About Aid Gate Organization "AGO"

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent national NGO in Iraq, committed to supporting Internally Displaced Persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities across all Iraqi cities and governorates. With operations in key regions such as Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Nineveh, Diyala, and Basra, AGO focuses on rebuilding lives and promoting inclusivity for all, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Lead the development and implementation of inclusive business incubation models and MSME support strategies: Design and adapt business incubation frameworks, ensuring that they address the specific needs of vulnerable populations such as returnees, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Guide the strategic direction and operational roll-out of incubation activities across multiple project sites.
• Provide technical guidance in setting up physical and virtual support hubs for entrepreneurs, ensuring they are equipped with relevant tools, mentorship systems, business advisory services, and links to markets and finance.
• Develop and continuously improve technical tools and templates to assess the viability of business ideas, develop business plans, and conduct local market assessments and value chain analyses.
• Ensure tailored non-financial and financial support packages are designed and delivered, including business coaching, seed capital distribution, revolving loan mechanisms, and in-kind asset support to facilitate sustainable business growth.
• Conduct needs assessments, design training curricula, and facilitate training workshops on topics such as business development, entrepreneurship, marketing, financial literacy, digital tools for small business, and cooperative governance.
• Lead the development and implementation of tools and processes to track the progress, sustainability, and social impact of supported MSMEs and incubated startups; provide regular analysis and feedback loops to improve delivery.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant clusters, working groups, and public-private dialogue forums at local and national levels to ensure AGO’s visibility and influence in the entrepreneurship and livelihoods space.
• Build strategic relationships to expand opportunities for beneficiaries, including B2B networking, supplier development, mentorship programs, and access to financing and market platforms.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Activity Planning and Implementation

• Develop annual and quarterly work plans, implementation schedules, and budget forecasts for all business development and incubation activities across AGO sites.
• Provide continuous technical support and remote oversight to field teams in implementing MSME development and business incubation activities.
• Ensure that activities are aligned with donor frameworks, national economic development goals, and AGO’s strategic objectives.
• Introduce innovative approaches, digital solutions, and community-driven models to strengthen entrepreneurship and local economic recovery.
• Coordinate the roll-out of feasibility assessments and market screenings prior to business support interventions.

2. Reporting and Communication

• Establish a performance monitoring framework to track and evaluate the outcomes of business support services, including key performance indicators (KPIs) for MSMEs and incubators.
• Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual technical reports summarizing progress, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with the MEAL team to integrate feedback, lessons learned, and beneficiary perspectives into program adaptation.
• Provide regular updates and success stories to AGO communications and advocacy teams to support visibility and donor engagement.
• Ensure that all records, business plans, and incubator databases are updated and archived according to AGO’s data management policies.

3. Networking / Coordination

• Act as the primary technical focal point for all entrepreneurship, incubation, and MSME-related activities in internal and external coordination forums.
• Establish formal and informal partnerships with financial institutions, business associations, investment networks, and training institutes.
• Organize and participate in B2B events, job fairs, innovation expos, and livelihood roundtables to enhance exposure for supported businesses.
• Support the design and negotiation of collaborative agreements (MOUs) with stakeholders to expand service offerings or leverage additional resources.
• Represent AGO in relevant donor briefings, planning sessions, and external meetings related to livelihoods and economic recovery.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to design scalable business development models that respond to evolving market dynamics and the unique needs of conflict-affected communities.
• Proven skills in mentoring and developing the capacity of diverse staff and partners.
• Capable of translating market data and performance metrics into actionable recommendations for business growth.

AS WELL AS THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC “PROFESSIONAL”  COMPETENCIES

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in implementing MSME support programs, entrepreneurship promotion, or managing incubators.
• Familiarity with designing and managing access-to-finance schemes such as seed funding, micro-loans, or in-kind asset transfers.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct local market analyses and integrate value chain development strategies into project design.
• Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written), with the ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and training materials.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and business development tools/platforms. Experience with CRM systems, Excel-based financial planning tools, and data visualization software is a plus.

Interested applicants must complete the Job Application Form.

Note:

• Applications not meeting the specified minimum requirements may not be considered.
• The CVs received after the closing date may not be considered.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that may include a written test of communication and writing skills.

Due to the nature of AGO work activities, AGO demand its employee to have the highest discretion and flexibility qualities. AGO can anytime according to the needs of his mission, and change the work location of his employee. AGO can at any time update tasks on this Job Description according to the evolution of the program or strategy changes. The above-listed tasks are not exhaustive, the employee can be asked to undertake other tasks by the employer according to the competencies, to work over settings time.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.