Ismael Majeed Ismael, MA

Lecturer

Introduction

Ismael M. Ismael holds a Master’s in Financial Economics from Kent State University, USA, under the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Human Capacity Development Program. Since 2016, he has been working as a part-time lecturer at the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH), where he has taught Economics, Macroeconomics, Public Finance, Contemporary Economic Issues, Environmental Economics, and Academic Employability Skills.

He is an economist and development advisor with over 15 years of experience in economic research, policy, and development programming across Iraq. He has led studies for USAID, UNICEF, GIZ, and IOM, focusing on labor markets, manufacturing recovery, and Iraq’s economic growth.

As a certified IFC–World Bank ESG consultant, he has trained Iraqi banks and compliance teams under the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) on ESG and international financial standards. He also serves as a financial planning advisor for small and medium enterprises through 51 Labs and Orange Corners Iraq, supporting entrepreneurship and private sector growth.

Previously, he worked as an ICA Political and Economic Advisor in Kirkuk with the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil. Fluent in Kurdish, Arabic, and English, Ismael combines academic expertise with practical experience to promote sustainable economic development in Iraq.

Education

- Master’s in Financial Economics, Kent State University, USA, 2015 – Kurdistan Regional Government Human Capacity Development Program Fellow
- Bachelor’s in Economics, University of Duhok, Iraq, 2009

Research

• Economic Growth in Iraq: Challenges and Opportunities – Pause and Reflect Activity Report, funded by USAID and implemented by Management Systems International (MSI), April 2024. • Dohuk City Labor Market Assessment and Vocational Training Analysis – funded by GOAL, February 2017. • Kirkuk Labor Market Assessment and Vocational Training Analysis – funded by UNICEF, June 2017. • Scoping Study on the Needs to Re-launch Manufacturing Activities in Mosul – funded by GIZ, focusing on post-conflict economic recovery and industrial revitalization. • Risk Aversion and Sorting into Public Sector Employment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq – research proposal co-authored with Dr. Curtis Reynolds, currently seeking funding. • The Asymmetric Effects of Uncertainty on Inflation and Output Growth in the U.S.A. – academic research using time series econometric analysis, Kent State University, 2015.

Professional Membership

Iraqi Public policy alumni network
Ambassador Representing Iraq, Kent State Alumni Association
Member, Kurdistan Economists Syndicate
Ambassador Representing Iraq, European Forum Alpbach- Austria
Member, Economics Professional Club, Kent State University
Founder and Director at www.Kokar.org, social Initiative, Kurdistan, Iraq
Founder of English zone institute Kirkuk