MHPSS & Livelihoods Project Manager (Female candidate with MHPSS background)
Number of Positions: 1 (Female Only)
Location: Duhok Governorate, Iraq
Duration: 1 Year (with possibility of extension based on performance and funding)
Reports to: Regional Director
Publishing Date: 3rd Nov 2025
Application Deadline: 15th November 2025
About Us
The Lotus Flower is a non-governmental organization which is legally registered in the Federal Government of Baghdad and KRI. The Lotus Flower programs empower vulnerable women, girls and other community members so that they are safe, have opportunities to learn, the tools to become financially independent and the freedom to lead change. We provide safe social spaces inside refugee & IDP camps and implement projects to help them rebuild their lives and earn a living. We run multiple women’s and children centers for the IDP, refugee and host community in Iraq and have mobile teams in areas where static centers are not feasible.
The Lotus Flower services work to fill resource gaps by providing community-responsive programming which changes over time in response to feedback, but revolves around 6 pillars from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:
Health & Safety (including MHPSS)
Education and Livelihoods
Peacebuilding & Human Rights
Climate Change
We aim to provide the foundation for women, girls and other needed community members to rebuild themselves, their families, and their futures. As local implementers, we work at the grassroots level to get right into the heart of communities, listening to local needs and employing local communities to implement the programs.
Our main fundamental belief is that women and girls are powerful drivers of change, and we provide the support they need to reach their full potential and rebuild their futures. We strive for a world where they are safe from violence, free to access education, and are empowered to participate in their communities to drive social and economic change from within. We are investing in the future of women and girls because they play a vital role in resurrecting and strengthening communities. As local implementers, we work at the grassroots level to get right into the heart of communities. To ensure we meet their needs, we listen to the local community and employ local women to implement the programs.
The Lotus Flower has been widely recognized for its impactful and innovative work in advancing women's rights, economic empowerment, and justice for survivors. In 2021, the organization was honored with the CARE International Partnership Award, a prestigious recognition granted every four years to celebrate the professionalism and commitment of CARE’s global partners. Further affirming its dedication to women’s economic independence, The Lotus Flower received the IValues Award from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation under the “Economy and Jobs” category for the success and significance of its Women’s Business Incubation project. The organization also gained international acclaim through the PILnet Global Partnership Award for its groundbreaking initiative “Accountability for Yazidi Survivors of Atrocities by Da’esh,” which was recognized as one of the best cross-sectoral pro bono legal collaborations worldwide. Additionally, The Lotus Flower was a proud recipient of the UNHCR Innovation Award in 2022, further highlighting its commitment to delivering creative, impactful solutions for vulnerable communities.
Position Overview
The MHPSS & Livelihoods Project Manager (Female) will be responsible for leading the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a comprehensive project integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) with livelihoods programming for women and girls in Duhok Governorate.
She will ensure that all project components are aligned with international MHPSS standards, livelihoods best practices, and The Lotus Flower’s strategic objectives. The Project Manager will provide technical and managerial leadership to the project team, ensuring high-quality delivery, strong coordination, and positive outcomes for beneficiaries.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Project Management
Lead the overall planning, implementation, and supervision of MHPSS and Livelihoods activities across all project locations, ensuring adherence to objectives, targets, timelines, and budget.
Develop detailed project work plans, activity schedules, and monitoring tools in collaboration with the M&E and technical teams.
Ensure integration between psychosocial support interventions and livelihoods activities to promote holistic well-being and sustainable empowerment for women and girls.
Conduct regular monitoring and quality assurance visits to project sites, identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions.
Coordinate the design and execution of needs assessments, baseline and endline surveys, and community consultations to inform programming.
Facilitate regular team meetings and cross-departmental coordination to ensure effective communication and problem-solving.
Ensure that all activities comply with donor regulations, The Lotus Flower’s policies, and global MHPSS and protection standards (e.g., IASC Guidelines).
Lead on risk management, safeguarding, and protection mainstreaming throughout the project cycle.
2. Human Resources Management
Supervise and mentor the project team, including MHPSS facilitators, case workers, livelihood trainers, and support staff.
Oversee recruitment, induction, and capacity building of project staff in collaboration with the HR Department.
Conduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching, and ensure a positive, supportive team environment.
Ensure that all staff adhere to organizational HR policies, safeguarding principles, and the Code of Conduct.
Identify staff development needs and facilitate relevant trainings in MHPSS, case management, and livelihoods approaches.
3. Financial, Administrative, and Logistical Management
Oversee project budget management, ensuring expenditures are in line with approved allocations and donor requirements.
Collaborate with the Finance Department on monthly budget tracking, forecasts, and variance analysis.
Support the Logistics Department in developing and implementing procurement plans for project activities and materials.
Ensure compliance with The Lotus Flower’s financial and administrative procedures, and raise alerts for any discrepancies.
Contribute to financial reporting and support audits as required.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL)
Work closely with the M&E team to develop indicators, monitoring tools, and data collection methodologies specific to MHPSS and Livelihoods outcomes.
Contribute to donor and internal reports, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based documentation of project achievements and lessons learned.
Promote adaptive management through data-driven decision-making and ongoing reflection with project staff and stakeholders.
Document success stories, best practices, and innovative approaches for organizational learning and external visibility.
5. Coordination and Representation
Represent The Lotus Flower in coordination meetings, cluster forums (e.g., MHPSS and Livelihoods Working Groups), and with relevant governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with local authorities, UN agencies, INGOs, and community-based organizations.
Ensure effective coordination and referral mechanisms with protection, GBV, and health actors to provide comprehensive support to beneficiaries.
Contribute to resource mobilization by supporting proposal development and identifying new partnership opportunities.
Qualifications and Preferred Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, Counseling, Development Studies, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
3–5 years of progressive experience in MHPSS, Livelihoods or protection programming within humanitarian or development settings.
Minimum 3 years of proven management experience, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams and complex project implementation.
Demonstrated experience in integrating MHPSS and livelihoods interventions to support women’s empowerment and resilience.
Solid understanding of case management principles, protection referral pathways, and trauma-informed care approaches.
Familiarity with IASC MHPSS Guidelines, Sphere Standards, and Do No Harm principles.
Strong skills in project cycle management (planning, budgeting, reporting, and M&E).
Excellent coordination, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work diplomatically on sensitive issues.
Proficiency in English and Arabic and/or Kurdish (written and spoken).
Strong command of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital project management tools.
Proactive, creative, and solutions-oriented leader with a commitment to gender equality, accountability, and community participation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their updated CV and a cover letter (in PDF or Word format only) to: careers@thelotusflower.org please mention “MHPSS & Livelihoods Project Manager – Duhok” in the subject line of your email.
Important Notes:
Only female candidates will be considered for this position.
Applications without a subject line or submitted as screenshots/pictures will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications received after the deadline (15th November 2025) will not be accepted.