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 programmes that address education, child protection, health, WASH and livelihoods for vulnerable children and families across 12 governorates.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all Save the Children activities in Iraq, ensuring alignment with the humanitarian‑development‑peace nexus approach.
• Manage an annual budget of US$11.7 million and oversee a workforce of roughly 54 staff, including six senior‑management team direct reports.
• Coordinate with national and international partners to deliver interventions in education, protection, health, WASH and climate resilience.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, financial controls and organisational policies.
• Represent Save the Children to government authorities, donors, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Drive the transition from emergency response to sustainable development and peace‑building outcomes.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level experience in humanitarian or development programmes, preferably in conflict‑affected settings.
• Proven track record of managing large budgets and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of the Iraqi context, including the needs of IDPs, refugees and marginalized children.
• Fluent in English (essential) and Arabic (desirable).

Required skills

What we offer

• Permanent executive‑level contract with a competitive remuneration package.
• Opportunity to lead a high‑impact portfolio affecting over a million vulnerable children.
• Supportive environment with a dedicated senior management team.