Private Sector Engagement Specialist (National position)

Aim of the position:

The objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive Market and Capacity Assessment in the target areas of Shu’ala and Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Governorate), Diwaniyah (Qadissiya Governorate), and Nassiriya (Thi Qar Governorate). The assessment will provide evidence-based analysis of local labour market dynamics, skills demand, and private sector capacity to ensure that technical and vocational training pathway are fully aligned with actual market needs and employment opportunities.

The assignment will also generate key inputs for subsequent project components, including the design of vocational training courses, the selection of SMEs and start-ups, and the development of employment linkage mechanisms, ensuring coherence across all project interventions.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

The selected expert will be responsible for:

• Conducting a mapping of the private sector ecosystem in the target areas, identifying key economic actors, SMEs, and relevant stakeholders across priority sectors (construction, agro-industry, and services) as well as other emerging sectors with employment potential.
• Reviewing secondary data and existing literature on local economic trends and labour market dynamics in Iraq.
• Implementing a mixed-methods data collection process (KII and FGD) with private sector representatives, employers, training providers, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to analyse demand for technical skills, barriers to recruitment, access to finance constraints for SMEs, and levels of inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in employment and enterprise development.
• Producing three analytical reports (one per governorate), including mapping of key economic sectors, labour force analysis disaggregated by gender, age, and vulnerability, and assessment of employment opportunities and constraints for SMEs.
• Providing evidence-based recommendations to guide:
  (i) the design of vocational training courses aligned with market demand;
  (ii) the development of employment linkage and career guidance activities for project beneficiaries.
• Ensuring coordination and technical coherence with the project team to support continuous analysis of labour market trends and inform implementation strategies
• Coordinating with AVSI Iraq’s MEAL Department during the design of the study methodology, including the preparation of questionnaires, tools, the data collection.
• Perform other duties within area of responsibility, as requested by the supervisor.

Reporting to (Counselor): Project Manager

Starting date: 01/08/2026

Level: Mid-Level to Senior

Salary range: USD 1,485 – 1,700 (depending on the experience)

Duty Station: Governorate of Baghdad (Abu Ghraib and Shu’ala), Qadissiya (Diwaniyah) and Thi Qar (Nassiriyah)

Essential requirements:

• University degree in Economics, Business Administration, Labour Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in labour market assessments, market research, private sector development, or socio-economic analysis.
• Proven experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, including surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
• Demonstrated experience in analysing labour market trends, skills demand, and private sector dynamics to support programme design.
• Experience in mapping SMEs, value chains, and local economic ecosystems.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with experience working with government institutions and private sector representatives.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Required skills and experiences:

• Strong knowledge of labour market analysis methodologies and private sector assessments.

• Familiarity with vocational education and training (TVET) systems and employment promotion programmes.

• Understanding of gender equality, youth employment, and disability inclusion principles in labour market programming.
• Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data and present findings through clear reports, tables, and visualizations.

• Strong planning, coordination, and communication skills.

• Language: English (C1) and Arabic

AVSI is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, to apply.

How to Apply (Application Process): Interested candidates are required to send CV and Job Application to Private Sector Engagement Specialist (National Position) tendersglobal.net Fondazione AVSI

starting from 11-07-2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and based on urgency, AVSI may fill the position prior to the closing date.