Country Director For Iraq

The Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC – www.fsvc.org ) is a not-for-profit, private-public partnership whose mission is to help build sound banking and financial systems in transitioning and developing countries.  A key premise of FSVC’s work is that sound financial infrastructure, together with the rule of law, is necessary to create jobs, mobilize domestic savings, attract foreign investment, deepen international trade linkages, and create conditions that promote lasting economic opportunity.
 
FSVC’s core work concentrates on developing central bank capabilities, strengthening commercial banking systems, and building capital markets.  To achieve this mission, FSVC structures practical, results-oriented technical assistance missions staffed by financial sector practitioners who serve as unpaid volunteers.  By recruiting currently employed professionals at the peak of their careers to serve as volunteers, FSVC is able to provide technical assistance that is objective, independent, and state-of-the-art.  FSVC is headquartered inNew Yorkcurrently has field offices inAlbania,Egypt,Lebanon,Tunisia,KenyaandRussia.
 
FSVC has had an active program of technical assistance with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) since June 2008.  To date FSVC has run 40+ projects that have involved a large number of staff at the CBI.  Projects have ranged from high-level monetary policy discussions to trainings for staff on issues related to the building of banking supervision capacity and human resources development.  Projects have taken place inBaghdadas well as off-site locations includingBeirut,Amman,IstanbulandNew York.
 
The Country Director will:
 

Manage all aspects of program implementation from project design through execution and post-project follow-up, in the areas of central banking and bank supervision for FSVC’s program of technical assistance to the Central Bank ofIraq;
Supervise FSVC’s Beirut office, including the Program Officer stationed there, and identify opportunities to develop FSVC’s presence in the burgeoning entrepreneurship sector in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and other countries in the region;
Already have a developed network of contacts in the finance and development sectors inLebanonand the broaderMiddle East;
Be able to travel toIraqon a monthly basis (and other locations throughout the region) for project implementation, building relationships with the CBI and other key counterparts;
Complete required program reporting, e.g., quarterly reports to donors, monthly office ledgers, etc.;
Contribute to proposal writing and other business development activities as needed in the above-mentioned areas, as well as in the areas of commercial banking and capital markets; and 
Qualifications and performance may lead to broader leadership role in region.

 
Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in finance/economics or international relations (preferably with a strong emphasis on finance/economics);
Experience in finance, bank supervision, or international development work (again the development component should have an emphasis on finance or economics);
A strong understanding of current central banking and regulatory environments.
Fluency in English and Arabic.
Strong writing skills in English and Arabic.