About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent national NGO in Iraq, committed to supporting Internally Displaced Persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities across all Iraqi cities and governorates. With operations in key regions such as Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Nineveh, Diyala, and Basra, AGO focuses on rebuilding lives and promoting inclusivity for all, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) seeks a motivated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Livelihoods Specialist to lead the technical implementation and design of livelihood-related activities aimed at improving the socio-economic integration of people with disabilities. The role involves providing technical expertise, designing livelihood interventions and overseeing the implementation of vocational training, job placement and income generation activities. the specialist will work closely with project teams, field offices and partners to ensure that livelihood initiatives are aligned with the specific needs of PWDs and the local economic context.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Livelihood Program Design & Implementation:

• Lead the design and development of livelihood programs aimed at enhancing employment and income-generation opportunities for PWDs.
• Design and oversee vocational training curricula, job placement strategies, and income-generation activities based on market assessments.
• Ensure that all livelihood interventions are disability inclusive, gender-sensitive, and responsive to the needs of PWDs in the targeted locations.
• Work closely with field teams in Raqqa, Hajin, and Kasra to ensure that livelihood activities are aligned with the local market context and project objectives.

B. Technical Support & Capacity Building:

• Provide technical guidance and coaching to field staff and partners on livelihood interventions, including vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and job placement.
• Conduct capacity-building sessions for project staff and trainers to improve their understanding of disability-inclusive livelihoods and market-based interventions.
• Support trainers and project officers in the delivery of technical skills training to ensure high-quality outcomes for PWD beneficiaries.

C. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Develop and implement monitoring tools to track the progress of livelihood activities, ensuring that key performance indicators are met.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of data related to livelihood outcomes, including employment rates, income levels, and business success.
• Contribute to the preparation of progress reports, ensuring accurate documentation of achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in the livelihood sector.
• Collaborate with the M&E team to evaluate the effectiveness of livelihood interventions and recommend adjustments as needed.

D. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building:
 

• Liaise with local businesses, employers, vocational training centers, and community leaders to establish partnerships that enhance employment opportunities for PWDs.
• Engage with local authorities, private sector actors, and NGOs to promote inclusive hiring practices and advocate for PWDs’ access to economic opportunities.
• Represent the organization in livelihood-related forums, workshops, and coordination meetings at the regional level.

E. Market Assessment & Job Placement:

• Lead the implementation of gender and disability-sensitive market assessments to identify employment opportunities and high-demand skills in Raqqa, Hajin, and Kasra.
• Design job placement strategies to match PWD beneficiaries with employers in high-demand sectors, ensuring a strong link between training programs and local job markets.
• Identify sectors with growth potential such as ICT, agriculture, and renewable energy (e.g., solar panel installation), and tailor livelihood interventions accordingly.

F. Business Development Support for MSMEs:

• Support PWD entrepreneurs in developing business plans, accessing markets, and securing funding for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Provide technical support for the establishment of PWD-led MSMEs, including training in financial management, marketing, and operations.
• Oversee the provision of in-kind support (tools, equipment, etc.) to PWD entrepreneurs, ensuring that businesses have the resources needed for success.

G. Coaching & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide ongoing coaching to PWD beneficiaries to ensure their successful integration into the workforce or business ventures.
• Offer technical advice and mentorship throughout the project cycle, from vocational training to job placement and business development.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and recommending innovative livelihood approaches for PWDs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in livelihoods programming, economic development, or related fields within the humanitarian or development sector.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing livelihood interventions, including vocationaltraining, job placement, and business support.
• Experience working with marginalized groups, particularly people with disabilities, and a strong understanding of disability-inclusive programming.
• Strong understanding of market systems development, business development, and MSME support.
• Excellent knowledge of project management, including budgeting, planning, and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is highly desirable.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent coaching and mentoring skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, gender sensitivity, and rights-based approaches

Interested applicants must complete the Job Application Form.

Note:

• Applications not meeting the specified minimum requirements may not be considered.
• The CVs received after the closing date may not be considered.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that may include a written test of communication and writing skills.

Due to the nature of AGO work activities, AGO demand its employee to have the highest discretion and flexibility qualities. AGO can anytime according to the needs of his mission, and change the work location of his employee. AGO can at any time update tasks on this Job Description according to the evolution of the program or strategy changes. The above-listed tasks are not exhaustive, the employee can be asked to undertake other tasks by the employer according to the competencies, to work over settings time.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.