Sector Manager (Iraq National ONLY)

MAG is a humanitarian organisation clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of communities worldwide. MAG is co-laureate of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize and has been operating in Iraq since 1992. MAG has extensive experience and longevity in Iraq and delivers diverse programmes across emergency and development response projects, including support, training, and collaboration with national NGOs.

MAG’s Vision is a world in which everyone can live free from the enduring and devastating consequences of armed violence, conflict and their legacy.

People will live in communities where their rights are upheld, with dignity and choice and free from fear from mines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and the impact of small arms and light weapons and ammunition.

MAG’s Mission is to save lives, ease suffering and enable sustainable development by limiting the causes and addressing the consequences of armed violence and conflict so people can live with dignity and choice, free from fear. We will use our core skills and distinctive competence to save lives through the removal of mines and ERW, and reduce the impact of small arms, light weapons and ammunition on people and communities. How we do this is as important as what we do – we work primarily with and for communities, for us ‘it’s all about people’.

MAG’s Values: Our values come to life through our actions, every day. How we act has an impact on others. As someone who works at MAG, you can help to create a positive culture by demonstrating our values through your own behaviour and actions. Everyone has a role to play in shaping our culture. Everyone should understand our values and is encouraged to think how they are relevant to their individual role.

DETERMINED - we work with purpose.

 EXPERT - through excellence and expertise we build trust.

 INTEGRITY - we strive to do the right thing.

 COMPASSION - people come first in everything we do.

 INCLUSIVE - we are inclusive, and we value diversity.

Job Purpose:

The Sector Manager is a senior management position responsible for ensuring the seamless integration of operational and support functions within the sector. This role provides strategic oversight, ensures compliance with organizational policies, and optimizes operational efficiency to drive programmatic success. The Sector Manager is the key decision-maker at the sector level, with responsibility for financial approvals, security management, liaison and stakeholder engagement.

Job Description

1. Strategic leadership and sector oversight

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of all sector support requirements, ensuring efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Identify risks and challenges within the sector and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and resource management.
• Ensure that sector operations comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and local regulations.

2. Finance Management

• Review and verify payment requests of up to $1000, ensuring all supporting documents are complete, accurate, and compliant with MAG’s policies and donor requirements before submitting them for approval.
• Conduct initial checks on all calculations and documentation before forwarding any payment requests and are expected to identify and flag any issues before escalation.
• Manage petty cash at the field level, ensuring secure handling, appropriate use, and accurate recordkeeping.
• Carry out daily cash counts and immediately report any discrepancies to the EHO Finance team.
• Maintain accurate records of cashbook entries for field-level expenditures and ensures timely submission to the EHO Finance team to support monthly reconciliations.
• Coordinate with local banks or cash providers to support field cash operations, in consultation with the EHO finance team.
• Liaise with relevant local government finance departments as required to remain informed about tax or financial regulation changes that could affect their operations and communicate these to the support office.

• Ensure all financial documents under Sector Manager’s responsibility are properly organized, filed, and archived in line with MAG’s policies and audit requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by making sure all sector-level financial documentation is accurate, complete, and readily available when required.
• Within the financial authority limit, the Sector Manager is responsible for reviewing and approving transactions in accordance with MAG’s anti-corruption policies, and may not delegate further approval authority without formal authorization.
• Contribute to budget monitoring by tracking sector expenditures, identifying any variances, and coordinating with EHO Finance team to support accurate forecasting and planning.
• Ensure basic compliance with MAG’s financial procedures in the sector and promptly reports any financial risks or irregularities to the appropriate teams.
• Contribute to cost-effective and accountable operations by ensuring activities are planned and implemented within budget and that financial resources are used efficiently to support programme goals.

3. Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Act as the primary security focal point for the sector, ensuring compliance with all security protocols.
• Assess security risks and implement preventive measures to safeguard staff, assets, and operations.
• Maintain strong coordination with national and local security authorities, ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities.
• Provide timely reporting on security developments and recommend appropriate actions to senior management.
• Coordinate with the Security team to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place and respected.

4. Human Resources & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of operational and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability and performance excellence.
• Ensure that HR policies, including recruitment, performance management, and staff development, are effectively implemented at the sector level.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment, addressing staff welfare and conflict resolution when needed.
• Identify capacity-building needs and support professional development initiatives for sector teams.
• Ensure that clear and consistent communication is maintained with all staff in the sector, and that strong internal coordination is established with other bases

5. External Representation, Liaison & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the organization at high-level meetings with government authorities, donors, and partner organizations.
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate smooth program implementation and address operational challenges.
• Act as the primary sector-level spokesperson, ensuring the organization's interests are effectively communicated and upheld.
• Provide strategic input on local governance, regulatory changes, and sector-specific regulations that may impact operations.

6. Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Oversee infrastructure management, ensuring operational bases, staff accommodations, and logistics facilities meet organizational standards.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations across all sector operations.
• Conduct routine evaluations and spot-checks to ensure adherence to operational policies and procedures.
• Lead efforts to streamline operational workflows, reducing inefficiencies and optimizing resource utilization.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, international development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in high-level managerial roles, preferably in humanitarian, NGO, or field-based operations.
• Proven track record in managing multi-functional teams and large-scale field operations.
• Extensive experience in security risk management and financial oversight.

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate autonomously and make high-stakes decisions under pressure.
• Excellent leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Advanced financial management and budget oversight skills.
• Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills for engaging with government and stakeholders.
• Fluency in English, Arabic, and/or Kurdish.

Application procedure for the position

All interested candidates in apply for this position should send their updated cover letter & CV in English language to below email address:  jobs.iq@maginternational.org    

Please note that candidates who do not meet the selection criteria will not be considered. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, it means that your application has not been successful. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All Applicants must mention the job title (Sector Manager) in subject line of their email.

- Applications with no job title in the subject line, sent through links and duplicate applications shall be disqualified.

- Closing date for receiving applications is 07-Oct-2026.

(Please note that shortlisting may commence on a rolling basis before the closing date due to the operational urgency of this position).

- Salary Pay: Grade 9 in accordance with MAG Iraq salary scale.

- MAG is an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourages qualified female candidates and qualified candidates from Nineveh Governorate to apply. Where operationally appropriate, preference may be considered for qualified candidates from the duty location or surrounding area, provided they meet the required selection criteria and competencies for the position.

 - MAG Iraq does not charge any fees for job applications.

 Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed”. MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply. If you think you would be suited in this role we would welcome your application regardless of your background. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.