WPE Community Mobiliser

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The organization has a significant presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, with ongoing efforts to expand into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 700 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The organization plays a pivotal role in Syria's NGO, donor, and coordination forums, adapting its strategies to the evolving context of the region. As of December 2024, the IRC has initiated operations in Damascus to engage in coordination structures for newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast Syria (NES), Northwest Syria (NWS), and other previously unreachable locations in South and Central Syria. This expansion aims to maximize coverage and efficiency in their humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The WPE Community Mobiliser is a vital position within the IRC's Syria response, specifically aimed at supporting women and girls in the Al-Hasaka, Deir Ezzor, and Ar-Raqqa governorates. This role is integral to the implementation of the Economic and Social Empowerment (EA$E) initiative, which focuses on empowering women through financial literacy, economic skills, and social empowerment discussions. The mobiliser will engage with communities, particularly women and their partners, to lead structured discussions that challenge harmful gender norms, promote healthy relationships, and enhance women's decision-making power within their households and communities. The role also involves leading outreach efforts, risk mitigation strategies, and community mobilization activities, ensuring that information is effectively disseminated and that the needs of women and girls are addressed through tailored response strategies. The mobiliser will work closely with the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) sector to integrate economic empowerment discussions into the EA$E sessions, ensuring a comprehensive approach that combines gender and economic elements for the participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WPE Community Mobiliser will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including leading structured discussions with women business owners to address the impact of gender roles on entrepreneurship and household dynamics. They will facilitate gender discussion sessions using the EA$E toolkit, ensuring inclusivity and safety during these sessions. The mobiliser will also provide basic Psychological First Aid (PFA) to participants who disclose distress or experiences of gender-based violence (GBV), ensuring safe and confidential referrals to GBV case management services. Collaboration with the ERD team to support Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) will be essential, as will engaging community members and leaders to mobilize participants for EA$E sessions. The mobiliser will maintain detailed records of discussion outcomes and feedback while ensuring confidentiality. They will also mentor local partner staff, organize opportunities for practical learning, and support data gathering on the impact of EA$E discussions and VSLA integration. Participation in field-level coordination meetings and awareness-raising activities with local leadership will also be part of the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an institute certificate or other advanced technical qualifications in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, education, or related areas. A minimum of secondary education completion is required. Additionally, approximately one year of professional experience in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs, particularly in supporting the protection and empowerment of women and girls, or experience in Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) programs is necessary. Proven experience in facilitating group discussions and community mobilization is essential, along with skills in providing Psychological First Aid (PFA). Familiarity with women's economic empowerment frameworks, such as the EA$E toolkit, is preferred, and previous experience in emergency or conflict-affected settings is desired.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an institute certificate or advanced technical qualifications in relevant fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, or education. A minimum of secondary education is mandatory, with higher qualifications being advantageous for candidates.

Experience:
The position requires approximately one year of professional experience in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs or Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) programs. Candidates should have experience in facilitating group discussions and community mobilization, as well as skills in providing Psychological First Aid (PFA). Experience in emergency or conflict-affected settings is also desirable.

Languages:
Arabic is a mandatory language for this position, while proficiency in Kurdish and English is considered an added advantage. Effective communication in these languages is crucial for engaging with the community and facilitating discussions.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Syria and involves 100% travel to field sites, as well as attendance at regional and global workshops and meetings. The IRC strongly encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization is committed to attracting, motivating, and retaining qualified national staff in its programs. The role adheres to the IRC's professional standards, emphasizing integrity, service, accountability, and equality, and requires compliance with policies on beneficiary protection, child safeguarding, and anti-workplace harassment.