External Counselor (multiple positions)

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a locally-registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering quality and holistic approaches, combining international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan. SEED’s programming focuses on four key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive MHPSS services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-building programs; 3) promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals; and, 4) supporting the protection and recovery of survivors of trafficking, including through SEED’s shelter for victims of trafficking and those at risk, after care services, and prevention work to reduce the risk of trafficking through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy for legal, regulatory, policy, process, and institutional changes.

SEED Foundation provides its staff external counseling services through its Wellbeing Program which is designed to help staff who are in need of additional external psychological support, either due to exposure to stress and trauma through their work activities, or other job related stressors. SEED is looking for an experienced counselor/psychologist to provide in person or remote counseling services to its staff. The external counselor will work on a consultancy contract. SEED is looking for counselors who speak in English, Arabic, and Kurdish (Sorani and Badini).

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.

Specific Tasks:

• Coordinate and manage sessions directly with SEED Staff.
• Participate in confidential administrative and report mechanisms for payment without disclosing names.
• Provide confidential individual counseling services to SEED staff.
• Assess the mental health needs of staff and provide therapeutic/counseling interventions.
• Help clients define goals, plan action and gain insight.
• Provide group debriefing sessions when needed/requested by SEED.

Essential criteria:

• Master’s degree in psychology, clinical social work, mental health, or other related fields.
• Relevant experience as a therapist/psychotherapist/psychologist.
• Preferred licensed mental health provider (LMFT, LCSW) or relevant training/similar roles.
• Ability to apply mental health counseling methods and techniques.
• Ability to work in confidential settings with individuals who are experiencing difficulties, to help them overcome their problems and to make appropriate changes to their lives.
• 5-7 years of experience in providing direct therapeutic interventions to clients.
• Previous experience in working with staff in a similar role in the humanitarian and development sector.
• Knowledge of protection and MHPSS activities/and or related fields.
• Preferred contextual knowledge of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
• Excellent communication skills, intrapersonal skills, and ability to establish trust
• Empathetic and compassionate.
• Languages needed: English, Arabic, and Kurdish (Sorani and Badini).
• Strong belief in human rights and gender equality.
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to gain trust and build relationships.
• Strong belief in human rights and gender equality.
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to gain trust and build relationships.