Professional Skills Trainer (Iraq)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Established in 1951, Amideast is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to creating hope, opportunity, and mutual understanding among people in the Middle East, North Africa, and United States through life-changing opportunities for education and cultural exchanges. Working with local, regional, and international partners, we provide programs and services that improve educational opportunity and quality, expand access to U.S. study, empower youth and women, strengthen local institutions, and develop language and professional skills for success in the global economy. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Amideast operates offices in 11 countries in the MENA region. For more information, visit us at www.amideast.org. 


POSITION DESCRIPTION
We are seeking experienced and dynamic trainers to join our roster of trainers delivering employability and professional skills training to youth and young professionals across the MENA region. Trainers will deliver Amideast employability and professional skills curricula and facilitate engaging workshops that equip participants with the essential skills to succeed in today’s job market. We are seeking trainers with experience delivering one or more of the following:


• Professional communication, workplace etiquette, and cross-cultural communication
• Emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and workplace relationships
• Giving and receiving feedback, conflict management, and difficult conversations
• Professional effectiveness, time management, and workplace practices
• Effective meetings, teamwork, and collaboration
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Leadership, people management, and performance management
• Digital workplace skills and collaboration
• Career readiness, including CV/resume writing, interview skills, job search, and career planning


Placement on the trainer roster does not guarantee a minimum number of assignments or hours. Training opportunities will be offered based on program needs, trainer qualifications, and availability.


RESPONSIBILITIES
• Deliver interactive, learner-centered training in both online and in-person formats
• Facilitate workshops on employability and professional skills (e.g., workplace communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, feedback, time management, leadership, career readiness, and digital workplace skills)
• Use a variety of training methodologies including case studies, simulations, role-plays, and group activities
• Adapt content and delivery style to suit different audiences (youth, graduates, entry-level professionals)
• Provide coaching and individual feedback to participants to support their professional growth
• Contribute to the development and localization of training materials, ensuring relevance to MENA workplace contexts
• Assess learning outcomes through pre- and post-training evaluations and adjust delivery accordingly
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure smooth delivery, reporting, and continuous improvement
• Provide Amideast with a full lesson plan, materials, presentation, and any other supplemental items to be used during the training at least 7 days prior to the start of training


QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Degree in Education, Business, HR, Management or similar field
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in training, facilitation, or professional development, preferably in the MENA region
• Demonstrated expertise in employability skills, career readiness, professional skills, leadership development, or related areas
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to engage diverse learners.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (MS Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace, SharePoint, digital whiteboards)
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Kurdish is required
• Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic is a plus
• Professional certifications (Train-the-Trainer, ICF coaching, career development or HR certifications) are an advantage
• Energetic, inspiring, and able to build trust with learners
• Adaptable and culturally sensitive, with awareness of workplace norms in the MENA region
• Organized, reliable, and committed to continuous improvement


WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is an independent contractor position. Training is delivered at client premises, at Amideast facilities, or online, depending on the assignment. The trainer is not based in an Amideast office and will use office space only where it is the venue for a scheduled training session or in preparation for assignments. Travel to client training locations within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is required for in-person assignments.


The trainer is expected to have reliable access to the following in order to prepare for and deliver assignments:
• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Reliable internet connection suitable for online delivery
• Telephone


The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this consultancy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Consultant's Program Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.


HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining:
1. Which specific skills they are qualified to deliver
2. Relevant experience and qualifications in those topics


Positions that involve interaction with children will be required to read, acknowledge, and comply with and attend special training in accordance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding policy. All Amideast representatives must comply with the Code of Conduct and all applicable organizational policies which include but are not limited to, Anti-Human Trafficking and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.