Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI)
ICSSI Volunteer Terms of Reference
For Positions in Baghdad, Erbil and Suleimaniya, Iraq
Deadline for applications: May 7th, 2013
The Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI) is looking for talented volunteers to join our team!
ICSSI is an advocacy initiative meant to facilitate the process of building concrete links of solidarity between international civil society organizations and the growing Iraqi civil society, through practical projects that promote human rights and support the efforts against sectarian divisions, corruption and violence. It was born out of the wide coalition that organized the biggest demonstration in world history, against the war in Iraq, in 2003, and kept on working against foreign occupation of the country, for human rights and social justice in Iraq. ICSSI implements networking and promotes communication among its members since 2009 through yearly conferences and a multi-lingual social networking platform. It now devotes major efforts to support Iraqi civil society campaigns for human rights and public freedoms.
Social platform:http://icssi08.ning.com/
English website:http://www.iraqicivilsociety.org/
Arabic website:http://www.almubadarairaq.org/
On Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/solidarityinitiative.icssi
A. Tasks and Responsibilities
1) ICSSI is currently seeking assistance in: advocacy and networking – Responsibilities will include research, campaign and resource development, reporting, outreach and social networking, events planning, and editing of English-language outreach materials.
2) Volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to all fields of our work, depending on their skills and interests. They have the chance to learn about the realities of the Middle East, specifically Iraq, participate in workshops, advocacy campaigns, seminars, and to work closely with activists striving to improve the lives of Iraqis. The selected volunteer will be working closely with Iraqi civil society, 50% of the time on ICSSI campaigns and the other 50% with the local organization.
■ Baghdad – Volunteer will be working with Tammuz or Women For Peace Organization and will be helping to organize the Iraqi Social Forum.
■ Erbil – Volunteer will be working in Al Massala Organization
■ Suleimaniya -Volunteer will be working with Civil Development Organization (CDO). Experience in writing reports and proposals is required. Gender Based Violence (GVB), environmental issues is highly preferred. Knowledge of Arabic language preferred.
B. Duration and working space:
1) Volunteers from abroad may remain in Iraq for three to six months.
2) Volunteers will work in the offices of our local partners in Iraq; these are nongovernmental organizations in the cities of Baghdad, Erbil, and Suleimaniya.
C. Required Knowledge and Experience:
1) Experience organizing events, especially knowledge of social forum methodology is highly valued;
2) A minimum of 1 year of experience or involvement in grassroots movements (peace building, anti-war, and women’s rights) or civil society organizations is required.
3) Maturity and capacity to manage complexity, cultural sensitivity and tolerance;
4) Basic knowledge and understanding of the Arabic and Kurdish culture and the general dynamics of the Iraqi context;
5) Commitment to humanitarian and human rights principles;
6) Communication and diplomatic skills, ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences;
7) Successful applicants must be fluent in English; additional fluency in Arabic is an advantage but not required;
8) Candidates with education in a related field or relevant professional experience are strongly encouraged to apply;
D. Logistics and other considerations:
1) Volunteers are required to cover their own travel, health insurance, and accommodation costs, which will vary depending on the length of their stay in Iraq. We can facilitate the search for accommodation, which will cost between $500-600/month. They are encouraged to fundraise or look for sponsors.
2) ICSSI will provide an invitation letter in order to get an Iraqi visa. The volunteer will apply for the visa in his/her home country.
3) Iraq has a highly volatile political environment and sometimes security restrictions like movement restrictions will have to be followed. Volunteers will need to be able to adapt to a changing political and security environment.
4) The accommodation in Baghdad is not based on the Green Zone, and the volunteer will not be provided with private security. The risk of explosions and attacks is still present.
E. How To Apply:
To apply for a volunteer position, please send a cover letter, a list of two references from solidarity groups or other NGO’s and brief CV to:
Attn: Johanna L. Rivera, Networking Officer Email: icssi.project@gmail.com and cc: icssi.project02@gmail.com