Senior Program Manager (Iraq)

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Location: Iraq - Erbil

Address: Erbil,

Job Type: Full-Time

Posting Date: 01/28/2026

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for the management and implementation of the portfolio of scholarship and exchange program and activities that the Amideast/Iraq Field Office implements. The portfolio is comprised of a number of degree-granting scholarship programs and short-term  educational and enrichment programs funded by a variety of donors including host governnent and US government agencies. The Senior Program Manager will oversee the planning, budgeting, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating for all exchange programs that the Field Office administers. Illustrative program implementation activities include preparing project implementation plans; handling recruitment activities; preparing program announcement campaigns, including those conducted on social media platforms; making presentations to stakeholders and program applicants; screening applications; participating in interview panels, as required; and handling all reporting requirements,

The Senior Program Manager will oversee the direction and development of the program portfolio at Amideast/Iraq. The incumbent will be responsible for both handling assigned business development activities for the programs portfolio and generating new business development ideas, in coordination with the Country Director. The Senior Program Manager will coordinate key activities with other Amideast staff based at the  organization's headquarters in Washington, D.C. and in other field offices, as required.   The Senior Program Manager reports to the Country Director and supervises program staff based in Erbil, Baghdad, and Basra.

• Manages assigned projects including planning, budgeting, implementation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities; this includes management of project resources, finance, and staff in compliance with donor regulations and Amideast policies
• Develops resources for the various programs, prepares handouts and presentations and disseminates information for all exchange programs
• Develops materials and messages to promote thevarious scholarship and exchange programs via traditional and social media, as required
• Organizes and conducts outreach visits to Erbil and other areas of Iraq, including visits to universities, local businesses, and NGOs
• Provides general oversight of Baghdad and Basra exchange program activities by working with local Amideast staff and representatives
• Coordinates exchange program outreach activities with other Amideast programs
• Oversees the work of other Program Staff, including the Program Officer and Program Assistants
• Meets with applicants and visitors to the Erbil office and answers inquiries about the exchange programs 
• Guides students through the scholarship and exchange program applications
• Servesas aliaison and workscollaborativelywith HQ staff regarding Amideast scholarship andexchange programs from program development through implementation, monitoring, and final reporting
• Coordinates key scholarship and exchange program activities with US Embassy and Consulate
• Conducts individual and group exchange program advising sessions
• Coordinates with testting department and assists in the testing process for exchange program students
• Assists exchange students with visa applications, scheduling visa interviews and books travel for program participants
• Leads in conducting post-nomination orientations and pre-departure orientations
• Maintains specific exchange program databases and uses the databases to run monitoring and evaluation reports
• Leads on alumni activities and initiatives including maintaining alumni network in Iraq and coordinating activities with US Embassy staff and Amideast HQ
• Writes reports as requested by 1-leadquarters and the Amideast/Iraq Country Director
• Leads on assigned business development initiatives including budgeting, finance and proposal writing activities specific to potential scholarship, exchange, and education program opportunities
• Develops and presents ideas and concepts for new business development initiatives
• Provides administrative support to the office team, as required
• Attends exchange program and business development meetings and assists Country Director, with necessary follow-up tasks from meetings
  
   

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• A Bachelor's degree in relevant field: education, humanities, human resource management, or business administration
• A minimum of five years of experience in a U.S. academic environment or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
• An advanced level of written and spoken English language proficiency
• Project and program management skills, including budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills
• Excellent oral and written communications
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Good customer service and public relations skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritie,svith frequent interruptions
• Ability to communicate, interact and ,vork effectively and cooperatively vvith all people including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds
• Business development experience, including developing new prograrn ideas, identifying potential funding sources, and writing  technical proposals and developing associated budgets
• An ability to take initiative and vvork effectively without close supervision
• Ability to balance sensitive political and cultural issues and develop a broad base of working relationships
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach to work
• Strong support for Amideast's mission

Preferred
• A Master's degree in relevant field: education, humanities, HR, business administration, or other

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the incumbent perform other reasonable business-related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other managers when necessary. Amideast reserves the right to change duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.