Field-based Psychologist

Who We Are

The Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) is a humanitarian, apolitical, women-led non-profit organization formally registered in the Netherlands and the United States and registered to operate in Iraq. The Foundation was established shortly after ISIS attempted to eradicate the Yezidi people in August 2014. The Free Yezidi Foundation seeks to implement projects to protect and support the most vulnerable members of the Yezidi community.

FYF is virtually headquartered in the Netherlands and the United States, with its operational base in Duhok, Iraq. The Foundation is particularly engaged with services for Yezidi survivors, with a special focus on Yezidi women and children. FYF also works to assist for all Yezidis seeking justice and accountability.

Background

FYF is implementing a multi-sectorial project intended to address a variety of issues that Yezidis face. This includes GBV prevention and response, trauma treatment, and the provision of legal services. The empowerment of women is an underlying goal of all project activities. This project also empowers religious and ethnic minority communities in northern Iraq to access compensation for ISIS related atrocities and better protection under existing laws.

Job Summary

FYF seeks a psychologist with appropriate licensure in their country of origin to provide and supervise MHPSS services during the course of the project with multiple locations in northern Iraq. This person will supervise local psychologists and social workers, and provide case consultations to them. The psychologist will ideally have a strong background in trauma, with 5+ years of experience, ideally with a strong knowledge of both CBT and EMDR therapy techniques. Experience treating sexual trauma, and loss of loved ones through acts of violence, is highly desired.

The psychologist will be integral in daily activity, interacting regularly with both staff members and beneficiaries with the help of translators, who will remain with the psychologist throughout the workday.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform several functions:

• Conduct psychological assessments and plan the appropriate interventions for the beneficiaries.
• Ensure regular and proper use of psychometric scales.
• Provide individual therapy sessions.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper documentation of clinical details in case files.
• Adhere to do-no-harm principles.
• Train, support and monitor local psychologists and social workers.
• Monitor the quality of care.
• Support the identification process of the beneficiaries, especially those in need of specific support.
• Permanently evaluate gaps related to mental health and psychosocial support.
• Coordinate on protection issues at the field level.

The psychologists will be expected to work from 8am – 12pm, and from 1pm – 4pm, Sunday – Thursday (the Iraqi work week). Some assignments may require after work hours.

Qualifications

• University degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related mental health discipline.
• Previous experience with international or local NGOs.
• Experience providing direct MHPSS services to vulnerable individuals, including women, minorities and children.
• Experience providing MHPSS services to survivors of torture and/or war violence strongly preferred.
• Able to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to communicate in English.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and humanitarian values.
• A strong commitment to human rights and to international standards relating to human rights.
• Proven ability to calmly, professionally, and successfully manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge and understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation concepts.
• Experience with Windows platform, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills, with the ability to proactively problem solve and find solutions.
• Demonstrates initiative and is comfortable working in a group, as well as independently.
• Ability to reside and work within Kurdistan Region of Iraq
• Ability to provide clear direction and management for remote partners.

The most essential qualities for this position include compassion, cultural sensitivity, dedication, professionalism, patience, integrity, emotional strength, ability to work as part of a team, and respect for the vulnerable and suffering. The psychologist will be a source of support for the beneficiaries and staff members, and will therefore be called upon to listen to and understand the problems and anxieties of all around.

Upon Joining FYF

FYF has non-disclosure and liability waiver clauses in the contract for all employers upon joining the team. All paperwork and related documents will be managed between the time that the job offer is sent and the incumbent begins work, including agreeing to the FYF code of conduct.