The Berghof Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization supporting people in conflict in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace through conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Headquartered in Berlin, the organization is run by a diverse team and works with local partners around the world.
The Berghof Foundation seeks a Project Manager to co-lead its Climate Adaptation and Peace Partnership Project in Iraq. The project supports efforts to achieve resilience and sustain peace by addressing the climate and environmental risks that drive conflict and instability in Iraq, by strengthening alignment between climate adaptation and peacebuilding efforts. The project includes research and outreach consultations with stakeholders from climate, peace and security sectors, and the implementation of dialogue processes. Together in a consortium with the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the project will equip partners with tools to better align crisis and conflict prevention frameworks and climate adaptation policies. The Project Manager will co-oversee all aspects of the project, including stakeholder management, activity implementation, MEL, and reporting. They will coordinate closely with the Iraq-based Iraq Country Director and the Berlin-based Project team.
Overview of the position:
Hours: Part-time (20 hours per week)
Starting date: May 1st, 2026
Duration: limited contract until December 31st, 2026
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Department & reporting line: Iraq Country Director, Regional Peace Support & MENA
Intervention Sector(s): Conflict Resolution, Peace & Security, Climate Change and Environment, Peacemaking and Peacebuilding
Years of Experience: 5 Years
Your main tasks:
- Project Design and Implementation: Support the ongoing project design discussions and ensure the successful implementation of the project activities in Iraq. Ensure that all project activities are executed according to plan, on time, and within budget.
- Alignment and Coordination: Ensure the project activities align within the wider multi-country program. Coordinate with other project teams, departments and partner organizations to align engagement, strategies and exchange best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Support, facilitate and conduct consultations with government stakeholders, officials, and communities, and support the co-designing, co-facilitating, and implementing of multi-stakeholder engagements. Maintain a proactive engagement strategy to ensure stakeholder buy-in and collaboration.
- Logistical Coordination: With support from the procurement focal point, manage logistical oversight for project activities, ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated and that all events and activities are smoothly executed.
- Donor Reporting and Proposals: In coordination with the Project Manager in Berlin, support the preparation of EU-specific donor reports. Support the development of a consolidated plan for the project cycle in 2026, including accurate financial calculations and adherence to donor requirements.
- Climate Adaptation and Conflict Analysis and Monitoring: Conduct regular analysis, monitoring, and assessment of conflict dynamics, and climate adaptation efforts. Utilize this analysis to inform project strategies and ensure relevance to the evolving context.
- Internal Coordination and Communication: Ensure excellent coordination and communication with local project/country teams, partners, and all project stakeholders within the organization, including regional departments, MEL, communications, finance, and others. Foster a collaborative environment that supports project success.
- Travel: Frequent travel within Iraq is required, with occasional travel outside of Iraq.
Your knowledge, experiences and skills:
- Educational Background: You hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field such as Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Environmental Studies, or a related discipline.
- Relevant Work Experience: You have over 5 years of relevant work experience in project management, with a strong emphasis on environmental science and peacebuilding expertise in Iraq and the Middle East.
- Familiarity and experience with climate adaptation and environmental science, and peacebuilding.
- Regional Expertise: You bring substantial expertise and a deep understanding of the political, social, cultural and climatic dynamics of Iraq.
- Remote Communication & Cooperation: You have proven experience in managing projects and teams remotely, demonstrating strong communication and coordination skills across different locations.
- Language Proficiency: You possess excellent verbal and written language skills in both English and Arabic, enabling you to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders. Kurdish would be considered an asset.
- Liaison Experience: You have experience liaising with high-level authorities and key individuals, demonstrating the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships.
- Technical Skills: You are proficient in using Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and Teams, to manage project documentation, reporting, and virtual collaboration.
Additional skills:
- Strong ability to co-lead a project and to work with a partner organization
- Strong communication skills via online and hybrid formats
- Curiosity and strong empathetic/intercultural skills
- Ability to work under time-pressure
- You have experience in project MEL and adaptive programming
What you can expect from us:
- Highly experienced and engaged community of practice
- Highly relevant, insightful and challenging tasks
- Confidence based flexible working hours
- Flexibility regarding office vs. mobile working solutions
- If needed – advisory services regarding visa matters and travel conditions