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 Unit Manager:

SEED is seeking a dynamic and experienced Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Community Development (CD) Manager to lead the PSS/CD Unit and guide on SEED’s strategic objective of engaging and empowering communities. The PSS/CD Manager will lead and plan for the implementation of community-based programming aimed at 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/CD Manager will oversee and support the technical/thematic leads and implementation of PSS/CD programming across thematic pillars, various programs, and locations across Kurdistan. The Manager will lead a team to design, manage, adapt, and support implementation of programming that improves MH and psychosocial wellbeing, achieves gender equality and ends GBV, and protects children and empowers their development. The PSS/CD Unit Manager will work in close collaboration with the MEAL Unit to ensure communities are involved from the start until the end of each program and that feedback is collected and the learnings are at the foundation of any future programming and requests for funding. 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, planning and management skills, along with technical expertise in PSS, community development, promoting equality and combating gender-based violence (GBV), protection, mental health (MH), social behavioral change, and social cohesion programs, and a passion for empowering communities through transformative, locally driven change. The PSS/CD Unit Manager will oversee the 3 Technical Thematic Leads 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/CD Unit and its 3 Technical Thematic Leads, and provide strategic direction to SEED on its cross-cutting strategic objective to engage and empower communities.
• Develop technical strategies, guidelines, and standards for the unit and provide strategic direction and day-to-day management of SEED’s PSS and community development programming.
• Oversee development, adaptation and dissemination of technical resources, including group curricula, training manuals, facilitator guides, and standardized tools for PSS and community development interventions created by the Technical Thematic Leads.
• Support the Technical Thematic Leads with the design, adaptation and delivery of awareness-raising sessions, PSS group activities, and community development interventions.
• Collaborate with Program Managers and Coordinators to align community needs with interventions and ensure technical quality and consistency across projects.
• Ensure the formation of community led initiatives, social cohesion activities, and social behavioral change (SBC) programming.
• Ensure PSS teams have PSS outreach plans for all locations and provide inputs into new partnerships engagement.
• Identify, mitigate and manage risks related to program delivery, partnerships, safeguarding and community dynamics
• Develop policies related to PSS program implementation and community engagement and accountability.
• Ensure the development of partnerships to enhance SEED’s PSS portfolio.
• 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.
• Support the recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of Thematic Leads, PSS facilitators and coordinators working on various programs and across locations.

Reporting, MEAL, and Communications (30%)

• Work closely with the MEAL unit to ensure communities are actively engaged throughout the whole programming cycle.
• Support with the development and adaptation of MEAL tools that collect information from communities, stakeholders, and other relevant parties to ensure community based ownership.
• 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, and use data to inform program adjustments and quality improvements.
• 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.

Essential criteria:

• 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, MH, 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.

TO APPLY:

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via the apply button below no later than February 28, 2026.
• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Only complete applications will be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.