SALAM YOUTH project Social Worker

Background:

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is an international non-profit aid organization with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland and works in more than 30 countries in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) country office in Iraq wants to recruit social workers in Kirkuk.

General job description:

HEKS/EPER will implements (SALAM YOUTH) Sustainable Actions for Life through Arts and Music with YOUTH in Iraq,

The project will aim to advocate for a paradigm shift away from youth as victims or perpetrators of violence and towards supporting youth as a force for peacebuilding. The overall objective will therefore be: –     To facilitate the social integration of youth at risk of recruitment to violent extremism within governorates of Kirkuk. Salah al-din, and Anbar.  The theory of change is the following:

If vulnerable youth (IDPs, returnees, secondary displaced, CAAFAGs) aged 15-24 years old have the social competency skills (around self-awareness, leadership, advocacy, conflict management, and art for peace), then youth can become peace agents within their communities; thereby supporting social integration of marginalized youth and decreasing the risk of recruitment to violent extremism. The aim of the project will be to enable Vulnerable youth (age 15-24) attain relevant social competency skills that support social integration between returnees and host communities. This will be done through:

• Training of Art institutions staff, volunteer groups and NGO social workers to enable them gain skills in Social Competencies for Peace and become active to mitigate risk of recruitment to violent extremism and promote peace.
• Creation of Community Peace and Reintegration Teams composed of Youth from different sectarian groups.
• Provide activities to Youth from different sectarian groups in detention and in the community to enable them to improve their artistic skills.
• Facilitate advocacy events that promote peace and integration of all within communities.

HEKS/EPER is looking for social workers who support the peace and reintegration teams and facilitate social skills sessions with the youth.

HEKS/EPER expects its personnel to behavior in accordance with local culture and traditions. The incumbent assures the moral protection of the name of HEKS/EPER and upholds in all circumstances the interests of the organization.

HEKS/EPER intervenes without any affiliation to politics, religion, or financial profit. The incumbent will direct his or her activities and engagements without preoccupation of political, racial or religious affiliation.

Child Safeguarding

1.1. Support the PM in the identification of child protection issues and trends, and communicate these in a timely manner, and with utmost respect for confidentiality and dignity concerns.

1.2. Ensure that timely and appropriate action is taken to mitigate child protection risks.

1.3. Monitor the functionality and adequateness of feedback and complaint mechanisms, their safety and accessibility.

1.4. Make sure that child safeguarding considerations are systematically taken into account in activity planning and implementation. Raises through appropriate channels of communication any child protection and child safeguarding concern that arises during the project period.

1.5. Identify problem and bottlenecks associated with the delivery of the program and timely inform the line manager, proactively participating to suggest solutions.

Job requirements:

Required Competencies: This function requires the Personal, Social and Leadership Competencies (PSLC), Technical and Methodological Competencies (TMC) and Management and Strategic Competencies.

Skills:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (social work, psychology, education, social sciences, etc.).
2. The ability to communicate effectively with children and adults, local authorities, and other partners, and express oneself in a clear and concise way.
3. Good command of Arabic, Turkmani, Kurdish and English are required. (Kirkuk local languages are required)
4. Superior organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and to take initiative, with a result-oriented approach and positive attitude.
5. At least two years of humanitarian experience is required. Previous NGO experience, and especially Psyschosocial support or peace education experience, is a distinct advantage.
6. Proficient capacity building skills and previous capacity building experience.
7. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
8. Reliable to handle confidential and sensitive information.
9. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties.
10. Ability to work in unstable, uncertain or potentially dangerous environments, independently and in a team.
11. Strong cross-cultural communication and resilience skills.
12. Excellent skills in organization, attention to detail, and time management.
13. Ability to cope with stress, including working under pressure to meet deadlines.
14. Ability to take initiative and adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
15. Commitment to and understanding of HEKS/EPER’s vision, mission, values, and principles.
16. Must be culturally and gender-sensitive both in personal interactions and communication.
17. Understanding of the development and humanitarian contexts in Iraq. Knowledge of Iraqi’s regions would be an advantage.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their Application CV and Cover Letter to the address:

[email protected] 

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

specifying in the e-mail subject:              HEKS/IRQ23004

• Only PDF applications will be considered.
• Please note that any late application or incomplete submission after the closure date will not be considered and thus will be disregarded immediately.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.