External Advisor (multiple functions) – Iraq

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a locally 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 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 main goals: 1) delivering 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 trafficking survivors, including through SEED’s shelters for trafficking victims and those at risk, aftercare 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.

SEED Foundation offers its staff external counselling services through its Wellbeing Programme, which is designed to help staff who require additional external psychological support, either due to exposure to stress and trauma from their work activities, or other work-related stressors. SEED is looking for an experienced counsellor/psychologist to provide counselling services to its staff in person or remotely. The external counsellor will work on a consultancy contract basis. SEED is looking for counsellors who speak English, Arabic and Kurdish (Sorani and Badini).

SEED employees are expected to perform their duties and responsibilities professionally, with respect for SEED’s Code of Conduct and policies. SEED strives to ensure 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 do 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.

Specific tasks:

• Coordinate and manage sessions directly with SEED staff.
• Participate in confidential payment administration and reporting mechanisms without disclosing names.
• Provide confidential individual counseling services to SEED staff.
• Assess the mental health needs of staff and provide therapeutic/counseling interventions.
• Help clients define goals, create action plans, and gain insights.
• Organize group debriefing sessions if necessary/upon request of SEED.

Essential criteria:

• Master’s degree in psychology, clinical social work, mental health counseling, or another related field.
• Relevant experience as a therapist/psychotherapist/psychologist.
• Preferably a recognized mental health provider (LMFT, LCSW) or relevant education/comparable position.
• Ability to apply mental health care methods and techniques.
• Ability to work in a confidential environment with people experiencing difficulties, to help them overcome their problems and make appropriate changes in their lives.
• 5-7 years of experience providing direct therapeutic interventions to clients.
• Previous experience working with staff in a similar role in the humanitarian and development sector.
• Knowledge of conservation and MHPSS activities and/or related areas.
• Preferably contextual knowledge of the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI).
• Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to create trust
• Empathetic and compassionate.
• Required languages: English, Arabic and Kurdish (Sorani and Badini).
• Strong belief in human rights and gender equality.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to gain trust and build relationships.
• Strong belief in human rights and gender equality.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to gain trust and build relationships.