Deadline: 18-Aug-23
The U.S. Embassy Baghdad of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to develop and implement the Visiting American Professionals Program for Iraq.
The Visiting American Professionals Program for Iraq will promote an understanding of U.S. strategic priorities, policies, and institutions, as well as build linkages between U.S and Iraqi experts and institutions. Proposals should be developed to include programmatic events for 2-3 visiting speakers (in-person) to Iraq and 20-24 virtual speakers throughout the 12-month timeframe, depending upon security conditions.
The Visiting American Professionals Program for Iraq will connect U.S. experts (U.S. citizens only) with Iraqi audiences and institutions. This program will recruit American experts to engage with Iraqi audiences in person or virtually through lectures, workshops, and seminars, through appearances in foreign media, and in a consultancy capacity. Speakers will address topics identified by U.S. Mission Iraq. Participating speakers and experts can be programmed with a variety of professional audiences in a wide range of disciplines; however, English language teaching and the performing arts are specifically excluded. Performing artists may participate in programs as speakers or consultants but will not be recruited for performances or exhibitions. In addition, speakers will not teach university courses as part of this program.
Mission priority goals include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Fostering Stability and Economic Growth
- Bolstering Democracy and Governance
- Ensuring Iraq’s Sovereignty and Security
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months
- Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
- Total available funding: $500,000.00
Project Activities
- Both Virtual and In-Person Programs:
- Coordinate the planning and implementation of each program; work with PD staff to identify cities for each event, possible venues and partner organizations, and duration of each program.
- Coordinate with American Corners, Alumni Associations, and U.S. Embassy Baghdad to Iraq partner organizations, and/or Mission Iraq-managed public engagement platforms to ensure that best use of existing programmatic lines of effort are utilized.
- Translate speaker’s biography in Arabic and share with potential partners ahead of the program.
- Provide translation/interpretation during program events and as needed.
- Provide program/event handouts and translated CVs/biographies to participants during the sessions.
- Virtual Speakers Program (specific):
- Schedule 20 to 24 virtual speaker programs. A typical program would be 60-120 minutes in length.
- Identify suitable online platform(s) to host online presentations to audiences in Iraq.
- Coordinate technical logistics with Iraqi partner organizations; test online platforms in advance of the live presentation to resolve any technical issues.
- Provide technical assistance to the American speaker before and during the presentation.
- Provide technical support and facilitator for virtual speaker programs in approved venues.
- Attend the live event (online) to assist the American speaker, monitor online questions from the audience in Iraq, and provide other support as needed.
- In-Person Speakers Program:
- Schedule 2 to 3 in-person speakers. For the visiting speakers, a typical program would be between 4-6 days in length (including in-country travel time), and consist of activities in Baghdad, Erbil, and possibly other locations within Iraq, depending upon security conditions.
- Coordinate venues and audiences/participants for each event in each selected city.
- Coordinate with selected and approved speakers to ensure their availability; provide a notional schedule and program details (cities, event dates, time, venues, and participants).
- Prepare final program schedule for approval by PD staff and speakers.
- Arrange for visa, international and Iraqi domestic travel (both air and ground transportation), lodging, per diem, cash advances, and other logistics for security.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Be a U.S. non-profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3).
- Have demonstrated experience developing and administering similar programs.
- Have the capacity to operate in Iraq and have active partnerships with organization(s) operating in Iraq needed to support the program.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.