About MECS
Middle East Consulting Solutions (MECS) is a research entity with established bases in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Currently, we are also in the process of registering in Erbil, Iraq.
MECS is a hub of highly skilled experts with proven track records who are dedicated to providing services and contributing to improving the quality and effectiveness of the humanitarian and development sectors.
We operate under the belief that projects with more sustainable approaches and accountability are crucial to the progress and strengthening of the humanitarian and development fields. This includes building higher capacities within areas of interest in the MENA region, creating stronger teams that can conduct different types of high-calibre research, and ensuring that quality and accountability are set as priorities among all stakeholders in the field.
About the Vacancy
MECS is seeking a detail-oriented field researcher and third-party monitor with a critical eye, strong interviewing competence, and excellent observation and analytical skills.
IMPORTANT: Because of the nature of the work, which will be heavily based in women’s empowerment and protection, this specific vacancy is only open to female candidates.
Post Location
The office is based in Erbil. Field activities will primarily be based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, but may expand to include additional sites in other regions of Iraq during the contract. While MECS is responsible for all logistics and transportation costs associated with data collection activities, no relocation packages are offered for candidates residing outside of Erbil.
Expected Roles
The expected duties and responsibilities include the following key elements, generally to take place based on set schedules:
· Conducting regular onsite visits to organisations’ centres for direct observation, quality checks, and other monitoring exercises using structured and semi-structured data collection tools.
· Interviewing organisation staff and technical advisors.
· Interviewing (female) project beneficiaries, taking into consideration trauma-informed interviewing and survivor-centred approaches.
· Checking organisational adherence to documentation, policies and procedures, and SOPs as needed (may include technical as well as administrative documents).
· Assisting MECS with its outreach efforts with local and international humanitarian organisations operating in Iraq, if necessary.
Required Qualifications
- Degree in mental health, social work, or other relevant fields.
- Language fluency in English, Arabic, and Kurdish.
- Mastery of working with survivors of GBV and at-risk groups, with focus on trauma-informed interviewing and survivor-centred approaches
- Strong skills conducting direct observation exercises, as well as structured and semi-structured interviews
- Ability to work on the ground in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (primarily) and elsewhere in Iraq (as/if necessary).
- Mobility, willingness to conduct field visits within the KRI region, with potential expansion/travel to other areas at a later stage.
Desirable Qualifications
• Previous experience in the humanitarian sector, more specifically GBV and protection. If no such experience, willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of beneficiary data collection standards and ethics. If no such knowledge, willingness to learn.
• Previous experience monitoring organisational policies and procedures.
• Good networks with different actors and stakeholders will be a strong advantage.
How to apply
Interested in applying for this position?
Please send your CV and a brief note detailing why you are the best candidate for this position to [email protected] by September 4, 2021. The title of the email should be [YOUR NAME] – Iraq GBV Researcher.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesiniraq.com) you saw this job posting.