To respond to the below announcements, please send a current resume and cover letter including the assignment title and name of project (if available) to the email address included in the posting. Please be sure to note your availability.

Minimal requirements for all assignments, unless otherwise noted are: seven (7) years of professional experience including at least two (2) years of experience working overseas, government or international agency experience, and an advanced degree. Foreign language skills are strongly preferred. We take pride in close communication with all of our experts, but we will not be able to respond to submissions that do not meet the requirements.

EOE/W/M/V/D

	Afghanistan - Power Trade and Energy Sector Restructuring Experts
	Afghanistan - Urban Planner and Community Development Advisor
	Indonesia – Public Information Advisor
	Iraq – Strategic Planner
	Iraq - Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Field Representative
	Worldwide - Economic Development Consultants
	Washington – Economic Governance Advisor

Afghanistan - Power Trade and Energy Sector Restructuring Experts

International Resources Group (IRG) is currently seeking expressions of interest from senior experts in power trade and energy sector legal restructuring for long- and short-term assignments in Afghanistan. IRG is well-recognized for its expertise in this area —we seamlessly and successfully design, implement and monitor energy sector development projects and programs around the globe. IRG’s current project in Afghanistan seeks to import power for delivery to load centers of Kabul and other principal cities along the North East Power Sector corridor. Secondary objectives include restructuring of energy institutions and improving capacity in regulatory agency operations.
To support this work, we are seeking long- and short-term experts in power trade, utility reform, power sector regulation and energy institutions development with extensive experience working in a challenging development environment. Experts should have a strong understanding of and experience in negotiating power trades, development of term sheets and agreements, power wheeling, grids and markets and training locals in such activities. Must be willing to work for extended periods of 2-3 months or consider a long-term post (up to 18 months) in Afghanistan. Significant experience in central Asia (particularly, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) is preferred.

Responsibilities:

Short-term specialists:

• Serves as short-term Power Trade Specialist/Legal Advisor to IRG’s team in Kabul to assist in developing power purchase agreements and related documents such as inter-governmental agreements, project development or concessional agreements, and interconnection agreements;
• Provides advice on utility restructuring, including establishing an Electricity Holding Company, Management Contractor for operation and maintenance of key projects and electrical distribution systems;
• Provides advice to GOA entities on understanding major regulatory functions of a modern electricity system;
• Coordinates with other donor agencies working in the field to ensure seamless delivery of technical advice to GOA entities developing and implementing PPAs.
  

Long-term, in-country Power Trade Specialist:

• Assists and advises the COP in managing development and implementation of PPAs;
• Assists the COP in providing general consultancy support to GOA agencies as related to Power Imports;
• Assists the COP in identifying, defining, and implementing STTA support to develop power purchase agreements and related documents such as inter-governmental agreements, project development or concessional agreements, and interconnection agreements;
• Provides advice on utility restructuring including establishing an Electricity Holding Company, Management Contractor for operation and maintenance of key projects and electrical distribution systems;
• Provides advice to GOA entities on understanding major regulatory functions of a modern electricity system;
• Coordinates with other donor agencies working in the field to ensure seamless delivery of technical advice to GOA entities developing and implementing PPAs.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in energy economics, engineering or another related field is preferred for short-term and long-term positions;
• Demonstrated experience in managing and conducting economic development planning activities, especially in central Asia;
• Demonstrated ability to direct and manage negotiations in power trades or restructuring of major national utilities, including associated capacity building;
• Experience liaising and coordinating activities with multiple donors and USG agencies, including USAID, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank;
  
• Broad level understanding of institutions and local governmental structures in central Asian countries;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and strong written and oral proficiency in English is required; effective written and oral communications are absolutely critical to perform successfully in this position; central Asian/Afghani language skills a plus;
• Experience working in post-conflict and dangerous environments, preferably in Central Asia, sometimes under austere conditions with limited administrative support, meeting demanding deadlines, and working independently under pressure;
• US citizenship required and eligibility to qualify for secret security clearance required for long-term positions;
• Immediate availability (long-term position available from late 2007).

How to apply: Send resume, cover letter, and references to energyexperts@irgltd.com with “Afghanistan Positions” in the subject line.

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Afghanistan - Urban Planner and Community Development Advisor

International Resources Group (IRG) seeks an Urban Planner and Community Development Advisor for a one-year assignment on a current USAID contract in Kabul, Afghanistan. On September 3rd, 2007, the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan approved the new land policy drafted by the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Justice with the support of USAID. This land policy document describes the current land situation in the country, proposes principles and norms for land use, land titling and spatial planning, and identifies legislative measures urgently needed to stabilize the current situation in informal settlements. The draft land policy is presently under review by the Afghan Parliament.
This new land policy is expected to change durably land administration practices throughout the country. To accompany these changes, USAID intends to recruit an Educational Advisor in Urban Land Administration.

Responsibilities:

The consultant shall work in Kabul, Afghanistan and serve as an urban planning and community development expert. Work will include:

• Assessment of the capacity and skills of USAID/LTERA counterparts' staff in the field of land administration, with a special emphasis on urban planning. USAID/LTERA counterparts' staff include the Ministry of Urban Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Justice, Kabul Municipality, the Supreme Court, and the Afghan Cadastre
  
• Review existing curricula on Land Administration and Urban Planning courses at local Kabul universities
  
• Propose, develop, and implement training for Afghan land-related and academic institutions. The curriculum will tentatively focus on land planning, land registration, land formalization, land information and land legislation.
  
• Participate in monthly USAID/LTERA activity coordination meetings and public outreach activities
  
• Develop partnerships with other programs or institutions involved in training (i.e. USAID Capacity Development Program, UN-Habitat, World Bank)
  
• Perform additional tasks as requested by the Chief of Party and Team Leader for Land Activities

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in urban planning preferred
  
• In-depth understanding of international land and development projects
  
• At least 10 years of working experience in land administration, or urban planning projects, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, training and community development
  
• Must have international experience, preferably working in post-conflict regions, including Afghanistan

How to apply: Send resume, cover letter, and references to Reconstruction@irgltd.com with Urban Planner and Training Advisor in the subject line.

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Indonesia – Public Information Advisor

International Resources Group (IRG) seeks expressions of interest for a potential short- or long-term assignment as Public Information Advisor for the ongoing USAID Aceh Road/Bridge Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program in Indonesia. The Public Information Advisor would develop information products for both internal and external audiences and work with USAID and project management to increase public awareness. The Public Information Advisor would report to IRG’s Deputy Chief of Party and work closely with the Chief Resident Engineer in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Responsibilities may include:

• Provide timely and accurate information about all aspects of the project including public information, traffic, design, construction, and emergency response.
  
• Develop information products including but not limited to project updates (schedule, budget, work completed and planned, safety, traffic, noise, natural environment, etc.), fact sheets, website material, photos, maps, written detour routes, charts, diagrams, detour route maps, project designs and design element images, road closures, video footage, animation, and other materials of use to project stakeholders, including the U.S. Government, partners, news media, and the general public.
  
• Maintain the current media campaign.
  
• Supervise, train, and mentor the public information staff and coordinate closely with the community outreach department. Oversee the community outreach department when the Deputy Chief of Party is not on-site.
  
• Review public information materials for accuracy.
  
• Arrange logistical support for VIP inspections during both the design and construction periods.
  
• Provide, track, and file documentation of conditions during construction, public outreach, and other job-related topics using photos and videos as required in USAID Scope of Work.
  
• Produce and distribute photos and videos as requested.
  
• Serve as a trained spokesperson in emergencies and provide information and assistance promptly.
  
• Advertise the Pre-Qualification for Contractors in publications such as but not limited to: World Highways, Better Roads, ENR, and one regional periodical—i.e. the Asia Pacific equivalent of MEED.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree required.
  
• Overseas experience working for an NGO, donor organization, Peace Corps or other development organization. Familiarity with USAID desired.
  
• Previous work experience in Indonesia, preferably in Aceh.
  
• Management experience.
  
• Proven written English language skills; Bahasa Indonesia is a plus.
  
• Computer skills including PowerPoint, Excel, and other computer software knowledge.
  
• Public information background must include experience in media relations, Asian publications, and related information sources.
  
• Must be willing to live and work in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
  

How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter indicating available start-date to reconstruction@irgltd.com with Aceh Public Information Advisor - IRG in the subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please, no phone calls.

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Iraq – Strategic Planner

International Resources Group (IRG) seeks Strategic Planners for a Six (6) month assignment to work with the Office of Provincial Affairs (OPA), at the US Embassy, Baghdad, to support an integrated planning effort with the military, for the long-term future of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Programme.

The strategic planners shall work predominantly within the US Embassy in Baghdad. There may be a requirement to travel to the MNC-I Headquarters at Camp Victory, also in Baghdad. In addition, contractors may also be required to travel to Multi-National Divisional HQs on main US Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and to US Regional Embassy Offices (REOs) within Iraq as required as part of their tasking.

PRTs are an essential element of success in Iraq. They represent a primary means to fulfill USG and Coalition goals in Iraq. The success of this mission requires integrating PRT actions with military operations as part of the overarching Strategic Joint Campaign Plan, which incorporates all elements of the Coalition effort in Iraq.

Responsibilities:

The Strategic Planners will work as part of an integrated team within OPA, coordinating the strategic direction of the PRT Programme with Multi-National Forces – Iraq (MNF-I), Multi-National Corps – Iraq (MNC-I) and the State Department in Washington. They will work to ensure that the PRT mission, objectives and transition strategy is aligned with and supported by military planning.

• Work on behalf of OPA, with the military planners in MNF-I and MNC-I, as part of an integrated team
• Support and co-ordinate the management of an OPA-led Interagency Steering Group
  
• Assess and influence interagency Working Groups and the Steering Group
  
• To establish the mid- to long-term direction of the PRT Programme within Iraq and ensure that the PRT short-term goals and priorities remain consistent with and drive towards the PRT end-state
• Develop a long-term strategic PRT plan with timelines, assumptions, and deductions
• Develop and implement an effective PRT planning and assessment process
• To develop courses of action for the PRTs as part of the overall USG and Coalition effort
• Develop PRT transition plans for the post-PIC environment and for the PRT end-state

Qualifications:

The Strategic Planners must have a clear operational and strategic situational awareness of the conditions within Iraq prior to deployment in order to be effective.

• Must be sole US Citizen with ability to obtain Secret level security clearance
  
• Advanced degree in relevant field, preferred
• At least 10 years’ professional experience
• Extensive background in Military Headquarters planning
• Interagency experience
• Understanding of and experience with Department of State
• Post-conflict stability experience
• Previous operational tours (Iraq or Afghanistan)

How to apply: Send resume, cover letter, and references to Reconstruction@irgltd.com with Strategic Planner in the subject line.

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Iraq - Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Field Representative

A 12 month position under a current contract to serve as a senior governance professional in that governorate’s PRT. The advisor must be an accomplished social/technical professional who can negotiate and obtain the agreement, cooperation, and support of mid-level and senior public officials in local/provincial administrations. Within the PRT, developed US Government knowledge and experience in inter-agency consultation will be important as well as having familiarity with the US Military and its operations.

In summary, the PRT USAID Representative is tasked to

• Establish and maintain good relationships and coordination with government (local and provincial) officials, community, military, NGO, other international donor leaders, and other USAID officers in neighboring governorate PRTs,
• Actively explain the development leadership role of USAID in the PRT,
• Interact with USAID program implementers in the area, speaking for Mission management as needed,
• Highlight and report on local economic and political activities that would benefit from further development focus.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that local USAID activities are integrated with the assistance activities of other USG agencies, international organizations, and donors active in one’s area of assignment; monitors contractor performance through site visits and closeout reports.
• Cultivates/maintains contacts and dialogues with appointed and elected officials of different levels of the government and with non-governmental organizations (NGO) in his/her area.
• Submits program overviews and briefing papers on local development matters and programming.
• Assists in managing financial and administrative aspects of general development contracts and grants.
• Provides policy guidance in his/her office regarding development strategies and the local implementation of activity in assigned area.
• Evaluates the social and economic impact of project implementation proposals and their relevance to building a democracy.
• Assists in the continuing review of program strategy and in development of the Strategic Plan.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs, international development, communications, social sciences, engineering, or business, economics, is required. Courses in communications, public affairs, public outreach, or closely related subjects are highly desirable. Master degree in the listed fields is desirable.
• Five years of economic development experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, project/program development experience is desirable. Three or more years of this experience with a US Government Agency or other international/local organization or donor is desirable. Prior experience with the US Military, its structure, and operations is a plus as is fluency in Arabic and experience interacting with leaders of Arabic governments, Islamic organizations and/or institutions.
• Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including preparation of technical reports.
• A sound experience-based understanding of political, economic, and development realities is preferred. A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by development activities and hands-on experience and knowledge of USAID project development, management, and procurement policies, and procedures are preferred.
• Must be US citizen and be able to obtain both Secret security and medical clearances.

How to apply: Send resume, cover letter and references to Reconstruction@irgltd.com with “PRT Field Representative” in the subject line.

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Worldwide - Economic Development Consultants

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from senior experts interested in long- and short-term assignments on our economic growth contracts with significant experience in one or more of the following areas: facilitating the growth of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); increasing access to credit and other financial services, especially for MSMEs in both urban and rural areas; capacity building to foster public-private collaboration; launching strategies for sustainable and equitable economic growth; infrastructure policy and development as they relate to economic development; and/or conceptualizing innovative and catalytic approaches to trade and investment in developing countries.

Qualifications:

• Business Development: Experience designing/implementing business development services in post conflict and developing economies; demonstrated ability to develop and implement enterprise training programs, including training of trainer skills.
• Rural Finance: Working with/consulting in financial institutions; experience in evaluation of credit risks and developing credit products/facilities for MSMEs in rural and urban areas; experience training on topics related to banking or development finance to financial institutions and their clients; market research techniques and piloting new products and monitoring results.
• Economic and Enterprise Development: Experience managing large, multi-year development programs in local economic development; value-chain development and sector analysis; enterprise development; product development/competitiveness studies and promotion and/or marketing.
• Economic Governance: Experience in participatory design and transparent implementation of public policy or public administration programs and/or working with governments; experience in building capacity for such design and implementation activities; expertise in one or more of the following areas: tax, trade, financial sector, investment, procurement, or land tenure policy; improving economic governance through civil society participation and media involvement, and providing assistance to these groups, including local NGOs.
• Investment Climate: Practical experience implementing investment climate reform and capacity building initiatives and supporting policy dialogue in developing countries; proven success at reducing the constraints of MSMEs to register their businesses and enhance their confidence in entering contractual agreements; demonstrated ability to provide targeted, performance-based capacity building to foster public-private sector collaboration on MSME development.
• Industry and Business: MSME development, trade promotion, international business and marketing strategies, logistics and supply chain management.
• Trade and Investment: International business management and economic development experience; demonstrated leadership in the transformation/ development of regions or value-chain or sector/clusters through programs designed to increase competitiveness and cluster development, investment promotion, export development, and infrastructure development.

How to apply: Please state your primary areas of expertise, your interest in either short -or long-term assignments, and your availability over the next year. Send resume and cover letter to EconomicGrowth@irgltd.com with “Economic Growth” in the subject line.

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Washington – Economic Governance Advisor

International Resources Group (IRG) seeks an Economic Governance Advisor for the ongoing USAID/Iraq Economic Growth and Agriculture Office (EGA) in Washington, DC. The Economic Governance Advisor will serve as the technical and policy advisor for USAID/Iraq’s economic governance project. S/he serves as the Mission’s expert on macroeconomic policy and economic institutional reform, as well as the activity manager for USAID’s high profile, $225-million economic governance project. S/he will provide technical advice and leadership under the supervision of the Director of Mission’s Economic Growth and Agriculture Office. This position will be based in Washington, DC, with travel to Iraq.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Activity Design

• With the EGA Director, provides strategic, technical, and organizational leadership.
  
• Prepares project papers and design documents for economic governance initiatives and contributes research and text on social, political, cultural, and economic factors pertaining to economic development in Iraq. Contributes to the development of overall conceptual framework and formulates plans for implementation.
  
• Develops and sustains close, collaborative, and professional relationships with US Government, military, senior Iraqi federal and provincial government, religious organization, and donor agency officials.
  
• Represents the EGA to USAID stakeholders and external development partners at conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, and other relevant forums on economic development.
  
• Ensures effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with those of other donors working with the Government of Iraq, its local governments, and religious organizations.

Program/Project Management and Administration

• Serves as CTO for the $225-million economic governance contract. Designs, reviews, and implements additional activities.
  
• Ensures that partners meet benchmark requirements in accordance with USAID regulations.
  
• Conducts assessments and site visits to monitor program progress and contractor performance at the local, district, and provincial government level.
  
• Provides technical advice to institutional contractors and grantees, and the Government of Iraq’s key central ministries in order to increase program effectiveness.
  
• Collaborates with other donors and organizations in the economic development sector to ensure synergy of activities.
  
• Manages financial matters related to program activities: provides administrative approval of vouchers, plans and prepares for annual incremental funding amendments, ensures that fiscal needs are met in a timely manner.

Program/Policy Analysis and Reporting

• Ensures that activities are appropriately documented in required reports, including the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget and pipeline analyses, Congressional presentations, briefs, and talking points.
  
• Ensures data submitted on activities is complete and consistent for reporting in the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget, pipeline analyses and other required reporting.
  
• Advises the EGA Director and staff on policy developments relevant to program implementation.
  
• Conducts consultations with stakeholders and tracks legislative developments. Collects, analyzes, and synthesizes information to inform and strategically guide program planning.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Economics or related field with 10 years’ project work in economic development, especially governance and policy development.
  
• Ability to write and present reports for high-ranking advisors.
  
• Knowledge of USAID procedures.
  
• Previous work experience in conflict or post-conflict areas, Iraq preferred.
  
• Proven written English language skills; Arabic is a plus.
  
• Must be willing to travel to Iraq.

How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter indicating available start-date to reconstruction@irgltd.com with Economic Governance Advisor - IRG in the subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please, no phone calls.

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