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

AGO is seeking a passionate and dedicated MHPSS Specialist to lead mental health and psychosocial support initiatives within our organization. The role involves conducting assessments, designing evidence-based programs, and collaborating with stakeholders to address mental health challenges in our target communities. The MHPSS Specialist will play a pivotal role in capacity-building, training local staff, and monitoring program effectiveness to ensure sustainable impact. Working under AGO’s leadership, the Specialist will advocate for the integration of mental health services and contribute to reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable populations and drive positive change within AGO’s programs.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct thorough assessments of the mental health and psychosocial needs of the target population on behalf of AGO.
2. Analyze existing data and information to identify key mental health challenges and vulnerabilities for AGO’s target communities.
3. Collaborate with other sectors to integrate MHPSS considerations into overall program planning for AGO’s initiatives.
4. Develop and implement evidence based MHPSS programs that align with international guidelines and best practices under AGO’s leadership.
5. Design interventions that are culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate, ensuring alignment with AGO’s mission and values.
6. Collaborate with local partners and stakeholders to ensure community engagement and ownership of MHPSS initiatives led by AGO.
7. Provide training and capacity-building initiatives for staff, community leaders, and partners on MHPSS principles and techniques on behalf of AGO.
8. Strengthen the capacity of local health and community systems to deliver quality mental health services, in line with AGO’s commitment to sustainable impact.
9. Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact and effectiveness of MHPSS interventions implemented by AGO.
10. Regularly review and analyze data to inform program adjustments and improvements in AGO’s MHPSS initiatives.
11. Coordinate with other NGOs, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to MHPSS, representing AGO’s interests and objectives.
12. Participate in relevant working groups and networks to share knowledge and best practices, representing AGO’s expertise and contributions.
13. Advocate for the integration of mental health and psychosocial support within broader humanitarian and development frameworks on behalf of AGO.
14. Raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma within the community through AGO’s outreach and advocacy efforts.
15. Additional Responsibilities for AGO:

15. Develop and implement strategies for community outreach and engagement related to MHPSS initiatives led by AGO

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

COMPETENCIES

• Advanced degree (bachelor or master’s or above) in psychology, counseling, social work, public health, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in mental health and psychosocial support programming, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and experience working with populations affected by conflict, displacement, or other crises.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support interventions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and NGO partners.
• Fluency in Arabic required; good in Arabic or other relevant languages preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

AS WELL AS THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC “PROFESSIONAL”  COMPETENCIES

• Experience in providing clinical supervision and support to mental health practitioners and/or community-based workers.
• Proficiency in conducting mental health assessments, including standardized tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with international guidelines and best practices in mental health and psychosocial support programming, such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines.

Interested applicants must send their most recent: 

1. CV
2. Cover Letter 

To [email protected] , Subject line must read: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist 

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.