MHPSS Trainer At Media in Cooperation and Transition

Vacancy/Title: Psychosocial Support Trainer – Women Journalists Iraq

Project Title: “Together We Report: Women’s Media Collective”

Output: 1 day training for a workshop implemented during December 13-16th 2024

Location: Baghdad, Iraq

About MiCT:

Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) gGmbH is a German media development organisation that implements projects in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. MiCT’s activities focus on the interplay between conflict, media coverage and reconciliation.

For the past 12 years MiCT has been conducting investigative reporting training and has produced investigative reports in cooperation with local journalists in Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan & South Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, as well as several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information on MiCT please visit our website: https://mict-international.org/

About the Project:

MiCT’s Women Journalists Fellowship promotes collaborative journalism among female reporters in Iraq through a comprehensive professional development program. Through guided teamwork, fellows strengthen their investigative reporting skills while driving positive change, promoting transparency, and enhancing public accountability.

A key component of this fellowship is specialized Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) training, designed to equip journalists with essential tools for trauma-sensitive reporting and self-care. This training recognizes the unique challenges women journalists face when covering sensitive topics and working in high-stress environments.

The fellowship provides participants with:

• Collaborative investigation opportunities
• Professional mentorship
• Tools and resources for impactful reporting
• Mental health support and resilience building
• Networks for sustainable professional growth

This holistic approach ensures fellows can produce powerful investigative journalism while maintaining their psychological well-being and protecting their sources.

Outputs:

Training Deliverables:

1. Curriculum Development:
   • Design a one-day training module on trauma-sensitive reporting
   • Focus on practical techniques for source protection and journalist self-care
   • Include exercises on identifying trauma triggers and coping mechanisms
   • Develop case studies relevant to Iraqi context
2. Mental Health Risk Assessment:
   • Create assessment tools for identifying psychological risks in conflict reporting
   • Develop safety protocols for interviewing vulnerable sources
   • Outline warning signs of secondary trauma and burnout
   • Map local mental health resources and support networks
3. Interactive Training Facilitation:
   • Conduct hands-on exercises for 15 participants
   • Lead role-play scenarios for trauma-informed interviewing
   • Guide group discussions on ethical challenges
   • Provide individualized feedback for both junior and senior journalists
4. Documentation to Submit:
   • Curriculum
     • Key learning outcomes
     • Recommendations for future training
     • Participant feedback summary

Required Skills and Experience:

Essential Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Trauma Studies, or related field; OR minimum 5 years of extensive clinical experience
• Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care and psychological support, particularly in conflict zones
• Minimum 3 years providing trauma counseling and psychosocial support to media professionals or conflict-affected communities
• Proven track record designing and facilitating trauma-informed workshops
• Experience conducting mental health risk assessments in high-stress environments
• Strong understanding of Iraq’s media landscape and sociopolitical context

Language & Communication:

• Professional fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken)
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with trauma survivors

Regional Expertise:

• Current residence in Iraq with ability to travel to Baghdad
• In-depth knowledge of Iraqi cultural and contexts and mental health practices in terms of gender
• Understanding of local support systems and resources, especially for women

Additional Requirements:

• Familiarity with journalist safety and protection protocols
• Network of local mental health professionals and resources
• Valid Iraqi work authorization