Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist

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

1. Assessment and Analysis:
   • Conduct thorough assessments of the mental health and psychosocial needs of the target population.
   • Analyze existing data and information to identify key mental health challenges and vulnerabilities.
   • Collaborate with other sectors to integrate MHPSS considerations into overall program planning.
2. Program Design and Implementation:
   • Develop and implement evidence-based MHPSS programs that align with international guidelines and best practices.
   • Design interventions that are culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate.
   • Collaborate with local partners and stakeholders to ensure community engagement and ownership.
3. Capacity Building:
   • Provide training and capacity-building initiatives for local staff, community leaders, and partners on MHPSS principles and techniques.
   • Strengthen the capacity of local health and community systems to deliver quality mental health services.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact and effectiveness of MHPSS interventions.
   • Regularly review and analyze data to inform program adjustments and improvements.
5. Coordination and Networking:
   • Coordinate with other NGOs, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to MHPSS.
   • Participate in relevant working groups and networks to share knowledge and best practices.
6. Advocacy and Awareness:
   • Advocate for the integration of mental health and psychosocial support within broader humanitarian and development frameworks.
   • Raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma within the community.

Interested applicants must send their most recent: 

1. CV
2. Cover Letter

To recruitment@agediraq.org , Subject line must read: Gender and Protection 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.