Managing Director for Global Consultancy Office

Position Summary:
The Managing Director of the Global Consultancy Office (GCO) provides strategic and operational leadership to AUIB's consultant and advisory enterprise—an office under CEID that delivers evidence-based, high-impact advisory and capacity-building services to government, private-sector, and nonprofit partners in Iraq and the region.
The Managing Director will position GCO as a trusted academic advisory office, translating AUIB's expertise into actionable strategies that promote institutional reform, policy advancement, and national development.
This role combines entrepreneurial vision, academic depth, and executive management, building a self-sustaining, client-centered office that enhances AUIB's influence, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Leadership and Business Development

• Develop and execute GCO's strategic plan and annual performance objectives aligned with CEID and AUIB's mission.
• Position GCO as a premier national and regional consultant and advisory partner serving ministries, corporations, NGOs, and higher education institutions.
• Lead business development initiatives, including proposal design, project acquisition, and partnership building.
• Identify and respond to emerging needs in governance, economic reform, higher education, and infrastructure development.
• Represent GCO and AUIB in national and international forums, conferences, and strategic meetings.

2. Operational Management and Financial Oversight

• Design GCO's organizational structure, staffing model, and workflow systems to ensure operational efficiency.
• Oversee project delivery to guarantee quality, timeliness, and measurable client satisfaction.
• Develop transparent financial and reporting systems in collaboration with AUIB's Finance Office.
• Establish performance metrics for operational accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure GCO achieves financial self-sustainability within 3–5 years through diversified advisory engagements and donor-funded initiatives.

3. Consultant Project Leadership

• Serve as Executive Sponsor for flagship advisory projects, ensuring integrity, objectivity, and impact.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise multidisciplinary consultant teams drawn from AUIB faculty, alumni, and external experts.
• Promote professional excellence, analytical rigor, and innovation across all advisory assignments.
• Ensure all projects comply with AUIB's ethical and confidentiality standards.

4. Institutional Integration and Capacity Building

• Strengthen collaboration between GCO, CEID, and AUIB's academic schools and research centers.
• Create experiential learning pathways through student and faculty engagement in live advisory projects.
• GCO will design and develop advisory programs and capacity-building initiatives in coordination with CEID. The Continuing Education Institute for Innovation and Development (CEID) will manage and implement these programs operationally to ensure consistency, resource efficiency, and avoidance of duplication across institutional efforts.
• Publish reports, case studies, and white papers that extend AUIB's thought leadership in Iraq and beyond.

5. Governance and Reporting

• The Managing Director reports directly to the CEO of CEID for all operational, financial, and strategic matters.
• The GCO will also provide periodic summary reports to the President of AUIB through CEID to ensure institutional oversight and strategic alignment.
• This dual coordination mechanism ensures transparency, integration with university governance, and full compliance with the operational agreement between CEID and AUIB.
• Coordinate with the Finance and Legal Offices to ensure institutional compliance, contractual integrity, and transparency.
• Contribute to the establishment of an Advisory Board composed of senior representatives from government, academia, and the private sector.

Education and Experience:

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10–15 years of progressive leadership in consultancy, public-sector advisory, or strategic development roles.
• Demonstrated record of leading advisory or consultant projects with measurable impact.
• Strong understanding of Iraq's economic, policy, and institutional frameworks.
• Entrepreneurial capacity to establish and scale consultant initiatives or business units.
   

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Strategic Vision: Shapes long-term advisory direction and institutional positioning.
• Operational Excellence: Builds efficient systems ensuring accountability and quality.
• Client Leadership: Serves as a trusted advisor to public and private partners.
• Innovation Orientation: Applies data-driven insights, technology, and creative solutions.
• Team Building: Inspires and develops high-performing consultant teams.
• Integrity and Accountability: Upholds AUIB's values of transparency, professionalism, and ethical practice.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills in multicultural settings.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency preferred.

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