Mission: Training Psychosocial Support for disaster-affected vulnerable groups

Line management: Under the supervision of Expertise France and with the support of the EF field coordinator based in Erbil, the PSS Expert reports to the Project Manager based in Paris.

Country or Region: Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI)

Duration of the mission: National mission.

Phase 1: Initial generic training (4 session of 3 days in May 2025)

Phase 2: Coaching – On-site coaching (4 coaching session of 3 days in September 2025)

1.    Project context description

1. Expertise France

Expertise France is France’s public agency and interministerial actor in charge of international technical cooperation, the second-largest in Europe. As a subsidiary of Agence Française de Développement Group (AFD Group), it designs and implements projects that sustainably strengthen public policies in developing and emerging countries. Expertise France works in key areas of development: governance, security, climate change, health, education, and more. Alongside its partners, it contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more information: www.expertisefrance.fr

1. The project

The “Disaster Risk Management for KRI” project, launched in November 2024 for an 18-month duration with a budget of 1.54 million EUR, aims to enhance the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s disaster response capabilities. Focusing on reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses caused by disasters—especially water-related events and urban fires—the project will support key civil defense and emergency management institutions in KRI.

Key activities include providing specialized equipment for water rescue and urban fire training, strengthening operational capabilities through targeted training programs, and improving psychosocial support services for vulnerable groups affected by disasters. Additionally, the project will improve flood risk management through enhanced contingency planning and awareness campaigns. By focusing on both preparedness and response, the project seeks to build a more resilient KRI that is better equipped to handle future disasters.

2.     Mission description

General objective

Flood events have become increasingly recurrent in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), particularly during the winter and spring months when heavy rains and rapid snowmelt from the surrounding mountains exacerbate the risk. The region’s vulnerability is heightened by factors such as insufficient urban planning, inadequate drainage systems, and deforestation, which contribute to soil erosion and the reduced ability of the land to absorb water.

Flooding has recently caused several casualties and significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and homes, displacing thousands of people and putting immense pressure on local response systems. Despite ongoing efforts to improve disaster risk management, the frequency and intensity of floods continue to challenge the region’s ability to effectively prepare for and respond to such events. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced flood mitigation strategies, better early warning systems, improved response capacities and increased public awareness to reduce the devastating impacts of these recurrent disasters.

Another crucial aspect of disaster preparedness is investing in Psycho-Social Support (PSS) training, which equips local teams with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and address mental health challenges or distress caused by suffering and loss, particularly among social groups with specific vulnerabilities.

Providing these trainings in disaster-prone areas is essential for enabling first responders to assist individuals who have been exposed to severe trauma from natural disasters, which can result in long-term psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and loss of hope for the future. With the right training, responders can offer immediate emotional support and sustained care, helping affected individuals manage the shock and rebuild their resilience.

The mission of the expert will be to accompany a group of selected trainers (Approx. 12) with an initial ToT in a first phase before a coaching period for the selected trainers (support during training sessions + debriefing and remote consultation to increase the confidence of the trainers.

Description of the tasks to be assigned

Phase 1:

1. Initial generic training that should include among others:

• To highlight fundamentals concepts of stress triggers in emergencies
• To acknowledge specific acute stress induced by natural hazards (floods, earthquake) or man-made hazards (urban fires) : stress, loss, trauma, grief.
• To understand the specific psychological challenges of vulnerable groups (woman-headed households, people with disabilities, etc…)
• To develop empathy and effective communication skills
• To identify and implement coping strategies and resilience-building techniques
• To learn about community resources and networks available for additional support

2. Production of a curriculum for sensitization sessions to be conducted by the Kurdish trainers for community leaders, civil defence first responders, Rapid Response Units (RRU) first responders, municipalities workers, etc…

This curriculum will be produced based on the observations made during the initial training and should be adapted to the cultural context of the KRI.

Phase 2: Coaching in KRI + remote support

• Attendance to sensitization sessions conducted by selected trainers and support during the session if needed
• Direct debriefing with the trainers and advice
• Online debriefing support after the first sessions conducted by selected trainers in full autonomy.

Details:

• The ToT audience will be 12 identified Kurdish trainers from different background and organizations (Civil Defence, JCC/Rapid Response Units, Red Crescent Society, NGOs).
• The training will be conducted in Kurdish
• The location for the training in KRI will be decided based on the recommendations of the JCC (Joint Crisis Coordination Center of KRG).

Deliverables

Following deliverables will be required from the mission team:

• Program for the initial generic training un-jobs.net organization of the sessions;
• Initial training report;
• Sensitization session curriculum
• Teaching support (definitions, concepts, principles of listening, actions, telephone numbers, resources, etc.) for the trainers end of training report including clear recommendations for the beneficiary organizations.

All documents become the property of Expertise France upon submission by the expert.

Specific provisions

Terms of payment:

Fixed price payment for the services provided by the expert including preparation, transportation, per diem and end-of-mission reports.

Safety – Security : The contractor undertakes to comply with the Expertise France Security Procedure in use.

1.    Required expert profile

• Educational Background: A degree in psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatry, or a related field. Advanced certifications in mental health, trauma care, or psychosocial support are highly desirable;
• At least 5-7 years of practical experience in providing psychosocial support, particularly in disaster or conflict settings;
• Familiarity with internationally recognized PSS frameworks and guidelines (e.g., WHO PSS guidelines, Sphere Standards, IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings);
• Experience in disaster contexts and specific vulnerabilities of some groups of people;
• Experience in training;
• Strong leadership, teaching, and communication abilities;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment. A deep knowledge of the Middle East culture is highly preferred;
• Written and spoken proficiency in Kurdish and English is required.