Consultant – Institutional Capacity Building for Local NGOs and CSOs

About the Organization

The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the role and sustainability of small civil society organizations (CSOs) in Iraq. IID works to empower CSOs to influence public policies, manage impactful and community-driven programs, and access sustainable funding opportunities, enabling them to serve their communities effectively and independently.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Consultant to lead institutional capacity-building efforts for local NGOs/CSOs. The consultant will deliver tailored support to enhance their internal governance structures, policy frameworks, program management systems, funding strategies, and advocacy capacities. This role requires hands-on technical assistance, participatory training design/delivery, and strategic mentoring to help these CSOs operate more effectively and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

1. Institutional Capacity Assessment and Planning

• Conduct participatory capacity assessments to identify organizational strengths and gaps across areas such as governance, strategic planning, financial management, and compliance.
• Develop customized capacity-building action plans for each CSO, with clear milestones and priorities aligned to institutional growth.

2. Policy and Governance Strengthening

• Support CSOs in developing or updating essential institutional policies (e.g., HR, finance, safeguarding, gender, anti-corruption, data protection).
• Guide boards and leadership teams in improving governance practices, role clarity, and accountability mechanisms.

3. Program Management Support

• Provide training and coaching on program design, implementation planning, results-based management, and M&E systems.
• Assist CSOs in aligning their programs with community needs and donor expectations.
• Strengthen systems for project documentation, reporting, and learning.

4. Resource Mobilization and Funding Readiness

• Build CSOs’ capacity to develop fundraising strategies and donor engagement plans.
• Support proposal writing, budgeting, donor mapping, and compliance readiness.
• Introduce tools and platforms for funding opportunities and grant applications.

5. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

• Provide guidance on developing advocacy strategies aligned with community priorities and national development goals.
• Strengthen CSOs’ skills in stakeholder analysis, message development, coalition building, and influencing decision-makers.
• Facilitate connections with networks, alliances, and relevant policy spaces.

6. Training, Coaching, and Mentoring

• Design and deliver tailored trainings, learning sessions, and peer exchanges for CSO staff and leadership.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and technical support throughout the consultancy period.
• Promote a learning-by-doing approach to strengthen institutional knowledge retention.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Track capacity development progress against defined indicators.
• Document best practices, success stories, and lessons learned to inform future capacity-building strategies.

  Qualifications and Experience

  • Advanced degree in International Development, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Sciences, or related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in institutional capacity building with CSOs, NGOs, or similar development actors.
  • Demonstrated expertise in strengthening small and/or community-based organizations in at least three of the following: policy development, program management, fundraising/resource mobilization, and advocacy.
  • Experience designing and facilitating participatory training and mentorship programs.
  • Solid understanding of civil society operating environments, particularly for grassroots or under-resourced organizations.
    • Familiarity with donor requirements and funding mechanisms (e.g., bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic).
    • Strong facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills.

    Desirable Attributes

    • Experience working with CSOs
    • Knowledge of relevant regulatory and policy frameworks affecting CSOs.
    • Fluency in English and Arabic.
    • Commitment to inclusion, gender equity, and locally led development principles.

The location will be in Erbil, with frequent travel to Mosul.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• CV: Highlighting relevant experience

Special Note: IID strongly encourages qualified female candidates with relevant experience to apply for this opportunity. IID is committed to promoting gender diversity and empowering women in leadership and training roles.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their English CV by email to:

job@iidiraqi.org

Demonstrate how you meet the qualifications for this position, no later than June 25, 2025

CVs without the subject line ” Consultant – Institutional Capacity Building for Local NGOs and CSOs ” will not be considered.

The application CVs will be on a rolling basis.

Links to CVs will not be taken into consideration.

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.