Eamonn Fitzgerald's Rainy Day

This comes via Expatlist, a subscriber service for those interested in global employment opportunities, especially in the administrative and healthcare areas. What, by the way, is the "Iraq Health Partnership"? And given that one of the job requirements is that the successful candidate must be a "non US citizen", can we infer that the security of the "Director of Field Operations" is the key issue and not propaganda?

Job: Director of Field Operations, Iraq Health Partnership
Location: Northern Iraq/Kurdistan
Duration: 10 months
Special Requirements: Must be non US citizen

"ME&A, an international professional services firm, is seeking a senior level Director of Field Operations to co-ordinate a strategic planning effort focused on strengthening health systems and personnel in Northern Iraq. Close co-ordination will be required with the Ministries of Health and Medical Schools of the KDP and PUK regional governments as well as other international groups providing health related assistance. A small grant program is included to promote community involvement. Background in public health and development of health care institutions would be relevant.

Prior experience in the Middle East, particularly Kurdistan, is high desirable. Generous base salary and fringe benefit package available. Successful candidate will have proven record of working effectively in difficult conditions, resourcefulness in solving problems, and strong interpersonal and managerial skills. Please respond by e-mail to: hbelton@engl.com
Subject heading: "Iraq Health Partnerships".

Speaking of matters Kurdish, early this morning the Turkish parliament moved to end its repression of the Kurds by passing a reform package that legalised Kurdish radio and television broadcasts. The country's estimated 12 million Kurds will also be allowed to have private Kurdish-language education. According to the BBC, "Nationalist deputies strongly opposed the moves, seeing them as a concession to Kurdish rebels and their 15-year campaign for autonomy in the south-east of the country." Well, they'd better steel themselves for another "concession" or two because the pressure is building in the region.