Iraq - anyone able to help with some advise on working there

[XJSJohn]

In the early stages of being offered a role in Iraq (Basra) for one of the big O&G coy's. It is an in country office / management type role that will be either back to back or rotation schedule of some sort that is yet to be determined. They will pay all travel, accommodation, insurance, security and taxes.

I have a good idea what I am getting into, having done similar jobs in the past in Africa, but the one thing that I cannot find info on is what one should be looking at as a percentage uplift on a day rate (after benefits) for working in such a location with the "benefits" listed above these days.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Also any Recent experience and impressions of Basra would be nice too!

[oilydan]

I have done a little Iraq time in O&G. Just visiting though

First off, it depends who you go in with as to what their base/security arrangements are. I wouldn't go in with anyone other than the big 4 service companies BHI/WFT/HAL/SLB. Or if you are with an operator you should be OK.

[JoeRRS]

I have been working out near Basra for the last 6 months it's all rite along as you are on a good camp etc. The police do like to stop CP convoys at every check point so can take a lot longer than it should to get around, also a pain if they decide to impound the vehicles. I would say a minimum of a 50% uplift is good not alot of companies look to be paying superstar wages like they were a few years ago.

Am back out there next week. Good luck

[K50 DEL]

The proect I'm on is Northern Iraq rather than Southern, but many of our guys have spent extensive time in Basra, I'll chat to them next week when I'm back and see what they advise.

[XJSJohn]

Good old PH, always comes through with some useful info ahead of anywhere else!

FYI OilyDan etc - it's a big 4 operator.

Any more info also appreciated!

[XJSJohn]

K50 DEL said:

The proect I'm on is Northern Iraq rather than Southern, but many of our guys have spent extensive time in Basra, I'll chat to them next week when I'm back and see what they advise.

Cheers, especially as looks like you are in the same ballpark as me!

[oilydan]

XJSJohn said:

it's a big 4 operator.

Top 4 Operator or Service Company? If operator your expected salary just went up

[XJSJohn]

oilydan said:

XJSJohn said:

it's a big 4 operator.

Top 4 Operator or Service Company? If operator your expected salary just went up

operator - well known on forecorts worldwide

[Asterix]

I was there in '91 pulling out battle damaged vehicles - couldn't really recommend it from back then

[XJSJohn]

would like to think it has improved a little bit since '91 .....

[oilydan]

I think the US B-52s did several $m of improvements.

So, what are you going to be doing for this major IOC then? Please tell me it is procurement.

[XJSJohn]

oilydan said:

I think the US B-52s did several $m of improvements.

high level landscape gardening?

oilydan said:

So, what are you going to be doing for this major IOC then? Please tell me it is procurement.

Technical PMO so not much procurement from me, but if they are getting the likes of me in now, then there will be plenty of procurement from the projects further down the line ...

[Snoggledog]

XJSJohn said:

Technical PMO so not much procurement from me, but if they are getting the likes of me in now, then there will be plenty of procurement from the projects further down the line ...

Procurement you say?

[XJSJohn]

Snoggledog said:

XJSJohn said:

Technical PMO so not much procurement from me, but if they are getting the likes of me in now, then there will be plenty of procurement from the projects further down the line ...

Procurement you say?

possibly i say ...

[K50 DEL]

OP - drop me your mail address through my profile, our security manager's put together some stuff for you.... he's been in and out of Basra for a while and knows a number of people on the projects there.

[XJSJohn]

K50 DEL said:

OP - drop me your mail address through my profile, our security manager's put together some stuff for you.... he's been in and out of Basra for a while and knows a number of people on the projects there.

cheers!!