Head of Partnership and Programme Support Unit (PPSU)

About the role

The Head of Partnership and Programme Support Unit (PPSU) will lead the PPSU in Baghdad, providing technical and managerial authority over policy analysis, programme support, donor reporting and monitoring functions. Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Mission, the role ensures evidence‑based programme design, results‑based management and continuous learning across the portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Direct policy analysis, programme development, donor reporting and project‑cycle assurance for the Country Office.
• Serve as the principal focal point on partnership and programme‑support matters, coordinating with heads of units, project managers, resource‑management, communications, information management and other stakeholders.
• Provide operational liaison with donors, government counterparts, UN entities and implementing partners, translating programme evidence into high‑quality proposals, reports and briefs.
• Establish and oversee quality‑assurance, monitoring, reporting, learning and project‑cycle management systems across multiple projects.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies or related field with at least seven years of relevant experience, or equivalent university degree with nine years of experience.
• Extensive experience in policy analysis, programme strategy, donor relations, grant management and results‑based management, preferably in humanitarian or post‑conflict settings.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and coordinate across programme, technical and resource‑management functions.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) and working knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish.

Required skills

• Project‑cycle management and Results‑Based Management (RBM) principles.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) methodologies.
• Donor‑reporting and proposal development.
• Quantitative and qualitative monitoring, data‑quality assurance and evidence‑based adaptive management.
• Proficiency in project management, information‑management, spreadsheet and database applications.