Country Director – Iraq (International)

Department: Operations

Duty Station: Erbil – Iraq

Contract Type: Full-time (100%)

Mission

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups, De Facto Authorities (AGDAs) and Provisional Governments for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to the protection of civilians. Geneva Call focuses its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict, working towards the elimination of gender discrimination, protecting civilian infrastructure, and ensuring humanitarian access.

Role

The Country Director (CD) provides strategic leadership and representation for Geneva Call in Iraq. As the most senior representative of Geneva Call in the country, the CD is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, and development of country operations. This includes the qualitative implementation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian engagement and diplomacy (humanitarian dialogue, research, community-based approach), advocacy, fundraising, representation, and the management of financial and human resources.

The CD Iraq reports administratively and technically to the Director of Operations and directly manages the country team.

Work Relations

Internal:

• Collaborates with regional and HQ units, including Programme, Policy Research and Legal (PRL), MEAL, Safety and Security, Global Engagement, Donor Relations, Finance, Logistics, and HR teams.

• Manages the country mission; coordinates with thematic/technical advisors and functional leads at HQ.

External:

• Represents Geneva Call to national and local authorities, donors, UN agencies, INGOs, civil society actors, AGDAs and Provisional Governments where applicable.

• Represents Geneva Call in national and international forums and builds strategic partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and programme implementation

•Analyses the humanitarian and security situation in Iraq to identify key areas of work for Geneva Call.

• Ensures the fulfillment of Geneva Call’s core mission to promote IHL with AGDAs and Provisional Governments with focus on addressing protection threats to vulnerable populations.

• Provides leadership, quality delivery and management, and streamlines monitoring, evaluation, and learning for the country programme, in alignment with Geneva Call’s strategy. Ensures programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively.

• Manages, supervises, and coordinates all activities in-country related to the implementation of Geneva Call’s projects in the country, adhering to proposal guidelines, indicators, budgets, and work plans. Promotes the sharing of learning internally and externally, using results to inform programme decisions and enhance institutional knowledge.

Safety and security management

• Oversees safety and security protocols and risk management plans for staff and operations.

• Conducts regular context and risk analyses to ensure safety and operational viability.

• Manages security in line with Geneva Call’s policies and standards.

Mission management and coordination

• Manages the country mission team, and has on average 2 to 4 direct reports, depending on the size of the mission. Is accountable for all leadership processes in-country such as performance management, duty of care, attendance.

• Ensures transparent financial management and compliance with internal procedures, policies, code of conduct and local laws.

Fundraising and resource mobilisation

• Develops and implements a country fundraising strategy to secure necessary resources.

• Leads the preparation of project proposals and donor submissions, ensuring contextual relevance.

• Fosters relationships with donors and identifies new funding opportunities.

Advocacy and communication

• Represents Geneva Call’s interests with government bodies, donors, and key stakeholders.

• Actively participates in clusters and working groups relevant to Geneva Call’s mission.

• Advocates for Geneva Call’s initiatives to enhance civilian protection and adherence to IHL.

Requirements

Education (Essential)

• A Master’s degree (preferred) or a bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Human Rights, or a related field relevant to the role.

Experience (Essential)

• A minimum of 12 years of experience in humanitarian organisations, with a strong preference for at least 15 years, including at least 2 years in a Country Director role.

• Out of total required experience, minimum 7 years’ experience of working in conflict affected contexts.

• Proven experience in managing multi-donor programmes, teams (including expatriates), and complex operations.

• Strong background in financial and donor management, capacity building, and security management.

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience in working with armed groups, De Facto Authorities and Provisional Governments is a strong plus.

• Proposal writing and donor reporting skills.

• Experience working on programmes related to civilian infrastructure and/or rule of law.

Job related competencies

• Strong organisational and analytical skills with an entrepreneurial mindset.

• Solid diplomatic skills with the ability to communicate with high-level interlocutors.

• Knowledgeable and passionate about political and security affairs. Extensive knowledge of security management.

• Fundraising, project cycle management, and budget management.

• Strong risk-planning and problem-solving skills.

• Capacity to meet deadlines under time pressure.

• Negotiation and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or International Human Rights Law is a strong asset.

Organisational competencies

• Understanding and respect for humanitarian principles and the organisation’s vision, mission, and confidentiality.

• Flexibility and adaptability.

• Collaborative, team-oriented, and solutions-oriented approach.

• Upholds and promotes the highest ethical and professional standards in alignment with organisational values.

• Understands how to navigate in a matrix organisation.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

• Proficiency in French, Spanish, or other languages is a strong advantage.

Why join Geneva Call?

This is a unique opportunity to lead impactful humanitarian engagement in complex conflict environments while contributing to the protection of vulnerable communities. It is also a unique chance to combine strategic leadership, diplomacy, and operational management within an organization recognized for its principled engagement with armed actors and commitment to humanitarian norms. If you are motivated by combining operational impact, strategic leadership, and humanitarian purpose, this position offers you the possibility to make a tangible and lasting contribution where it matters most. We look forward to your application.

How to apply

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

For Application: Please only submit your CV and cover letter by June 19th, 2026, by following the application link below:

application link

Our HR team will meticulously evaluate your profile in line with the requirements of the post you have applied for. Since we receive a good number of applications for all the positions Geneva Call advertises, it is not possible to communicate the results of our decisions with every candidate individually. Therefore, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted by the HR team to invite them for written test – and the steps afterwards if they qualify i.e., interview and other assessments as deemed appropriate.