Country Lead Iraq

PAX is the largest peace organisation in the Netherlands. For the past 75 years, we have been working with local...

What will you do?

  • Programme development: identify strategic opportunities to expand the programme’s scope and impact, working closely with the Iraq team and fundraising colleagues;
  • Team coordination: facilitate collaboration among Utrecht-based and Erbil-based team members, as well as colleagues from thematic departments (e.g., Protection of Civilians, Gender, Humanitarian Disarmament);
  • Line management: supervise Utrecht-based colleagues and field staff;
  • Representation: represent PAX to key stakeholders, donors, and diplomatic missions.

Who are we looking for?

  • An academic degree in a relevant field (e.g., Conflict Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, International Relations, Political Science);
  • At least five years in a similar role in the Middle East, preferably in a conflict setting;
  • Demonstrated experience in peacebuilding, human rights, or a related field, including collaboration with local civil society organizations, fundraising, programme development, donor engagement and advocacy;
  • Leadership: proven team and project management skills with a coaching-oriented leadership style;
  • Cultural Sensitivity: a strong awareness of gender, cultural, and conflict dynamics;
  • Networking and Fundraising: robust skills in building networks and securing funding;
  • Problem-Solving: solution-oriented, with excellent communication and analytical abilities;
  • Strategic Insight: Ability to identify opportunities and translate them into actionable initiatives;
  • Fluency in Arabic and English, Dutch is an advantage;
  • Willingness to travel regularly to Baghdad and Europe;
  • Eligible to work in the EU;
  • A strong affinity with PAX’ mission and values.

What do we offer?

  • An accessible workplace in a vibrant area in the centre of Utrecht, the Netherlands;
  • An interesting position in a dynamic, informal and internationally oriented work environment;
  • Start date: per 1 March 2025, or as soon as possible;
  • Appointment for 32 hours per week (0,89 fte), initially for a period of 6 months;
  • Salary scale 10 according to PKN terms and conditions of employment (depending on experience min. € 3.125,27 and max. € 5.192,81 gross for a fulltime position of 36 hours per week);
  • 8,3% year-end bonus and 8% holiday-allowance;
  • Full reimbursement of public transport 2nd class commuting costs.

Procedure and information

For more information about PAX see: www.paxvoorvrede.nl.

Do you have any questions? Please contact Evert-Jan Grit, Team Lead Middle East & Europe, via grit@paxforpeace.nl for further information.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV and motivation letter addressed to Evert-Jan Grit solely via the application form in Nmbrs Hire.

The closing date for applications to this position is Tuesday 4 February 2025.

At PAX we are looking for motivated colleagues with passion and courage, to build a diverse, inclusive and authentic working environment together. Even if you do not tick all the boxes, we still encourage you to apply, because who knows, we might be a good match together!

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

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