About SEED: SEED is a women-led, local NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, dedicated to creating a thriving society by advancing social protection and human development. We support individuals, empower communities, and strengthen systems to drive lasting change and equal opportunity. With a focus on collaboration, we promote gender equality, protect children, combat human trafficking, and improve mental health and well-being. SEED’s holistic, locally-driven approach integrates transformational services, community development, training and education, and advocacy to create sustainable impact. SEED is committed to creating a just, equitable society where everyone's rights are protected, with healthy families and strong communities, and a future where everyone can thrive.

Role of the PSS and Community Development Manager: 

SEED is seeking a dynamic and experienced Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Community Development Manager to lead the implementation of community-based programming aimed engaging and empowering communities towards the development of a strong, healthy, resilient, and cohesive society through community-based initiatives designed to foster social and emotional well-being, prevent violence and discrimination, and promote social and economic empowerment. The PSS and Community Development Manager will play a crucial role in designing, managing, and overseeing a wide range of programs aimed at improving mental health, deepening social cohesion, and fostering social and behavioral change in the target communities. This position requires a leader with both a deep understanding of psychosocial support and the ability to design community-driven interventions that promote positive social behaviors. The role also includes managing PSS resources, managing staff and building their capacity, and planning and guiding the strategic direction and execution of SEED’s community programming. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and management skills, along with technical expertise in PSS, community development, promoting equality and combating gender-based violence (GBV), protection, social behavioral 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. This position is based in Erbil with frequent travel required to Sulaimani and surrounding areas.

Specific Tasks: 

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

• Lead and manage SEED’s PSS and community development 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 group curricula, 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 partners, coordination bodies, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Represent SEED in meetings with communities, stakeholders, NGOs, 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.

• 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 in humanitarian or development settings.
• 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. 
• Experience in development and humanitarian settings a must; experience in the Middle East, Iraq, or Kurdistan, a plus.
• 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 a plus.
• Good computer skills, experience with Google Drive 
• Committed to SEED’s mission, values, and ethical standards. 

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and resume via this LINK no later than December 9, 2025.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Safeguarding Statement 

SEED staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities professionally, respecting SEED’s Code of Conduct and Policies. SEED is committed to ensuring 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 will 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.