Project Management
Baghdad Telecom Ltd Sep 2019 – Oct 2023 | Cologne, Germany
Telecommunications & Internet Services Provider – B2B Connectivity
Overview
At Baghdad Telecom, a privately owned ISP (Internet Service Provider) in Iraq, I worked full-time as a Project Manager, leading high-stakes connectivity projects for international organizations, embassies, and enterprises operating in challenging environments.
Initially joining in 2019, I started as a post-delivery support. Something like call-center with the ability to monitor the service in real time. After 1 year, I got promoted as a Project Manager working with international entities to close the cultural and communication gap.
From 2021 onward, after starting my studies in Germany, I continued part-time in a remote project management role supervising installations, coordinating with clients, and maintaining relationships that continue to generate steady monthly revenue for the company.
Company Context
aghdad Telecom (BaghTel) provides Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) and wireless connectivity solutions to embassies, NGOs, and private companies in Iraq, a market characterized by unstable infrastructure, regulatory constraints, and challenging logistics.
During my tenure, the company was:
- Expanding its international client base.
- Transitioning from small-scale residential services to enterprise-grade projects.
- Introducing structured project documentation and CRM workflows.
- Building partnerships with local and regional fiber providers.
My Objectives
As Project Manager, my main objectives were to:
- Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of internet installation projects.
- Act as the bridge between international clients and local technical teams.
- Establish professional standards for communication, reporting, and documentation.
- Secure and retain high-value enterprise contracts in a competitive market.
Key Contributions
1. End-to-End Project Management
Led projects from requirement gathering and technical site survey to installation coordination, testing, and handover documentation.
Defined internal workflows and reporting templates for technicians and supervisors.
🟢 Impact: Standardized the project lifecycle, reducing installation delays and increasing client satisfaction.
2. High-Value Client Acquisition
Personally negotiated and signed contracts with major international clients, including:
- The British Embassy
- The Japanese Embassy
- Mastercard’s Iraq Office
3. Technical & Operational Coordination
Coordinated daily between clients, technicians, and network providers to ensure smooth deployment.
Prepared clear installation plans and fallback scenarios in case of field complications.
Maintained continuous client communication throughout each project.
🟢 Impact: Reduced average installation time by 25% and minimized escalations through proactive communication.
4. Process Documentation & Communication
Introduced structured project tracking sheets, daily field reports, and standardized handover documents to formalize project closure.
Created English-language communication templates for professional client correspondence.
🟢 Impact: Improved internal transparency and elevated the company’s professional image among embassy clients.
What I Learned
Business Is Built on Trust
In markets where infrastructure is unpredictable, relationships, reliability, and communication are everything.
Project Management Requires Adaptability
I learned how to balance technical limitations, client expectations, and cultural nuances — often in real time.
Documentation Is a Competitive Advantage
Clear reports and delivery confirmations not only simplify operations but also build long-term trust with institutional clients.
Remote Leadership Works
Continuing operations remotely taught me how to manage teams and clients across time zones with efficiency and empathy.
Tools I Used
- Microsoft Office – client documentation, reporting
- WhatsApp Business / Email – real-time field coordination
- Network monitoring tools – uptime tracking (WinBox, The Dude, etc.)
- Excel – client invoices, project cost tracking
- PDF / Word – professional handover documentation
Reflections
My years at Baghdad Telecom shaped how I think about ownership, accountability, and client trust. It was my first experience running real operations, balancing technical details, customer expectations, and business outcomes.
I discovered that product and project management share the same foundation: clarity, structure, and empathy. Every connection installed wasn’t just a technical job, it was a critical communication lifeline for people working in difficult environments.
This experience built the foundation for my transition into Product Management, where structured problem-solving and customer understanding are just as essential.