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Background
Since the Government of Japan’s (GoJ) announcement of USD 5 billion assistance package to support Iraq’s reconstruction at Madrid Conference in October 2003, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) concluded 34 project Loan Agreements (L/A) with the Government of Iraq (GoI), totalling approximately USD 11 billion between January 2008 and August 2025.
The GoI, as the owner and executing agency of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan-financed projects, carries out key implementation activities such as procurement, contract management, and financial management through dedicated Project Management Teams (PMTs) established in each of the implementing ministries and agencies. JICA’s mandate is to promote the efficient use of loans and ensure that projects are implemented in an accountable, transparent, and efficient manner in line with its guidelines to achieve project objectives expeditiously.
To ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in project implementation and loan utilization, the GoI, GoJ, and JICA established a joint Monitoring Committee (M/C) that convenes quarterly. The M/C reports to the Prime Minister and is chaired by the Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission (PMAC), with members comprising senior officials from the GoI, GoJ, and JICA.
In 2009, pursuant to JICA and UNDP Partnership Agreement, the Loan Management Unit (LMU) was established within UNDP Iraq to act as the Support Unit to the M/C. Since then, the LMU has facilitated the implementation of Japanese ODA loan projects by providing fiduciary and implementation monitoring, evaluation, and capacity development support to the M/C, the GoI and JICA.
Under the overall supervision of the Team Leader of the LMU, the Engineering Specialist will conduct fiduciary and project monitoring activities, with a primary focus on the nationwide electricity sector and projects in the Kurdistan Region, as well as other assigned Japanese ODA loan projects. The incumbent will lead monitoring and coordination of project implementation, engage directly with managerial-level and senior government officials, support the GoI in the formulation of new projects, and contribute to the capacity development of PMTs and oversight ministries. All activities will be carried out in alignment with the Partnership Agreement with JICA and the responsibilities of the LMU to the Monitoring Committee (M/C).
Duties and Responsibilities
Project Cycle Management of Large-Scaled Electricity Sector and Infrastructure Project
Identification and Formulation of New Japanese ODA Loan Projects
Fiduciary Monitoring of Infrastructure Projects
Monitoring Committee (M/C) and Related Activities
Capacity Development of Project Management Teams (PMTs)
Ensure Techniacl Documentation
Enhancement of the Role & Function of the Loan Management Unit (LMU) and facilitating knowledge management
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Institutional Arrangement
The LMU is situated within the UNDP Iraq Country Office. The team is led by the Loan Management Specialist – Head of LMU, who serves as the LMU Team Leader and reports to the Country Office senior management. The Engineering Specialist is a member of the LMU’s Project Monitoring Team and reports to the Project Management Specialist, who in turn reports to the LMU Team Leader. The Engineering Specialist works closely with other LMU team members and engages with key Government of Iraq counterparts, including oversight ministries, implementing ministries/agencies, and other stakeholders, to support the delivery of assigned tasks.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Direction & Strategy
Business Development
Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.Partnership Management
Relationship Management Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understandingBusiness Management
Communication Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels2030 Agenda: Prosperity
Inclusive Growth SDGs/National Development Strategy, Planning and BudgetingRequired Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Energy Engineerng and Mechanical Engineering, or another related field is required.Or A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degreeMin. years of relevant work experience
Minimum 5 years (with master's degree) or 7 years (with bachelor's degree) of progressive relevant experience in development project implementation, progress monitoring, and coordination with implementing and oversight parties.Required skills
Substantial experience in supporting the implementation of large-scale infrastructure development projects with the Government of Iraq’s ministries and agencies responsible for oversight and implementation of projects, particularly the Federal Ministry of Electricity (MoE) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and its relevant ministries/agencies, including direct engagement with managerial-level and senior government officials. Proven track record of sound understanding of the electricity sector in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, covering generation, transmission, and distribution, with knowledge of the national electricity master plan and of various generation fuel types (e.g., gas, heavy fuel oil, renewable energy), as well as the sector’s associated development and operational challenges. Proven track record of sound knowledge of major equipment used in the power sector, including generation units (e.g., gas turbines, steam turbines, boilers), transformers, switchgear, substations, and transmission and distribution systems, as well as related construction and installation practices, including civil works for power facilities and training centers. Experience in supporting the implementation of development agency–financed projects in accordance with donor requirements, such as those from JICA, the World Bank, or other international financing institutions, and hands-on experience coordinating with project implementing ministries/agencies’ Project Management Teams (PMTs) and technical staff on procurement and disbursement, in compliance with donor or government requirements, with a sound understanding of international procurement guidelines. Proficiency in using computers and standard office software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
Experience in working with or within UNDP or other United Nations agencies, and/or in coordinating with international development partners on infrastructure or development cooperation projects in Iraq, including joint planning, progress review, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with the Government of Iraq’s institutional framework, administrative procedures, and relevant laws and regulations, with a track record of effective engagement with government entities. Experience in monitoring, reviewing, or directly participating in infrastructure construction projects in sectors beyond electricity.Required Language(s)
Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of Kudish labguage is an asset.Professional Certificates
N/A.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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