About Yazda

Yazda Iraq is a local organization registered in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It operates as a subsidiary of the global Yazda organization and adheres to the same mission: supporting vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by genocide and mass atrocities. In Iraq/KRI, Yazda implements programs focused on advocacy, legal assistance, humanitarian aid, and community and survivor empowerment initiatives. The Country Director leads these efforts, ensuring they align with organizational goals and respond effectively to local needs.

Job Purpose

The Advocacy and Liaison Officer (Consultant) will play a key role in representing Yazda and maintaining effective communication and collaboration with governmental, UN, and non-governmental stakeholders in Baghdad. The Officer will ensure Yazda remains informed of key political, policy, and structural developments, while advancing the organization’s justice and advocacy priorities, including criminal accountability for ISIL crimes, the search for the missing, and survivor-centered transitional justice. The Officer will work under the technical supervision of the Executive Director, to guarantee alignment with Yazda’s mission and justice strategy, and under the day-to-day supervision of the Country Director, for operational guidance and coordination with field teams.

Main Responsibilities

• Representation and Advocacy
  
  
  • Represent Yazda in official meetings, working groups, and forums with government ministries, UN agencies, international NGOs, and other stakeholders in Baghdad.
  • Promote Yazda’s mission and advocate for Yazidi and minority rights, transitional justice for ISIL crimes, and programmatic priorities.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant government officials and institutions.
    
• Coordination and Communication
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Yazda in Baghdad with local authorities and partner organizations.
  • Facilitate timely communication and information sharing between Yazda’s field teams and governmental or partner entities.
  • Monitor political and administrative developments relevant to Yazda’s mission, including changes in government structure, policy, and legislation relevant to transitional justice and minority rights.
    
• Support to Programs
  
  
  • Plan all the advocacy meetings of Yazda’s staff to Baghdad.
  • Provide coordination support for program implementation in Baghdad and nearby areas as needed.
    
• Reporting and Documentation
  
  
  • Provide regular updates and reports to Yazda’s senior management on key developments and meetings with recommendations.
  • Maintain accurate records of engagements with stakeholders.

Note: this position will be based in Baghdad (home-based with regular external meetings). 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a liaison, advocacy, or coordination role with NGOs, government, or international organizations.
• Strong understanding of Iraq’s political and administrative structures.
• Demonstrated background and knowledge of Yazidi or minority issues in Iraq; experience working directly on Yazidi or minority causes is required.
• Excellent networking, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in Arabic and English required; Kurdish is an asset.
• Ability to work independently, handle sensitive information, and travel within Iraq as required.

Interested applicants must send their CV with a cover letter to jobs@yazda.org with a subject “Advocacy and Liaison Officer (Consultant)-JV22225“

Important Notes:

1. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements or are submitted after the closing date may not be considered. The interview process may include a technical written test.

2. Due to the urgency of this position, the vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline indicated.

3. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the posting period