Program Assistant

General Description of the Role (Brief):

The Program Assistant supports the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of AFH projects in KRI and Anbar. Based in Erbil with frequent travel to the field, the role ensures partner follow-up, quality documentation, coordination with authorities, and contributes to assessments and proposal development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation & Oversight

• Support the implementation of AFH projects in KRI and Anbar in line with workplans and budgets.
• Conduct regular field visits to track progress and provide timely updates to the Program Officer.
• Assist in organizing project kick-off project and close-out meetings with implementing partners.

Partnership Management

• Follow up with local implementing partners to ensure adherence to AFH policies, procedures, and donor requirements.
• Assist partners in preparing and submitting high-quality reports and documentation.
• Collect and verify beneficiary lists in coordination with local authorities and community representatives.

Reporting & Compliance

• Compile and review monthly, quarterly, and final narrative reports from partners before submission.
• Maintain proper documentation and archiving of all program-related materials and correspondence.
• Assist in monitoring project activities to ensure compliance with donor regulations and AFH standards.

Coordination & Representation

• Coordinate with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate project activities.
• Represent AFH in local coordination meetings or workshops as delegated by the Program Officer or Country Director.
• Support AFH visibility efforts in project areas through documentation of activities and success stories.

Program Development & Learning

• Participate in needs assessments and field surveys to inform program design.
• Support the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and donor submissions through data gathering and documentation.
• Document lessons learned, challenges, and best practices to inform future programming.

Additional Duties

• Ensure compliance with AFH’s safeguarding, accountability, and gender-sensitive programming standards.
• Assist the finance and operations team with program-related procurement and expense documentation.
• Carry out any other relevant tasks assigned by the supervisor to support AFH’s mission in Iraq.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, development studies, social sciences, management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in program implementation, field coordination, or partner support within NGOs, UN agencies, or development organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in program reporting, documentation, and compliance.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with partners, authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Fluency in English Arabic and Kurdish (spoken and written).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Desirable:

• Experience working in Iraq (KRI and/or Anbar) with familiarity of the local context.
• Skills in data collection, assessments, and basic monitoring & evaluation.
• Previous experience supporting donor reporting.

Personal Qualities:

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong teamwork skills combined with the ability to work independently when needed.
• Detail-oriented and committed to quality in reporting and documentation.
• Willingness to travel frequently to Anbar and other field locations.