Deadline: 05.05.2025
Job Title: Social Cohesion Officer
Location: Sinjar, Ninewa Governorate, Iraq
Employer: House of Co-Existence (HOC)
Contract Type: Full-time (11 Months)
About the House of Co-Existence (HOC):
The House of Co-Existence (HOC) is a multicultural community center based in Sinjar, dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, and social cohesion, with a special focus on empowering youth and women in post-conflict areas. Established by 2019 Aurora Prize Laureate Mirza Dinnayi, HOC operates as an independent, non-profit NGO under Iraqi Law No. 12/2010. Since its registration in June 2021, HOC has become a leading civil society initiative nationally, frequently visited by international guests and diplomatic missions. It provides a safe and inclusive space for cultural, educational, legal, and psychosocial support and acts as a platform for collaboration between local and international organizations.
Job Overview:
The Social Cohesion Officer will lead the implementation of social cohesion activities in Sinjar as part of HOC’s integrated peacebuilding and community development program. The Officer will work closely with HOC’s team, community members, peace committees, and local authorities to foster dialogue, trust, and cooperation across diverse groups. This includes supporting community-based initiatives, awareness campaigns, and establishing representative structures such as Peace and Natural Resource Management Committees (NRMCs).
Key Responsibilities:
Program Implementation:
- Lead recruitment, supervision, and training of enumerators and oversee data collection to identify community needs and priorities.
- Facilitate community dialogue sessions with diverse participants to identify common challenges and foster collective solutions.
- Support the formation or strengthening of Peace Committees, provide training on conflict resolution, and coordinate regular meetings.
- Guide Peace Committees in designing and implementing peace initiatives, including cultural exchange events.
- Organize awareness campaigns on peacebuilding and conflict management, targeting individuals through in-person and online sessions.
- Support the establishment of a Natural Resource Management Committee (15–20 members) and facilitate pilot initiatives and climate-related advocacy.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Ensure proper documentation of all activities, including attendance sheets, reports, and photos.
- Maintain up-to-date records of indicator progress and regularly update activity databases in coordination with M&E staff.
- Collect beneficiary feedback and integrate lessons learned into program improvements.
Coordination & Networking:
- Liaise with local authorities, CSOs, and community leaders to support inclusive participation and local ownership.
- Represent HOC in relevant forums related to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and climate adaptation.
- Support facilitation of external visits and learning events as needed.
Administrative & Logistical Support:
- Contribute to activity planning, procurement requests, logistics, and coordination with supply chain staff.
- Ensure compliance with HOC’s policies and procedures in documentation, archiving, and reporting.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Peacebuilding, Governance, or related field.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience implementing community-based or peacebuilding projects, preferably in conflict-affected areas.
- Proven experience with community mobilization, facilitating dialogue sessions, and working with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of conflict resolution, social cohesion methodologies, and climate adaptation is highly desirable.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Fluent in Arabic and Kurmanji; knowledge of English is an asset.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Supervision:
This position will be supervised by the Programs’ Deputy Lead.
Competencies:
- Ability to build trust with diverse community groups.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Flexible, proactive, and culturally sensitive.
- Commitment to HOC’s mission of peace and coexistence.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected]
Please mention the Job Title in the subject line.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.