Frequently Asked Questions about USAID and USAID / Iraq

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What is USAID?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent United States Government (USG) agency that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of U.S. foreign policy goals. For more information, visit About USAID http://iraq.usaidallnet.gov/node/2on this website.

What areas of Iraq does USAID cover?

USAID/Iraq was established in Baghdad in 2003 to build a foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Iraq. It operates throughout the country and has invested over $8 billion in infrastructure and programs designed to stabilize communities.

These programs, operating throughout the country, foster economic and agricultural growth and build the capacity of the national, local and provincial governments to represent and respond to the needs of the Iraqi people.

USAID's programs are bridging the transition from short-term, essential services to long-term, integrated, and Iraqi-led development. USAID's overarching goal is to bolster Iraqi stability and build a stable, democratic, and prosperous Iraq as part of the broader U.S. government effort.

Which sectors does USAID focus on in Iraq?

USAID efforts focus primarily on supporting the political, economic and security conditions necessary for a stable and prosperous Iraq.

USAID's Democracy and Governance Program is a multi-faceted initiative that encourages the integration of democratic principles into all levels of Iraqi government– national, provincial and local– to enhance the lives of Iraqis throughout the country. The programs also support improved access to justice for disadvantaged and vulnerable Iraqis.

USAID's Capacity Building programs work closely with ministries and executive agencies to increase their effectiveness in public administration. It assists the Government of Iraq (GOI) reform internal operations and systems, implement best practices and lessons learned, and apply international standards.

USAID's Economic Growth and Agriculture programs facilitate public sector reform and private sector growth, provide better access to financial services, develop private agribusinesses, and create an enabling environment that fosters private sector development.

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) within USAID provides assistance to Iraqis who have been forced to move elsewhere in the country due to sectarian strife, personal threats against their safety, or escalating violence in their communities. Faced with more than 2.8 million internally displaced persons in Iraq, OFDA and its network of six NGO partners and three UN agency organizations are providing shelter, commodities (such as blankets), emergency health care, potable water and sanitation systems, and other assistance.

See the USAID/IRAQ Fact Sheet and Programs for details.

Why do the U.S. Government and USAID provide assistance?

The United States has a long history of extending a helping hand people overseas who are struggling for a better life, recovering from disaster, or making strides to live in a free and democratic country. It is this caring that stands as a hallmark of the United States and shows our character as a nation.

U.S. foreign assistance has always had the two-fold purpose of furthering America's foreign policy interests in expanding democracy and free markets while improving the lives of the citizens of the developing world. Spending less than one-half of 1 percent of the Federal budget, USAID works around the world to achieve these goals.

Since 1961, USAID has provided substantial economic assistance to developing countries. Sometimes this aid is purely humanitarian in nature, such as aid for disaster relief and emergency food programs. In other instances, assistance is provided because of special historical or security relationships. But most often, economic assistance is just one element of U.S. relationships with developing countries – relationships that also include mutually beneficial trade and investment flows and educational and cultural exchanges.

USAID programs are financed by American taxpayers. Many Americans feel that the U.S. has a responsibility to help developing countries achieve better lives for their people. Providing development assistance helps the U.S. build closer ties with developing countries. The U.S. also benefits economically because economies that are developing and growing are better trade and investment partners.

How can I or my organization receive funding from USAID?

Overall, the priorities for funding are drawn from USAID's strategic plan, which is drawn up following extensive consultation with the NGO community, U.S. Embassies in the region, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The assistance is implemented by the appropriate agencies of national, provincial and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private voluntary organizations (PVOs), and businesses and civic organizations.

USAID assistance is generally in the form of technical assistance – services supplied by people and firms that USAID hires. Decisions regarding specific contractors and grantees are made through competitively bid contracts and grants which support our programs' objectives.

Project proponents may submit unsolicited proposals or request assistance from the USAID/Iraq if there is has a clear and direct fit with USAID's development strategy in Iraq.

Can USAID help me obtain visas to the U.S.?

USAID is strictly a development agency. It has no jurisdiction over the application, review, or approval process for obtaining visas or other entry documents to the United States. Please contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy http://iraq.usembassy.gov/iraq/consular.htmlfor information and assistance.

How can I get a job with USAID/Iraq?

For more information on available job opportunities, please visit our Opportunities http://iraq.usaidallnet.gov/node/127page.

Vacancies are also posted at FedBizOpps.gov, https://www.fbo.gov/the U.S. Government business opportunities website.

For U.S. citizens interested in a long-term career with USAID, please contact the Office of Human Resources Management (M/HR), Recruitment Branch, United States Agency for International Development, Second Floor, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Ronald Reagan Building, Federal Triangle Area, Washington, D. C. 20523, USA. You can also find additional information on USAID's Employment Opportunities www.usaid.gov/careers/page.

How can I do business with USAID/Iraq?

USAID/Iraq-funded activities are carried out through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with American and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and contractors. For more information on available opportunities, please visit our Opportunities page.

Which U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) do business with USAID?

USAID's Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation (OPVC) in Washington, D.C., maintains a list of registered PVCs http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/private_voluntary_cooperation/

What are Global Development Alliances and how can my company become involved?

Global Development Alliances (GDA) http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/gda/mobilize the ideas, efforts and resources of governments, businesses and civil society by forging public-private alliances to stimulate economic growth, develop businesses and workforces, address health and environmental issues, and expand access to education and technology.

Could you send me some general information on USAID activities in Iraq?

All information about USAID/IRAQ is available on this website. We urge you to browse the site and print whatever you deem appropriate. If you need additional information, please contact us.