IIACSS (Al Mustakilla for Research)
Location: Baghdad or Erbil, Iraq
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: On-site / Hybrid
About IIACSS
IIACSS is an independent research firm helping businesses,
governments, and international organizations understand Iraq’s
markets, people, and changing priorities. Our work spans market
research, consumer insights, public opinion, and policy and social
research, combining local knowledge with extensive fieldwork
capabilities across Iraq.
Role Overview
We are looking for a
Client Relations & Business Development Specialist
to grow our client portfolio and build lasting relationships with
organizations operating in Iraq. You will identify opportunities,
meet prospective clients, understand their business challenges,
and work with our research team to develop relevant research
solutions.
The role covers the full business development cycle, from initial
outreach and pitching to proposal coordination, account management,
and repeat business.
This is a full-time, on-site position in Baghdad or Erbil,
requiring regular travel for face-to-face client meetings.
Previous B2B business development experience and direct
experience managing corporate clients in Iraq are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Acquisition
- Identify and pursue opportunities across sectors including
FMCG, telecommunications, banking, retail, and professional
services, as well as international and development organizations. - Build relationships with decision-makers in marketing,
strategy, insights, and senior management. - Arrange and lead client meetings, introduce IIACSS’s
capabilities, and connect research services to clients’
commercial and strategic needs. - Develop and maintain a pipeline of opportunities through
networking, direct outreach, referrals, and industry events.
Client Relations & Account Management
- Understand clients’ business challenges, information needs,
and research objectives. - Maintain regular contact with prospective and existing
clients, ensuring timely and professional follow-up. - Build long-term accounts by identifying opportunities for
additional studies, ongoing tracking, and broader research support. - Coordinate with internal teams to ensure clear communication,
realistic commitments, and a consistent client experience.
Proposals & Research Solutions
- Present IIACSS’s capabilities in quantitative and qualitative
research, consumer and brand studies, public opinion polling,
and fieldwork services. - Work with research and operations teams to prepare tailored
proposals, presentations, budgets, and timelines. - Translate client briefs into clear requirements for the
research team and coordinate responses to requests for proposals. - Follow up on proposals, support commercial negotiations,
and help move opportunities through to agreement.
Market Intelligence & Reporting
- Monitor developments in Iraq’s economy and key industries
to identify emerging research needs. - Understand the competitive landscape and communicate IIACSS’s
strengths, including its local expertise and nationwide
research capabilities. - Maintain accurate records of client contacts, meetings,
proposals, and opportunities, and report regularly on progress.
Qualifications & Skills
At least two years of successful B2B sales, business
development, or account management experience in Iraq,
ideally within research, consulting, advertising, marketing,
or professional services.
Demonstrated experience dealing directly with corporate
clients in Iraq,
including arranging meetings, presenting services, and
following opportunities through to conversion.- Strong understanding of Iraq’s business environment and
professional culture; an established network of relevant
contacts is an advantage. - Ability to understand business challenges and explain how
research can support better decisions. Previous market
research experience is an advantage. - Strong presentation, proposal writing, negotiation, and
relationship management skills. - Professional fluency in Arabic and English.
Kurdish is a strong advantage, particularly for the
Erbil position. - Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and client pipeline
management tools; familiarity with CRM platforms and
LinkedIn prospecting is an advantage. - A proactive, organized approach, with the ability to work
independently and follow through consistently. - Availability to work
full-time from our Baghdad or Erbil office
and travel regularly for client meetings.
