Shock Responsive & Adaptive Social Protection (SRASP) Coordinator

Organizational Context

Iraq, an upper-middle-income country, is gradually improving economically post-conflict. However, food insecurity persists, particularly among displaced populations. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Iraq supports the government's efforts to enhance food security and resilience by providing essential food, skills development, and social protection. WFP's role is shifting towards enabling national programs, focusing on strengthening social protection systems and disaster risk management to promote resilience and inclusive development.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Government of Iraq in strengthening national social protection systems, particularly in the context of shock responsiveness and adaptive measures. The coordinator will act as a key liaison with government counterparts, lead the establishment and coordination of a Shock Responsive & Adaptive Social Protection (SRASP) Task Force, and contribute to developing a legal framework and financial structures for rapid SRASP interventions. The position involves assessing operational structures, developing joint protocols, and leading training initiatives to enhance government capacity. A key focus will be integrating SRASP into the Unified Registry, improving targeting and delivery mechanisms, and ensuring a nutrition-sensitive approach. The role also involves coordinating the development of a Disaster Risk Financing and Anticipatory Action roadmap for SRASP.

Responsibilities

The Shock Responsive & Adaptive Social Protection (SRASP) Coordinator will serve as the primary liaison with government entities for social protection, disaster risk management, and early warning systems. Responsibilities include establishing and coordinating the SRASP Task Force, engaging relevant ministries, and supporting the government in developing a legal framework and financial channels for shock-responsive interventions. The role involves creating a technical roadmap for SP-DRM-SRASP, assessing operational structures, developing joint protocols, and leading capacity-building initiatives through training and simulation exercises. Additionally, the coordinator will support the integration of SRASP into the Unified Registry, enhance targeting and delivery mechanisms, and promote digital solutions. The position also requires embedding a nutrition-sensitive lens into SRASP architecture and coordinating the development of a Disaster Risk Financing and Anticipatory Action roadmap, aligning national efforts with WFP's preparedness planning.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of experience is required, with a preference for 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social protection, emergency preparedness and response (EPR), or adaptive systems. Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, or evaluating SRASP systems is essential. Familiarity with Iraqi government institutions, multi-hazard early warning systems, data management protocols, and experience in government liaison and multi-stakeholder coordination are highly desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in crisis and emergency response, economics, and finance is also required. Strong writing skills for reports and policy papers, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in computer literacy are necessary.

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