About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent, nonpartisan, national organization in Iraq whose history goes back to 2014 with the beginning of ISIL’s occupation in Iraq. At that time and throughout the mass conflicts occurring from 2014 onwards, ISIL groups took control of large swathes of the country, including Nineveh, Salah al-Din, Anbar, and parts of Diyala. This period witnessed an unprecedented wave of displacement for people who lived in these areas in addition to extreme human rights violations. With the Iraqi government, unable to provide much-needed, widespread assistance, many international organizations entered the country to facilitate a response. In doing so, local community members were actively recruited to assist in the movement and return of displaced peoples, while providing them with emergency life-saving assistance to meet their basic needs. Since 2014, AGO has been working untiringly to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities for the implementation of whole-of-community resilience-building measures in Iraq. Today AGO is functional in Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, and the Nineveh governorates, with 50–150 employees, depending on the situation in the region. We are currently working on expanding our operations into the Anbar governorate as well as southern Iraq through proven programs to rebuild the lives of men, women, children, and refugees IDPs, minorities, ethnic groups and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Introduction:

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) in partnership with World Vision’s Anticipatory Action Program is a proactive initiative to mitigate disaster risks and vulnerabilities within communities. The program strategically employs preventive measures and early interventions to safeguard communities from the adverse impacts of natural hazards, specifically focusing on floods and droughts in North East Syria (NES). The overarching goal is to empower communities and populations at risk to enhance their capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to potential disasters.

Program Objectives:

1. Objective/Project Goal: Reduce the disaster risks and vulnerabilities of communities and populations at risk in communities.
2. Outcome 1: Target Population can conduct anticipatory action in a timely manner: Enhance the capacity of the targeted population to access Early Warning Systems, employ mitigation measures, and receive assistance during the Anticipatory Action window of opportunity.
3. Outcome 2: Collaboration mechanism for Anticipatory Action is improved: Contribute to the improvement of collaboration mechanisms for Anticipatory Action at national, regional, and global levels.

Need for a Technical Consultant:

The successful implementation of the Anticipatory Action Program requires specialized technical expertise to ensure the development and execution of effective Anticipatory Action Protocols. A Technical Consultant is sought to provide guidance in conducting feasibility studies, risk assessments, and impact-based forecasting. The consultant will play a crucial role in refining Anticipatory Action Protocols, ensuring they align with best practices outlined in IFRC FBEA Guidelines and are tailored to the specific context of North East Syria.

Additionally, the Technical Consultant will be instrumental in enhancing preparedness measures, including stakeholder orientation, procedural updates, and prepositioning activities. The consultant’s role extends to contributing to the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Lesson Learned (MEAL) processes, ensuring the program’s continuous improvement.

Given the dynamic nature of humanitarian and anticipatory action contexts, AGO recognizes the need for a Technical Consultant with a strong background in the relevant technical domains and experience in community engagement and collaboration. The consultant will act as a key partner in building the resilience of communities in North East Syria against the impacts of floods and droughts.

AGO invites qualified and experienced individuals to contribute their technical expertise to this critical initiative, supporting the organization’s commitment to proactive and impactful humanitarian action.

 Objective of the Consultancy:

The Technical Consultant will provide specialized expertise and support to ensure the successful implementation of the Anticipatory Action Program. The consultant will work closely with AGO teams, stakeholders, and community members to enhance the technical aspects of the program and contribute to its overall success.

Responsibilities:

1. Technical Guidance:

• Provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of Anticipatory Action Protocols, including hazard identification, risk assessments, and impact-based forecasting.
• Collaborate with Anticipation Platforms Actors to ensure the effective establishment of Anticipatory Action Protocols in selected countries and for identified hazards.

2. Feasibility Study and Risk Assessment:

• Conduct or oversee the feasibility study to assess the readiness of selected areas for Anticipatory Action.
• Lead the identification of risks, hazards, and locations for the focus of anticipatory action in collaboration with stakeholders.

3. Impact-based Forecasting:

• Work with local Early Warning System agencies to develop impact-based forecasts, focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities.
• Collaborate with community groups to incorporate specific impacts of hazards into the forecasts.

4. Anticipatory Action Protocol Development:

• Facilitate the participatory development of Anticipatory Action Protocols with community members and stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity of children, women, and vulnerable groups.
• Validate the protocols through public consultations and table-top exercises.

5. Preparedness and Activation:

• Provide guidance on stakeholder orientation regarding the Anticipatory Action Protocol.
• Assist in the development or update of World Vision procedures and guidelines for activating Anticipatory Action protocols.
• Support prepositioning activities, including stock identification, agreements with vendors, and procurement for prepositioning.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:

• Contribute to the development and activation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Lesson Learned (MEAL) plan.
• Participate in training sessions related to MEAL for Anticipatory Action.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in climate-related studies
• Proven experience in [specific areas related to anticipatory action, such as risk assessments, impact-based forecasting, or community engagement].
• Familiarity with IFRC FBEA Guidelines and other relevant frameworks.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Previous experience in [specific sector or geographical area relevant to the program].

Reporting:

The Technical Consultant will report to Project manager/ Depatuy head of Program at AGO during the consultancy period.

Deliverables:

[Specify key deliverables expected, such as reports, protocols, or training materials.]

Timeline:

The consultant will be working on daily consultation based on deliverables and tasks assigned to him/her by supervisor

Interested applicants must send their most recent:

1. CV
2. Cover Letter

To [email protected] , Subject line must read: Anticipatory action Consultant

Note:

• Applications not meeting the specified minimum requirements may not be considered
• The CVs received after the closing date may not be considered.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that may include a written test of communication and writing skills.

Due to the nature of AGO work activities, AGO demand its employee to have the highest discretion and flexibility qualities. AGO can anytime according to the needs of his mission, and change the work location of his employee. AGO can at any time update tasks on this Job Description according to the evolution of the program or strategy changes. The above-listed tasks are not exhaustive, the employee can be asked to undertake other tasks by the employer according to the competencies, to work over settings time.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.