Psychosocial Support (PSS) Facilitator/Trainer At Rehabilitation, Education and Community Health

Background: Rehabilitation, Education, and Community Health (REACH) is a non-governmental, non-profit, impartial, and independent Iraqi organization founded in 1995. REACH provides humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, returnees, and vulnerable host communities, focusing on improving the lives of the people we serve.

REACH aims to support the reintegration of returnees by addressing their psychosocial well-being and enhancing soft skills. These efforts are crucial in helping returnees manage the stress and challenges they face during reintegration.

To support this goal, REACH is seeking four qualified and experienced Facilitators—two in Baghdad (one male and one female) and two in Erbil (one male and one female)—to develop and deliver psychosocial support (PSS) sessions as part of the Sustainable Reintegration in Iraq (SRI2) project. The Facilitators will collaborate with REACH and project stakeholders to tailor peer-to-peer group sessions in Baghdad and Erbil. These sessions will address the emotional and psychological needs of returnees, contributing to the broader objective of sustainable reintegration.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Deliver sessions in line with the structured PSS curriculum (see Annex 1), including interactive group methods, role-play, and peer accountability exercises.
2. Lead male or female/family peer-to-peer support groups, ensuring sessions are interactive, respectful, and aligned with the program content.
3. Create safe spaces for participants to share experiences and discuss topics such as stress management, reintegration challenges, and family dynamics.
4. Prepare session materials and exercises focusing on emotional well-being, economic empowerment, conflict resolution, and reintegration.
5. Incorporate practical exercises, such as role-playing, to improve communication and conflict resolution.
6. Deliver all sessions in Kurdish (Erbil) and Arabic (Baghdad), in line with participant preferences.
7. Coordinate with REACH staff to ensure gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate programming.
8. Collaborate with REACH field staff and Community Action Groups (CAGs) for community outreach and session logistics.
9. Address and manage challenging group dynamics, such as dominance in discussions or reluctance to participate.
10. Monitor participant progress, attendance, and engagement.
11. Complete reports and evaluations for each session.
12. Gather participant feedback to improve future sessions.
13. Identify and respond to critical psychological issues, including trauma or mental health crises, and refer participants as needed.
14. Maintain regular communication with REACH staff.
15. Submit monthly reports in English, including data, charts, challenges, success stories, and recommendations.
16. Use REACH-provided templates and indicators for standardized reporting.
17. Share contact information (phone number and email) with beneficiaries.
18. Deliver additional catch-up sessions for late-joining participants, as required.
19. Maintain confidentiality during and after the contract period, including a prohibition on sharing information with third parties.

Tasks and Requirements from the Facilitator:

• Provide hard and soft copies of session-related documentation.
• Understand humanitarian principles, including GBV, Child Protection, and Safeguarding.
• Adhere to REACH’s safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct.
• Follow instructions and coordinate closely with REACH staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of all data and processes.
• Share all reports and data exclusively with REACH.
• Remain impartial and free from religious, political, national, or sexual bias.

Duration:

• This assignment is expected to last for five months, with the possibility of extension based on program needs and performance.
• Facilitators will conduct 11 bi-weekly sessions for each group, plus one-on-one support as needed.
• Start dates will be defined by REACH.

Facilitator Specifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or at least three years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with NGOs, particularly in humanitarian contexts.
• Expertise in trauma-informed care and psychosocial support.
• Experience in conflict or post-conflict settings preferred.
• Familiarity with the challenges faced by returnees in Iraq.
• Proven experience facilitating peer-to-peer group sessions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage group dynamics and create supportive environments.
• Proficient in Arabic (Baghdad) and Kurdish (Erbil).
• Knowledge of gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and adaptable.
• Able to work effectively in diverse teams.
• Skilled in preparing reports and documentation in English.

Required Reports:

Monthly progress reports which include:

• Success stories
• Lesson learned
• Challenges and suggesting solutions

Annex 1 – Key Topics Covered in the PSS Sessions

Key Topics Covered:

1. Emotional & Psychological Support
a. Trauma Recovery: Addressing stress and trauma experienced abroad.
b. Coping Mechanisms: Teaching stress management techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation strategies.
c. Adapting to Home Culture: Identifying challenges of reintegration and mapping solutions to ease cultural re-adaptation.

2. Social Support & Conflict Resolution
a. Strengthening personal support networks (family, friends, community).
b. Negotiation and communication skills for resolving interpersonal and workplace conflicts.
c. Dialogue exercises to improve relationships and reintegration efforts.
d. Success Stories: Hosting returnees who have successfully reintegrated as role models for inspiration.

3. Identity & Sense of Belonging
a. Addressing feelings of alienation and identity loss.
b. Encouraging self-reflection exercises to help returnees reconnect with their cultural and personal identity.

4. Future Planning & Resilience Building
a. Goal-setting workshops to help returnees plan their next steps in employment, business, and personal growth.
b. Identifying strengths, resilience strategies, and ways to overcome setbacks.

5. Empowering Women in Family & Society
a. Role-playing exercises to strengthen women’s leadership in family and community.
b. Discussions on gender roles, social participation, and overcoming barriers.
c. Sharing success stories of women entrepreneurs and professionals.

6. Work-Family Balance & Stress Management
a. Strategies for managing household responsibilities and small business ventures.
b. Time management exercises, including creating structured daily routines.
c. Self-care techniques and access to mental health resources.

7. Conflict Resolution & Communication
a. Family conflict management strategies through role-playing.
b. Improving spousal and intergenerational communication for better relationships.

8. Supporting Children During Reintegration
a. Understanding children’s emotional and social adaptation needs.
b. Role-playing parent-child interactions to support children through change.
c. Connecting mothers with child-focused services.