PSS Facilitator (multiple positions)

About SEED Foundation: The SEED Foundation is a registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering high-quality, holistic approaches, which combine international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan Region. SEED’s programming focuses on three key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-development programs; and 3) ​promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy.

SEED staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities professionally, respecting SEED’s Code of Conduct Policies. SEED is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members as part of our commitment to a safe and harmonious work environment.

Program Description: The program aims at protecting and empowering survivors or those at risk of gender-based violence through a multi-faceted approach, including community-based initiatives, psychosocial support (PSS), and capacity-building for service providers. By fostering safe spaces and addressing the root causes of violence, the program encourages community engagement. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in managing women empowerment and GBV protection programs, with specific expertise in community development and PSS initiatives , as well as provision of training and technical assistance to the service providers. Strong technical expertise, program management skills, collaboration and team management, and a commitment to empowering survivors and enhancing their well-being and protection are essential for this role.

Role of the PSS Facilitator: 

The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Facilitator will implement and deliver multi-structured PSS session groups for women, adolescent girls, and their caregivers using established curricula on various topics, including but not limited to awareness sessions, psychoeducation, Life Skills, protection, Rights and Safety, Parenting Skills, Stress Management, Coping Mechanisms, Self-Care, and Mental Health. These sessions will be conducted across multiple locations in Erbil Governorate. Additionally, the PSS Facilitator will support community initiatives and workshops designed to empower women and girls to identify and address issues within their communities, facilitating collaborative brainstorming and the development of small, community-based projects aimed at tackling these concerns. A key aspect of this role is creating a safe environment for participants, ensuring confidentiality, and communicating respectfully with all beneficiaries and community members while adhering to a survivor-centered, trauma-informed care approach. The PSS Facilitator will also focus on maintaining regular attendance and prioritizing the personal resilience and psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries, reporting directly to the Psychosocial Support Coordinator.

Specific Tasks:

Facilitation of PSS activities: (70%)

• Lead and implement group psychosocial support (PSS) activities in Erbil, ensuring effective facilitation.
• Conduct PSS sessions utilizing structured curricula/manuals on various topics, including but not limited to Life Skills, protection, Rights and Safety, Parenting Skills, Stress Management, Coping Mechanisms, Self-Care, and Mental Health related topics.
• Work closely with the Community Initiative Coordinator to support and enhance community-based workshops and initiatives, including co-facilitating sessions related to these workshops to ensure effective engagement and delivery of content.
• Assist the Community Initiative Coordinator in providing support for the implementation of community-based initiatives as needed, ensuring alignment with program goals and community needs.
• Work closely with community mobilizers to identify and engage participants for PSS activities
• Provide psychoeducation, skill building, awareness raising, and structured recreational activities to groups and communities based on needs. 
• Develop monthly and weekly schedules, along with daily plans for each PSS session, in alignment with the existing PSS curriculum and activity bank. Prepare necessary materials and visual aids in advance.
• Select and adapt PSS materials, teaching methods, and resources to suit the specific needs of the community.
• Identify additional support needs and facilitate referrals for case management, legal assistance, cash aid, and mental health services.
• Promote and ensure the inclusive participation of beneficiaries, being sensitive to age considerations.
• Track beneficiaries’ well-being, attendance, and specific requirements, maintaining regular communication regarding updates and changes to PSS schedules.
• Assist in conducting needs assessments, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to gauge community needs and receptivity to program initiatives.
• Document feedback from beneficiaries and community members regarding PSS activities, identifying any gaps in service delivery.

  Reporting, Coordination and Representation: (20%)

• Maintain and strengthen existing networks with other service providers at the community level, to ensure that beneficiaries receive quality services and support.
• Provide daily or weekly updates to the PSS Coordinator, sharing observations on trends, challenges, recommendations, and both positive and negative feedback from participants.
• Gather and compile data weekly to ensure timely completion of reports that accurately reflect achievements, challenges, and gaps in implementation.
• Assist in the preparation of daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as requested.
• Assist in the development of referral networks between partners implementing similar programs.

M&E: (10%)

• Ensure accurate reporting of data, including participants’ contact details, attendance at PSS sessions, and new registration requests.
• Work closely with the MEAL team to monitor activities using existing PSS monitoring tools.
• Collect monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data associated with PSS activities and share regular updates with the PSS coordinator. 
• Use appropriate data collection tools and submit assessments and updates  in a timely and accurate manner.  

Cross-Cutting

• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of clients at all times. 
• Keep the Service Delivery Coordinator, Protection and Service Delivery Manager, PSS Coordinator, PSS and community development Manager informed of any issues, challenges, or gaps in PSS implementation.
• Perform other duties as necessary, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Attend all necessary training to be equipped to carry out the tasks of this role including training in other parts of the KRI, in collaboration with the supervisor’s request.

Key values: 

• Serve as a positive role model and SEED ambassador at all times.
• Treat all people with respect regardless of age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status and ethnicity.  
• Working collaboratively with all colleagues, and maintaining a positive, cooperative attitude.

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in PSS or Protection programs as a Group Facilitator, Trainer, Counselor or similar role in an NGO.
• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, counseling, or 3 years of experience in a relevant field is accepted. 
• Work experience with humanitarian agencies.
• Familiar with Humanitarian Principles and standards.
• Proven experience in women empowerment projects and community initiatives will be considered an asset. 
• Fluent Kurdish and Arabic language skills (writing and speaking) with English as an asset. 
• Computer literate especially in Microsoft Office packages.
• Full adherence to PSEA, Child Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest policies.

Skills:

• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams.
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation practices.
• Ability to cope and work under pressure.

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this LINK.
• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.