Brief description of the organization

Yazda is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2014 in response to the genocide committed by the self-declared Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (“ISIL”) against the Yazidis and other communities in Iraq and Syria.

Project Background:

The Transitional Justice and Rehabilitation (TJR) project focuses on identifying the needs of survivors in relation to transitional justice and identifying the needs of survivors in relation to transitional justice.

Job Purpose:

The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services to survivors of ISIS atrocities.

Main Responsibilities: 

Providing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): 

• Deliver individual and group psychotherapy sessions for survivors based on trauma-informed methodologies and the "do no harm" principle. 
• Assess the psychological state of beneficiaries using specialized assessment tools and develop individualized treatment plans based on their needs. 
• Provide specialized therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-based therapy, and supportive therapy to enhance psychological recovery. 
• Address cases suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders resulting from violence, abduction, and trauma. 
• Support survivors in managing negative emotions, enhancing coping skills, and developing mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety. 

• Promote psychological and social empowerment of survivors through awareness sessions on mental health, positive coping mechanisms, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorders. 

• Organize group support sessions to strengthen social bonds among survivors and help them build support networks within the community. 

• Provide specialized psychological interventions for child survivors experiencing trauma through play therapy, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. 

• Work closely with case management teams to ensure an integrated response and refer cases to specialized services when advanced medical or psychological interventions are required. 

• Ensure confidentiality and privacy for all beneficiaries, adhering to professional ethics and international standards for mental health and psychosocial support. 

Coordination and Documentation: 

• Accurately document session notes and case progress in accordance with established procedures, ensuring data security and confidentiality. 

• Prepare periodic reports on work progress, challenges faced by beneficiaries, and recommendations for improving services. 

• Contribute to the development of training and awareness materials on mental health and psychosocial support. 

• Provide technical and training support to team members on psychological intervention principles, trauma-informed care, and managing complex cases. 

• Coordinate with partner organizations, governmental bodies, and protection teams to ensure comprehensive and sustainable service provision. 

Development and Evaluation: 

• Implement impact measurement surveys and continuous follow-up on beneficiary conditions to ensure the achievement of therapeutic goals. 

• Provide management with recommendations for developing psychological programs based on beneficiary needs and field challenges. 

• Stay updated with the latest practices and techniques in psychotherapy and participate in training courses to enhance the quality of psychological interventions. 

- Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in providing psychological support to survivors, preferably in conflict-affected settings.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, PTSD management, and psychosocial interventions.
- Experience in conducting individual and group therapy sessions.

- Fluency in Kurmanji and Arabic is required; knowledge of English is preferred.
- Ability to assess psychological needs and develop treatment plans.
- Familiarity with case management and referral pathways for specialized mental health services.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially in working with vulnerable populations.
- Commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and principles of humanitarian work.
- Willingness to travel to Sinjar (40%) as needed.

- Applications from female candidates are strongly encouraged.