Country Director – Iraq

About the role

Save the Children International is seeking a senior leader to head its Country Office in Iraq. Based in Erbil with regular travel to Baghdad, the Country Director will steer a portfolio of humanitarian and development programmes serving vulnerable children and families across 12 governorates.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a USD 11.7 million portfolio, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s humanitarian‑development‑peace (HDP) Nexus approach.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team of approximately 54 staff, including six senior managers, and oversee partnerships with local and international NGOs.
• Ensure effective delivery of programmes in education, child protection, health, WASH, livelihoods, climate resilience and social inclusion.
• Maintain financial accountability, reporting, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Represent Save the Children with government authorities, donors, and other key stakeholders to advocate for children’s rights.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading large‑scale humanitarian or development operations in complex environments.
• Strong track record of managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and senior teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with fluency in English (essential) and Arabic (desirable).
• Deep understanding of the humanitarian‑development‑peace nexus and the Iraqi context.

Required skills

• Strategic planning and programme management.
• Financial oversight and donor reporting.
• Stakeholder engagement and advocacy.

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a leading global children’s rights organisation.
• Opportunity to shape the future of child‑focused humanitarian action in Iraq.
• Competitive benefits package and professional development support.