Ecosystem Mapping Specialist

GOPA AFC was contracted by GIZ to implement a part of the RePLECA project; AFC’s assignment under RePLECA was titled “Strengthening Agricultural Livelihoods in Anbar”. This assignment ended in October 2024, as did RePLECA.  

Meanwhile, a new GIZ-funded project titled “Improving Climate Resilience and Social Cohesion in Anbar (ICCA) has started. GOPA AFC has been contracted by GIZ under ICCA to implement the assignment “Strengthening Resource-Efficient Agricultural Practices in Anbar”. This assignment is on-going. 

Under the GIZ RePLECA Project, AFC was tasked to conduct a “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mapping” study. The objective of this study was to produce a report (“map”) analysing and visualising the entrepreneurial ecosystem – meaning the entrepreneurs’ environment including the surrounding institutions, actors and prevailing culture, and thus enabling the identification of gaps and constraints and facilitating decisions on measures that are most relevant to improve the entrepreneurial environment in the Anbar context. 

The study was implemented by a local expert, who produced a report which did not meet the expectations of GIZ and AFC. The expert was not able to revise the study as required. The study is however an important document for the new project phase. 

Therefore, the report needs to be improved asap by conducting a follow-up study to gather and present the missing information. 

 

The Expert will be responsible for expanding on the work already done and reported, in order to produce an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mapping report which is up to standard.  

This will include: 

• The expert will familiarize himself with the “Guide for Mapping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”, published by GIZ (will be made available to the expert by AFC). Of particular importance are the chapters 2 to 3.3 of the guide, and the tools and examples provided in the annex of the guide.

• Review of the existing report and propose to / discuss with GIZ and AFC suggested steps for improvement.

• Outline a structured work plan and timeline for conducting an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mapping, ensuring timely completion and high-quality deliverables.

• Design and implement research and collection of missing data based on steps 1 to 3 of the GIZ guide and provide in the report an analysis of the same.

• Data gathering should take the form of interviews with individuals; no workshop, etc. is to be held!
  
  Important notes:

• Due to low travel budget and security precaution, travel is to be minimised and interviews outside of Ramadi should be done via phone or messenger calls.

• Create a comprehensive visual representation of the ecosystem based on the GIZ guide’s methodologies.

• Proper documentation of collected data and interviews for ensuring accuracy, transparency, and ease of reference in the report.

• Preparation of a detailed Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mapping report, presenting the findings of the mapping and the proposed recommendations.

Deliverables:

An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mapping Report based on the GIZ guide; with the data collected and analysed included in the report and attached as annexure. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Proven experience in ecosystem mapping, market research, or related projects.
• Familiarity with the GIZ GUIDE FOR MAPPING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM is a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of the Agri-tech industry and Anbar region will be beneficial.
• Excellent data analysis, visualization, and report writing skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

If you are interested in this position and meet the necessary qualifications and experience, kindly submit your CV in English to the following email address: hr-iraq@gopa-afc.de 

Please ensure that the subject of the email is “HR-IQ-032“. Emails without this subject will not be reviewed.

The deadline for applications is Mar 1st, 2025. CVs received after this date will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GOPA AFC is committed to equal opportunities for both genders.