Project title: ‘’EU Facility supporting policy dialogue and technical assistance in Iraq’’

Brief description of the project: The specific objective of this assignment is to strengthen public institutions and develop capacities for policymaking, planning, and implementation in view of engaging with non-state actors, responding to citizens’ needs and contributing to general socio-economic development including domestic revenue mobilization. Within this framework, the purpose of this contract is to provide on-demand technical assistance open to all Government entities targeted by EU interventions in Iraq through EU Special Measures and the EU multi-annual indicative program 2021-2026, as well as technical assistance directly to the EU delegation and support to the EU delegation for policy dialogue.

for assignment: Strengthening University Staff Engagement with ERASMUS+

THE SCOPE OF WORK 
ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE
The ultimate purpose of this assignment is to increase the quantity and quality of connections between Iraqi and European universities, ultimately resulting in higher quality applications for ERASMUS+ funding. It aims to increase awareness among Iraqi university staff about ERASMUS+ opportunities, enhance proposal writing skills, develop partnerships between Iraqi and European institutions, and establish a sustainable framework for ongoing ERASMUS+ participation. By the end of the assignment, knowledge-building, networking, and coaching activities will increase the number of Iraqi universities registered in ERASMUS+ and related platforms, develop Iraqi universities’ connections with European universities and build knowledge of and engagement with ERASMUS+. Professors, university leadership, and universities’ ERASMUS+ administrative units will have a demonstrable increase in knowledge of application requirements, partnership development, and expanded networks with European universities. As a component of the assignment, universities in the Kurdistan Region will share their experiences with those targeted in federal Iraq regarding preparing applications for and implementing projects funded by ERASMUS+.

ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS
Working closely with the EUD and the MoHE’s national focal point to determine priority partnerships, the consultant team will provide specific technical assistance through several modalities, including small group coaching, educational workshops, hands-on writing coaching, and university-level networking. 
The EUD and the MoHE have identified that a poor understanding of the benefits and opportunities presented by ERASMUS+ hinders universities’ engagement. Further, many lack the network necessary to engage with European universities or are unsure how to navigate the internal bureaucracy to obtain permission to engage externally. Even well-networked universities that understand the opportunities ERASMUS+ presents may lack a detailed understanding of application processes and struggle to write compelling applications.
To address these challenges, the consultant team will work with universities step-by-step to create outreach plans based on educational/thematic priorities, engage prospective European universities, and instil the knowledge required to produce high-quality ERASMUS+ applications:
 

COMPONENT 1: Expand Engagement with ERASMUS+ Capacity Building Opportunities

With support from the MoHE, organise four (4) regional workshops with targeted Iraqi universities to focus on the application process for the Capacity Building for Higher Education scheme. Attendees will include two professors and two administrators from each university, including the head of the ERASMUS+ unit. With support from the MoHE, organise an additional four (4) regional workshops with targeted Iraqi universities to focus on the application process for the Jean Monnet and teacher-focused International Credit Mobility (ICM) schemes, foreshadowing the student-focused awareness campaign. Attendees will include two administrators from each university, including the head of the ERASMUS+ unit and the international relations director.In advance of the workshops, conduct priority-setting consultations with targeted professors and administrative staff to create an outreach plan to European universities, encouraging ERASMUS+ participation and institutional support for networking.Facilitate introductions to European universities, organise virtual engagements, and seek opportunities for in-person engagement through complementary programs. 
 

COMPONENT 2: Develop ERASMUS Awareness Campaign

Develop an Arabic-language awareness campaign package for universities seeking to encourage their rising seniors and recent graduates to apply for ERASMUS Mundus, Jean Monnet, and ICM schemes. Liaise with targeted universities’ ERASMUS+ units to deploy the campaign.Create, in partnership with the MoHE, explanatory reference materials for universities and students to increase understanding of the application processSupport the MoHE-organised regional conference on ERASMUS exchange programs, identifying prospective invitees/speakers and coordinate with the national focal points in partnership with the MoHE. 

DAI is looking for a NKE 3 NON-KEY EXPERT: HIGHER EDUCATION LIAISON (KRI)

The expert will carry out the following tasks:

Working closely with the NKE 2 to support all tasks, including research, liaison, coordination, knowledge/materials management, occasional interpreting and translating. As specified by the NKE 1/Team Lead, support engagement and experience sharing between KRI-based universities that have benefitted from ERASMUS+ and federal Iraq universities interested in the schemes. Flexible support to other tasks as needed for the successful completion of the assignment, as specified by the NKE 1/2. 
 

Qualifications, experience and skills required:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as higher education or another related field and 5 years of relevant experience Demonstrated experience working with KRI universities or other educational institutionsExisting knowledge of KRI’s public university network and an extensive network of connections within various universitiesExcellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skillsExperience with ERASMUS+ programs would provide a distinct advantage.Fluent spoken and written English and Kurdish language proficiency is required. Knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.
 

Dates and Duration: After the EUD approvals and coordination.

Duration of the assignment: Up to 10 days 

Place of the assignment: Baghdad, Republic of Iraq with possible nationwide travel

If you are interested kindly submit a CV in English, indicating field(s) of expertise and experience ASAP, not later than 30 April 2025

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage consultants with relevant/applicable experience according to selection criteria to apply asap.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!

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