Senior Climate Change & Sustainable Agriculture Expert (International)

About the role

The European Union Delegation in Iraq seeks a senior international expert to lead a strategic assessment of the country’s climate change, environmental governance and sustainable agriculture landscape. The role will guide evidence‑based recommendations that shape future EU programming, policy dialogue and investment priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the overall implementation of the assignment, ensuring methodological consistency and high‑quality deliverables.
• Develop and refine the analytical methodology and work plan, and coordinate the work of the NKE2 consultant.
• Assess Iraq’s climate change challenges, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, desertification, water scarcity and ecosystem resilience.
• Analyse climate‑smart agriculture practices, food security, rural livelihoods, irrigation efficiency and sustainable land management.
• Evaluate climate governance systems, legislation, institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms among ministries.
• Conduct a Political Economy Analysis to identify governance bottlenecks and reform opportunities.
• Identify green investment and climate finance opportunities, including private‑sector participation.
• Prepare evidence‑based recommendations, concept notes and present findings to the EU Delegation.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or higher in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Sustainable Development or a related discipline; PhD is an advantage.
• At least 20 years of progressively responsible professional experience, with a minimum of 10 years in climate change, environmental governance or sustainable development.
• Extensive experience in environmental policy assessments, climate governance, institutional and regulatory reform, and political economy analysis, preferably in fragile or conflict‑affected contexts.
• Proven track record of leading complex analytical assignments involving international, national and local stakeholders.
• Experience with climate finance, green investment mobilisation and development of EU‑funded programmes or concept notes.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); Arabic is an advantage.