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

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is currently seeking a passionate and qualified individual to join our team as a Gender Specialist. The Gender Specialist will be responsible for integrating gender considerations into all aspects of our projects and programs, ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment are central to our work. Key responsibilities include conducting gender analyses, developing gender-sensitive approaches and strategies, providing training and capacity building on gender-related issues, and advocating for gender mainstreaming within the organization and with external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in gender studies or a related field, with demonstrated experience in gender mainstreaming in humanitarian or development settings. Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a deep commitment to promoting gender equality and social justice. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in advancing gender equality and empowering marginalized communities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the development and implementation of gender-sensitive strategies and initiatives across all AGO projects and programs.
2. Conduct gender analyses and assessments to identify gender disparities, needs, and opportunities for gender mainstreaming.
3. Provide technical guidance and support to staff and partners on integrating gender considerations into project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
4. Develop and deliver training sessions and capacity-building activities on gender equality, women's empowerment, and related topics for AGO staff, partners, and stakeholders.
5. Advocate for gender-responsive policies and practices within AGO and with external stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and community leaders.
6. Collaborate with other departments to ensure gender equality is integrated into organizational policies, procedures, and practices.
7. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming efforts, identifying lessons learned and best practices for continuous improvement.
8. Support the development of gender-sensitive indicators and data collection methods to measure progress towards gender equality outcomes.
9. Facilitate the establishment of gender-focused networks and partnerships to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration.
10. Conduct research and analysis on gender issues, trends, and innovations to inform programmatic approaches and advocacy efforts.
11. Represent AGO in gender-related forums, conferences, and working groups to contribute to broader discussions on gender equality and women's rights.
12. Stay abreast of international frameworks, guidelines, and commitments related to gender equality and ensure AGO's compliance and alignment with these standards.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

COMPETENCIES

• Master's bachelor’s degree in gender studies, women's studies, sociology, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in gender mainstreaming, women's empowerment, or related areas, preferably in the context of humanitarian or development organizations.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct gender analyses and assessments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate training sessions and workshops.
• Good in English language and fluent Arabic
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

AS WELL AS THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC “PROFESSIONAL” COMPETENCIES

• Good communication skills.
• Computer knowledge of MS Office Word and Excel.
• In-depth understanding of gender equality concepts, frameworks, and approaches, including gender mainstreaming and women's rights.
• Proven ability to develop and implement gender-sensitive strategies, policies, and programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and advocacy skills in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation, with a focus on gender-responsive programming.

Interested applicants must send their most recent: 

1. CV
2. Cover Letter 

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