Country Representative

Who We Are

IREX is a global solutions provider that partners with communities and institutions in the United States and around the world to cultivate leaders, expand access to education, and create economic opportunity. With deep expertise, a forward-looking vision, and world-class practices in AI for Education, Future-Ready Workforce, Higher Education Solutions, Leadership Development, and Online Safety, IREX delivers innovative and proven solutions that help people, institutions, and communities thrive in a rapidly changing world.

IREX is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to serve as Country Representative for its Iraq Programs portfolio. The Country Representative will provide strategic leadership across IREX programs and office operations in Iraq, ensuring high-quality implementation, sound financial and administrative management, compliance with donor and organizational requirements, and strong relationships with government, partners, and other stakeholders. The position reports to the Senior Technical Advisor and may assume Project Director responsibilities for smaller programs.

We're looking for our next team member—could it be you?

Job Summary

The country representative is accountable for all aspects of the programs in Iraq. Accountable for the program financial information, developing strategic initiatives, human resources, financial oversight, strategic direction, and team leadership. Represents IREX in-country and ensures alignment with organizational strategy and donor requirements. May assume Project Director responsibilities for smaller projects/programs. The role may require the division of hub/unit specific duties with hub/unit Director and Deputy Director based on individual strengths and areas of expertise. Represents IREX inside the country or region. 

The Country Representative manages programs, office operations, and administrative functions to ensure quality implementation, compliance with donor and organizational requirements, financial accountability, and effective staff management. The role ensures that all programs and office operations comply with IREX policies, donor expectations, and Iraqi laws, while maintaining strong relationships with government stakeholders and partners.

Performs additional duties and tasks to meet the needs of the organization, team, or as assigned by the manager.  

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for IREX programs, staff, and office operations in Iraq.
• Ensure programs operate in accordance with IREX policies, donor requirements, Iraqi laws, and applicable regulations.
• Oversee program quality, workplans, budgets, reports, deliverables, and achievement of objectives.
• Provide overall financial oversight; review budgets, expenditures, financial reports, and internal controls.
• Represent IREX with government entities, donors, legal and regulatory bodies, partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across the public, private, education, and civil society sectors.
• Monitor relevant labor, legal, and regulatory changes and advise IREX leadership accordingly.
• Oversee HR compliance and staff management in coordination with Human Resources.
• Lead or support program renewal, proposal development, market analysis, and identification of new funding opportunities.
• Guide and mentor program, finance, and operations staff and promote collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting to IREX headquarters, donors, and relevant local authorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Our Culture is Our People:

At IREX, our culture is built on our people—and on how we work together to create meaningful impact every day. We look for colleagues who bring purpose, intellectual curiosity, collaborative problem solving, and a results driven, bias for action to help strengthen communities and advance our mission.

Successful candidates build trust across differences, move ideas into action, seek new perspectives, embrace change, and represent IREX with authenticity and professionalism. We value people who bring strong expertise and a generous team spirit to work that advances our mission.

Skills & Experience

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; master's degree highly preferred.
• At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience, or a master's degree and at least 11 years of experience.
• Substantial leadership experience in international development, donor-funded programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs, budgets, teams, and organizational operations.

Skills

• Proven leadership and staff management skills, including the ability to delegate, mentor, and build accountable teams.
• Strong knowledge of program management, financial oversight, donor compliance, and operational risk management.
• Ability to represent an organization credibly with government entities, donors, private-sector actors, educational institutions, and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic initiatives, guide program design, and contribute to proposals and business development.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency strongly preferred.
• Valid proof of unrestricted work authorization in Iraq.

What We Offer

At IREX, you’ll work alongside committed, passionate, and collaborative colleagues who are united by a shared mission—making it a truly rewarding place to work. We offer learning, development, and growth opportunities, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being.

If you are excited by IREX’s mission and see yourself contributing to this work, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience does not align with every preferred qualification. We value a range of backgrounds and experiences and are especially interested in candidates who bring curiosity, initiative, strong collaboration skills, and a commitment to meaningful global impact.

Please note: While we aim to offer competitive compensation, not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range.

Disability Specifications

IREX will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IREX seeks to attract the best-qualified candidates who support IREX’s mission and who respect and promote excellence through diversity. IREX is committed to equal opportunity and follows recruitment and selection practices that comply with all applicable employment laws. To this end, IREX recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals based on merit and experience.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE