Job Overview
Background
Asuda Organization for Combating Violence against Women is a non-for-profit local organization which was founded in 2000 and registered in 2001 with the Ministry of Humanitarian Assistance and Cooperation in Sulimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan. Asuda is dedicated to combating violence against women through an institutional and systematic approach to enhance the status of women regardless of differences in ethnic grouping and religious background. Asuda’s strategy underscores a multifaceted approach to addressing violence against women through protection, awareness, research, capacity building, and empowerment.
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director and the oversight of the Director, the Advocacy Manager will ensure effective implementation of Asuda’s activity Iraqi Female Changemakers project.
Free Yazidi Foundation, in collaboration with Asuda and other consortium partners, is launching the transformative Changemakers program, which aims to advance gender equality and empower religious and ethnic minority (REM) women in Iraq by facilitating their meaningful involvement and participation in decision-making processes at all levels. The program spans across 9 locations in Federal Iraq and the KRI, focusing on equipping REM women with conflict resolution skills, advocacy strategies, and the tools necessary for their meaningful participation in civic and political processes and improved social cohesion.
The Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in driving programmatic objectives in Sulaimani, and Halabja, ensuring the successful implementation of advocacy, training, and coalition building activities, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth understanding of Iraq’s socio-political landscape and legislative frameworks, with a focus on women’s and minority rights in Iraq. The Advocacy Manager will perform duties and responsibilities primarily at Sulaimani office, but should be available for travel between Asuda offices and other project locations within Iraq.
This is a full-time position.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform several functions:
- Lead the development of a customized training module focused on addressing SGBV, Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU), women’s rights, and mitigating risks related to women’s engagement in civic and political spheres.
- Coordinate the delivery of training sessions on advocacy strategies, including online campaigns, social media activism, and direct lobbying, tailored to the needs of REM women.
- Lead the execution of advocacy-related activities, including conflict resolution training, coalition building, and the development of Community Action Plans across designated locations.
- Supervise and support Outreach Officers in conducting community outreach and capacity-building activities.
- Collaborate with consortium partners to ensure synchronicity in programmatic activities and facilitate learning exchanges.
- Facilitate partnerships with local women’s rights groups and other activist organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts and promote gender equality.
- Establish and maintain relationships with institutional stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and clan and religious leaders, laying the groundwork for policy reform and the successful implementation of Changemakers’ Community Action Plans.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, law, gender studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in advocacy, civic engagement, or human rights work, with a focus on women’s rights or minority groups in Iraq.
- Fluency in Arabic, Kurdish, and English.
- Proven track record of managing complex projects and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government, civil society, and community leaders.
- Strong knowledge of Iraq’s socio-political landscape and legislative frameworks, particularly related to the rights of women and minorities.
- Excellent oral and written communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Familiarity with digital advocacy tools and platforms is an advantage.
- Demonstrated capacity to work in multicultural environments.
- A genuine commitment to living and working at the community level, improving the lives of persecuted religious minorities and social cohesion in Iraq.
- Strong computer skills.
- Ability to work in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as Federal Iraq.
The most essential qualities for this position include compassion, cultural sensitivity, ability to navigate complex social dynamics, integrity, emotional strength, ability to work as part of a team, and respect for the vulnerable and suffering.
What We Offer
Asuda provides ongoing learning and professional development opportunities for all employees and is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for personal and professional growth.
This role provides a unique platform to influence policymaking and grassroots civil society organization in Iraq, while at the same time make a meaningful impact for vulnerable populations in Iraq. With its broad reach and aims to mobilize a robust network of community- and government level stakeholders, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, build on your leadership capabilities, and establish long-lasting relationships with community members and authorities.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
More Information
- How to apply How To Apply All candidates interested in this position should send their CV and cover letter of interest to Asuda's Human Resources team with “Advocacy Manager” in the subject line by 20 Sept 2024 to [email protected]