NKE 1: SENIOR NON-KEY EXPERT: INTERNATIONAL SENIOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION EXPERT (TEAM LEADER)

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 an assignment: EU Team Europe Initiative (TEI): Supporting Iraq’s Digital TransformationDAI is looking to recruit: NKE 1: SENIOR NON-KEY EXPERT: INTERNATIONAL SENIOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION EXPERT (TEAM LEADER) ASSIGNMENT PURPOSETo support Iraq’s inclusive, sustainable, and secure digital transformation by strengthening governance, connectivity, and innovation, in alignment with EU values and standards, and the principles of the Global Gateway and Digital for Development (D4D) approach. The initiative seeks to foster a digital ecosystem that promotes transparency, accountability, and economic diversification, while enhancing social inclusion and service delivery through effective use of digital technologies.ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTSEnhance Coordination and Policy CoherenceSupport Digital Governance and Institutional CapacityPromote Reliable, Inclusive, and Affordable Digital Infrastructure and ConnectivityAdvance E-Government and Citizen-Centric Digital ServicesMainstream Cross-Cutting PrioritiesEXPECTED RESULTS:Operational Team Europe Coordination Platform established, holding regular coordination meetings, facilitating coherent EU engagement with Iraqi authorities, and enabling joint planning and visibility actions.Joint Programming Framework and Team Europe Roadmap developed and adopted by the EU and Member States, identifying priority areas and coordinated interventions.Institutional capacities strengthened in key ministries and agencies, resulting in improved policy formulation, digital governance, and service delivery mechanisms.Enhanced digital infrastructure, including expanded broadband access and interoperable government systems, leading to improved connectivity and service reliability.Increased digital inclusion of youth, women, and vulnerable populations through targeted capacity-building and access programs.Cybersecurity and data protection systems improved, including the operationalization of a National CERT and adoption of regulatory frameworks consistent with EU and international best practices.Greater alignment and visibility of European support to Iraq’s digital transformation, reinforcing the EU’s role as a strategic and trusted partner. The expert will carry out the following tasks: The experts will provide technical, analytical, and coordination support to guide the conceptualization, design, and initial implementation of the TEI, in close collaboration with the EU Delegation to Iraq (EUD), participating EU Member States, and relevant Iraqi institutions. Lead the overall design and operationalization of the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Digital Transformation. Ensure that the TEI aligns with the EU Global Gateway, Digital for Development (D4D), and Iraq’s national digital priorities. Supervise the development of key deliverables, including the Team Europe Roadmap, Coordination Platform ToR, and Joint Results Framework (JRF). Provide technical and policy advice to EUD and Member States on digital governance, connectivity, cybersecurity, and innovation. Facilitate coordination and consultation meetings between EU, Member States, and Iraqi stakeholders. Oversee quality assurance, reporting, and the final presentation of deliverables. Qualifications, experience, and skills required:Education:Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Digital Governance, Public Policy, Economics, International Development, or a related field.Professional Experience:Minimum 12 years of professional experience in digital transformation, ICT policy development, or e-government programs.Proven experience working with EU or other international development institutions (e.g., World Bank, UN, USAID, EBRD) on digital or governance-related projects.Demonstrated expertise in at least three of the following thematic areas:Digital governance and policy reformData protection and cybersecurityE-government and digital service deliveryICT infrastructure and connectivity planningPublic sector digital capacity building Experience leading multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms or regional initiatives involving multiple donors or government institutions.Experience with Team Europe programming, Global Gateway, or Digital for Development (D4D) initiatives is a strong asset.Skills and Competencies:Excellent understanding of EU development cooperation frameworks and policy coherence principles.Proven ability to develop strategic frameworks, results matrices, and policy roadmaps.Strong facilitation, negotiation, and diplomatic skills.Excellent analytical and report-writing skills in English.Ability to manage complex, multi-institutional assignments within tight deadlines.Language Requirements:Full professional proficiency in English (required).Knowledge of Arabic or prior experience in the MENA region is an asset.Level of Effort:Approximately 56 working days over 16 weeks.Duration of the assignment: 56 working daysPeriod of the assignment: December 2025 - March 2026.Place of assignment: Baghdad, Republic of IraqThe interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs in English no later than 21st of November!Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted!