Sports Facilitator

About Us

Free to Run’s mission is to advance gender equity globally through running. We are a registered nonprofit/nongovernmental organization that has been operating community-led programs for adolescent girls and young women since 2014. We are known for delivering long-term, youth-led, progressive running, leadership, rights, and health programs directly to adolescent girls and young women living in protracted conflict zones. However, the longer-term impact of our work is building enduring social change – decreasing barriers to public participation, increasing women in leadership, and making power structures more equitable and inclusive. Free to Run identifies as an organization working at the intersections of feminism, human rights, development, and humanitarian interventions. 

The organization is in a position of significant growth, in terms of our strategy, reach, impact, and operating budget. In 2024, we embarked on a new three-year strategic plan that positions us to reach 50,000 people by 2026. We will meet this goal through our work across three strategic pillars: direct service (EMPOWER), capacity building for local, women-led NGOs (EQUIP), and building a global movement of activists who are passionate about gender equity and running (MOVE).

Position Overview

Erbil Sports Facilitator will be responsible for working with FTR on coaching the running activities to our “Core Team” of young athletes preparing to compete in races. Additionally, the Sports Facilitator helps in developing program activities and projects for the FTR office, supporting external communications, and administrative tasks. Performing all other tasks and responsibilities assigned for the benefit of FTR with a generous serving spirit. The Sports Facilitator will be reporting to the Deputy Program Manager. The position is part time and its based in Erbil with occasional travel to the Dohuk depending on program needs.

Core Accountabilities

1. Support Free to Run Programs in Iraq (70%)

• Assist with the design and implementation of sport activities such as running and hiking
• Coach sessions of marathon training for girls and young women who are new to sport
• Support logistics and operational aspects of the program 
• Support monitoring and evaluation analysis of the program
• Conduct outreach activities
• Contribute to social media content, including photos and videos
• Design and lead an event or activity in an IDP camp, focusing on exercise for women
• Work closely with the Program Officer and Deputy Program Manager to ensure all aspects of the program are adequately staffed and supported
• Provide general office and administrative support for FTR
• Other tasks as assigned

2. General Support and Preparation (30%)

• Assist FTR on administrative tasks
• Assist FTR staff with fundraising
• Assist FTR staff with operational tasks
• Participate in weekly team meetings
• Complete required training for in-field work (BSAFE, etc.)

Complete other activities as directed by the Deputy Program Manager and perform all other tasks and responsibilities assigned for the benefit of Free to Run with a generous and serving spirit.

Location (Duty Station)

The Sports Facilitator position is based in Erbil. Occasional travels within KRI depending on program needs. 

Working Hours

The Sports Facilitator position is a part  time job, estimated at 20 hours per week. Due to the nature of the organization’s business, hours may fluctuate outside regular core hours for Free to Run, which is 9am-1pm, with the possibility of some nights or weekends, depending on the needs of the organization. 

Remuneration

Based on experience. Aligned with market rate in Kurdistan and Iraq.

To Apply for this Position: Interested applicants can apply for the position by completing the form on our website, providing required information and uploading cover letters and CV/resume in PDF. The deadline for submission of application is 22 of January 2026.

Please Note: 

• Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates may be shortlisted before the application deadline. The Positions will remain open until filled by a qualified candidate.