About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent national NGO in Iraq, committed to supporting Internally Displaced Persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities across all Iraqi cities and governorates. With operations in key regions such as Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Nineveh, Diyala, and Basra, AGO focuses on rebuilding lives and promoting inclusivity for all, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Aid Gate Organization is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Disability Inclusion Officer, leading efforts to ensure that all aspects of our programming are inclusive of people with disabilities. The officer will work closely with the project team, partners, and beneficiaries to ensure disability inclusion in livelihood interventions, training programs, and community engagement activities. The role also involves advocating for the rights of PWDs and ensuring compliance with inclusion standards.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Disability-Inclusive Program Design & Implementation:

• Ensure that all project activities, including vocational training, job placement, and MSME support, are accessible and inclusive for PWDs.
• Collaborate with the Livelihood Specialist and field officers in Raqqa, Hajin, and Kasra to design and implement interventions that address the unique needs of PWDs.
• Oversee the adaptation of training curricula and materials to ensure they are inclusive of individuals with various types of disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments.
• Provide input to the market assessment to ensure that employment opportunities identified are accessible and suitable for PWDs.

Technical Support & Capacity Building:

• Provide technical advice and coaching to project staff, trainers, and partners on best practices for disability inclusion.
• Conduct disability awareness and sensitivity training for project staff, trainers, and local businesses to promote an understanding of inclusive hiring and workplace practices.
• Support local businesses in adapting their work environments to accommodate PWDs, including making physical adjustments and creating disability-friendly policies.

Monitoring & Evaluation of Disability Inclusion:

• Ensure that disability inclusion is effectively monitored and reported on throughout the project cycle.
• Work closely with the M&E team to track inclusion indicators, including the participation of PWDs in training and employment outcomes.
• Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned and best practices for disability inclusion to improve future programming.
• Monitor the accessibility of training centers, workplaces, and materials, ensuring that necessary accommodations are provided.

Advocacy & Awareness:

• Advocate for the rights of PWDs, both within the project and in the broader community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
• Support awareness-raising initiatives aimed at challenging stigma and promoting the inclusion of PWDs in economic activities and community life.
• Collaborate with local disability organizations, government entities, and NGOs to promote inclusive practices and advocate for policy changes where needed.

Collaboration & Partnership Building:

• Engage with disability-focused organizations, advocacy groups, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and promote inclusion across all project activities.
• Work closely with employers to promote the hiring of PWDs, ensuring they understand the benefits of an inclusive workforce and the available resources to support PWD employees.
• Coordinate with local service providers to facilitate referrals for PWDs requiring additional services (e.g., healthcare, legal assistance, psychosocial support).

Coaching & Continuous Support:

• Provide coaching to field officers and trainers to ensure that disability inclusion is integrated into all aspects of project implementation.
• Offer continuous guidance to businesses and MSMEs on inclusive employment practices and workplace accommodations for PWDs.
• Support PWDs through individualized coaching and mentorship, helping them navigate challenges related to employment, training, and entrepreneurship.

Accessibility & Assistive Technologies:

• Ensure that assistive technologies and reasonable accommodations are made available to PWDs participating in vocational training and job placement programs.
• Collaborate with project staff to source and distribute assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, and other tools to support the inclusion of PWDs.
• Oversee the procurement and distribution of materials to ensure that PWDs have the necessary tools to fully engage in project activities and employment opportunities.

COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Disability Studies, International Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working on disability inclusion, particularly within livelihoods, economic development, or humanitarian programming.
• Strong understanding of disability rights, inclusion standards, and accessible program design.
• Experience working with PWDs, including providing direct support, advocacy, or training.
• Proven experience in building partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and government institutions to promote disability inclusion.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies and accommodations for various types of disabilities.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English is highly desirable.

AS WELL AS THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC “PROFESSIONAL” COMPETENCIES

• Strong commitment to inclusion, human rights, and disability advocacy.
• Ability to train, mentor, and coach project teams and partners on disability inclusion.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on removing barriers to participation for PWDs.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.

Interested applicants must complete the Job Application Form.

Note:

• Applications not meeting the specified minimum requirements may not be considered.
• The CVs received after the closing date may not be considered.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that may include a written test of communication and writing skills.

Due to the nature of AGO work activities, AGO demand its employee to have the highest discretion and flexibility qualities. AGO can anytime according to the needs of his mission, and change the work location of his employee. AGO can at any time update tasks on this Job Description according to the evolution of the program or strategy changes. The above-listed tasks are not exhaustive, the employee can be asked to undertake other tasks by the employer according to the competencies, to work over settings time.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the v-acancy deadline.