Program Manager Access Program English (Halabja)

Full-time

Staff positions

October 12, 2026


The Academic Preparatory Program (APP) of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is accepting applications for a Program Manager to lead the Access Program English in Halabja. We are seeking an experienced education program leader with a record of managing grant-funded youth programs, and has a strong networking skills within Kurdistan and Iraq. The University is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with excellent security, welcoming and hospitable residents, and eager and capable students.
The Access English & Leadership Program is a 24-month program (ending September 2028) for high school students aged 14 to 17, recruited from public schools through an open, merit-based process that prioritizes students from low-income backgrounds. AUIS works with American Corner Sulaymaniyah as a program partner. 
 

 

Responsibilities: 

The Program Manager leads all program operations in Halabja and reports to the APP Director at the American University of Iraq Sulaimani. Responsibilities include:

  • Leading day-to-day delivery of the program in Halabja and acting as the main link to the APP team in Sulaimani
  • Working with the Directorate of Education and local public schools on outreach, application screening, placement diagnostics, and the stand-by list that replaces students who drop out
  • Hiring, onboarding, supervising, and evaluating the Halabja teaching and records staff, with term-by-term instructor evaluaions and follow-up support
  • Ensuring instruction follows the program curriculum, including pre-, mid-, and post-program proficiency diagnostics and regular formative assessments
  • Tracking attendance and progress against program targets (at least 85% attendance and at least 85% pass rate on formative assessments) and acting early on students at risk
  • Planning field treks, guest speaker sessions, and the final capstone showcase and graduation, including site permissions and protocol clearance
  • Managing participant transport, meals, and logistics, and keeping an itemized record of all expenditures in line with AUIS policy and U.S. government grant requirements
  • Preparing quarterly technical and financial progress reports from monitoring and evaluation data
  • Building relationships with education officials, schools, civil society organizations, and community leaders in Halabja

     

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate exhibits the following characteristics:

  • A master's degree is required. A master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or a related field is preferred.
  • At least 5 years of experience in education or program management.
  • Experience managing grant-funded programs, including budgets and donor reporting (U.S. government-funded programs preferred)
  • Experience working with teenage learners (ages 14 to 17)
  • Strong understanding of the educational landscape in the KRG. 
  • Strong skills in student data, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing
  • Strong English communication skills (native or near native). IELTS 7+ or TOEFL 100+ may be requested
  • Kurdish (Sorani) and/or Arabic strongly preferred, with the ability to work with government officials and community partners
  • Familiarity with AI tools in educational settings is an advantage
  • Ability to be based in Halabja for the full program period of 2 years. 

     

Salary and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
 

Application Process:

Applicants should submit the following documents via email, with “Access Program Manager – Halabja” in the subject line, to [email protected]:

  • Cover letter.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Copies of the highest degree and any relevant certificates
  • A copy of the photo page from a current passport [or national ID card]
     

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide contact information for three academic and professional references.

No telephone calls, please. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for a follow-up interview. AUIS is an Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity employer that believes cultural diversity is essential to education.


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