Psychosocial Counsellor

Background

EQUALITY for Peace and Development Organization (EPDO) is a women’s rights Afghan non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 2010 to empower women and youth at the community and policy level in Afghanistan. EPDO envisions Afghanistan as a peaceful, prosperous, and welfare state where all Afghans enjoy equal rights without discrimination. Therefore, EPDO aims to increase the capacity of vulnerable groups, especially women and youth, to enable them to represent their needs in all aspects of development. EPDO focuses on various spectrums of peace, security, livelihood, and development in Afghanistan — ranging from the salient need for humanitarian assistance, economic empowerment, and continuous development processes, to long-term projects for sustainable peace.

Project Background

The project aims to empower and improve the well-being of illiterate children, youth, and adults, including girls and women, and learners from returnee and host communities in Areas of Responsibilities (AoR) and their families. This will be achieved by providing targeted case management, literacy education, and livelihood skills development to enhance protection, literacy, and promote economic empowerment, while also supporting learners in their roles as parents and caregivers to foster the holistic development of their children.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial support to project beneficiaries, including children, youth, women, and vulnerable adults, in Farah or Ghor provinces
• Conduct individual and group counselling sessions to address emotional, social, and mental well-being needs
• Support beneficiaries in coping with trauma, stress, and challenges related to poverty, conflict, or displacement
• Collaborate with project staff to integrate psychosocial support with TVET, literacy, and livelihood activities
• Identify at-risk individuals and refer them to appropriate specialized services or healthcare providers
• Conduct community awareness sessions on mental health, well-being, and psychosocial support
• Monitor and document psychosocial activities, participant engagement, and outcomes
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure ethical standards in all interactions with beneficiaries
• Work closely with project teams, including District Social Workers, Para Social Workers, CFS Facilitators, Livelihood Officer, TVET, and BDS trainers, to ensure holistic support to beneficiaries
• Train project staff and volunteers on basic psychosocial support and referral mechanisms
• Support development of tools and resources for psychosocial activities
• Report regularly to the Project Manager on psychosocial support activities, challenges, and lessons learned
• Ensure all activities are delivered in line with EPDO and UNICEF safeguarding, gender, and inclusion standards
• Perform other tasks related to psychosocial support as assigned by the Project Manager

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling
• 3–5 years of experience in psychosocial support, counseling, or community-based services
• Skills in trauma-informed care, counseling techniques, and empathetic communication
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
• Proficiency in Dari/Pashto; English desirable

• Interested candidates to send their application (CV and Cover letter in one file) by email to admin@epdo-afg.org  
• Please write the position title and VA# in the subject line of your email otherwise your application will not be considered.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.