development and humanitarian priorities.

· Proven expertise in designing high-quality, donor-compliant funding proposals and programs that respond to the needs of local communities in Iraq.

· Ability to develop contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and results-oriented program designs aligned with organizational mission and strategic objectives.

· Strong leadership and team coordination skills, with the ability to mentor, guide, and support multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment.

· Solid experience in donor relations and engagement, including understanding donor strategies, funding priorities, compliance requirements, and reporting standards, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively in meetings, negotiations, and stakeholder engagements at national and international levels.