PSS and Community Development Manager

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a locally-registered non-profit organization 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, promote social cohesion, and work to advance gender equality through law, policy, and institutional reform. SEED is committed to delivering quality and holistic approaches, combining international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan. SEED’s programming focuses on four key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive MHPSS 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-building programs; 3) ​promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals; and, 4) supporting the protection and recovery of survivors of trafficking in persons (TIP) including through SEED’s shelter for victims of trafficking and those at risk, after care services, and prevention work to reduce the risk of trafficking through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy for legal, regulatory, policy, process, and institutional changes. 

Position Overview: SEED is seeking a dynamic and experienced Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Community Development Manager to lead the implementation of community-based programming aimed at transforming harmful social norms and promoting gender equality. This role is integral to designing and managing a range of activities, including prevention and awareness sessions, psychosocial support groups, and community led engagement efforts that respond to the needs of diverse populations. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and management skills, along with technical expertise in PSS, community development, gender-based violence (GBV), protection, social behavior change, and social cohesion programs, and a passion for empowering communities through transformative, locally driven change.

The PSS and Community Development Manager will oversee the PSS Coordinators and ensure activities are appropriately tailored to the needs of each community. The role also includes managing PSS resources, building staff capacity,  and planning and guiding the strategic direction and execution of SEED’s community programming. This position is based in Erbil and reports to the Service Delivery Department Manager, with frequent travel required to Sulaymaniyah and surrounding areas where SEED delivers its services.

Specific Tasks: 

Management, Leadership, and Technical Support (60%): 

• Lead and manage SEED’s prevention and community engagement teams across multiple program sites.
• Lead on the design and delivery of awareness-raising sessions, PSS group activities, community development interventions.
• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day management of SEED’s PSS and community development programming.
• Support and lead on the formation of community led initiatives, social cohesion activities, and social behavioral change (SBC) programming.
• Lead the design and implementation of evidence-based SBC strategies to promote positive behaviors.
• Supervise PSS Coordinators and ensure high-quality implementation across all program sites.
• Oversee development and dissemination of technical resources, including training manuals, facilitator guides, and standardized tools for PSS and community development interventions.
• Review and as needed, develop policies related to PSS program implementation and community engagement and accountability
• Ensure that all activities are implemented in accordance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and international standards and practices.
• Set project direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives.
• Provide input into program development pertaining to SEED’s PSS/CD work.
• Ensure PSS teams have PSS outreach plans for all locations and provide inputs into new partnerships engagement.
• Identify and manage risks associated with program delivery and partnerships.
• Develop partnerships to enhance SEED’s PSS portfolio.
• Ensure the recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of PSS staff.

Reporting, MEAL, and Communications (20%)

• Monitor implementation quality and adapt programming based on learning and community feedback.
• Ensure quality assessments are taking place to understand community needs prior to starting programs / interventions.
• Contribute to the development of PSS tools to ensure that M&E systems provide adequate feedback.
• Measure impact of interventions through proper feedback mechanisms and data collection.
• Provide input on safe and ethical data collection and storage.
• Contribute to developing articles, flyers, briefs, and other communication materials as needed.
• Provide input into awareness raising campaigns and advocacy strategies on related topics / thematic areas.

Coordination and Organizational Representation (10%) 

• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with other humanitarian partners, coordination bodies, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Represent SEED in cluster and working group meetings, with KRG and with donors.
• Develop strategic partnerships and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs.
• Work closely with program partners, consultants, contractors, and sub-grantees.
• Conduct external meetings, presentations, or trainings on PSS related topics as requested.

Key values: 

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

Essential criteria:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Gender Studies, International Development, Public Health or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing teams and building staff capacity through training, coaching, and supervision .
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in PSS, community engagement, GBV Prevention, social behavioral change, and peacebuilding.
• Strong technical knowledge of gender equality, women and girls empowerment, GBV prevention, and social norm change with experience designing or leading awareness and social behavioral change initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of social change theories and approaches
• Experience in developing culturally sensitive messages and materials.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and staff management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience with diverse communities.
• Experience in program design and development, program implementation, MEAL, and reporting.
• Experience in resource management and program/activity planning.
• Strong belief in human rights and gender equality.
• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.
• Strong ability to work independently.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially in the Middle East, is highly desirable.
• Excellent English required; proficiency in Kurdish and/or Arabic preferred.
• Good computer skills, experience with Google Drive
• Committed to SEED’s mission, values, and ethical standards.

TO APPLY:  

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