HI has been supporting the Afghan people since 1987, starting its operations in Pakistan. Since 1996, HI has been operating across Afghanistan in order to launch victim assistance interventions, working at different levels of the society and adopting a cross-sectoral approach. While present on the ground to directly support victims of the conflict through the provision of a range of services – from physical rehabilitation, to mine risk education and inclusive livelihoods – HI has been continuously advocating to increase the rights of victims and other people with disabilities in the country. In particular, and in line with its global strategy and priorities, HI has been advocating to reduce the use of landmines and conventional weapons. Acknowledging the need to respond to the urgent emergency crises combined with longer term, chronic gaps in the provision of services, HI has steadily expanded its range of activities and services in order to support the most vulnerable people, enhancing their resilience while strengthening participation and inclusion of all individuals.

Job Purpose:

The National P&O Technical Officer is responsible for supervising P&O service provision in Afghanistan under the guidance of the Expat P&O Technical Officer. This role focuses on capacity building of local staff, quality assurance of services, and the coordination of prosthetics and orthotics operations. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the provision of assistive devices meets HI’s quality standards and benefits the community in need.

The Duties and responsibilities may include but not limited to: 

Provide guidance and technical support to the project in accordance with the overall technical frameworks and standards within the sectoral perimeter:

1. Support the provision of orthotics, prosthetics, custom seats/positioning, and other devices for beneficiaries.
2. Follow necessary steps for the provision of assistive products, including referral, assessment, prescription, product preparation, fitting, user training, maintenance, repairs, and follow-up.
3. Recommend and support the reorganization of workshops: design/layout, reorganization of equipment/machineries, and recommend repairs of necessary equipment.
4. Demonstrate professional ethics, respecting patients' privacy and confidentiality.
5. Ensure coordination and collaboration with HI technical partners as delegated by the HI Expat P&O Technical Officer.
6. Work closely with other technical officers to promote locally-made solutions for assistive products, accessibility tools, and modifications to enhance participation in daily activities.

Provide support to identify and assess beneficiaries with amputation and/or other impairments to determine their prosthesis and orthosis needs:

1. Support and train in process to identify, assess, select, and prescribe beneficiaries in need of prosthesis and/or orthosis.
2. Strengthen the information pathway to beneficiaries and caregivers about the importance of prosthesis and orthosis (P&O) services in improving their physical condition and outline the steps to achieve it.
3. Participate in the final selection of beneficiaries and refer them to the contracted service provider for assessment and prescription.

Develop and implement capacity building for local partners staff:

1. Contribute to or lead technical training in P&O, identifying training needs and mentoring HI P&O and PT staff during technical visits.
2. Ensure standard tools are in place for assessment, discharge, and follow-up to guarantee quality control of products.
3. Support workshop management, including budgeting, procurement, stock, and inventory management.
4. Re-establish or strengthen functional referral mechanisms and follow-up services between hospitals, communities, and other departments together with technical team actors like Protection, PSS, IHA, ILS etc.
5. Orient health and rehabilitation professionals on P&O services to promote multidisciplinary services.

Provide technical learning and monitor activities and reporting:

1. Collect elements for lesson-learning or scientific documentation exercises.
2. Contribute to technical learning in collaboration with the Expat P&O Technical Officer and Rehab Specialist.
3. Participate in data collection and analysis with the MEAL officer, when requested.
4. Contribute to user satisfaction evaluations and internal evaluations of P&O services.

Maintain and improve the quality of P&O services delivery:

1. Ensure the implementation of technical activities and tools according to HI’s internal quality and technical standards.
2. Ensure all clinical and technical processes are followed correctly during service delivery, including quality monitoring tools.
3. Facilitate technical meetings and documentation exchange within the team.
4. Promote and implement multidisciplinary team approaches in P&O service delivery.

Develop tools and guidelines according to needs:

1. Collaborate with the Expat P&O Technical Officer to design and update P&O tools and processes.
2. Propose updates and improvements of relevant P&O activities according to the organization’s strategy.
3. Define and implement the technical strategy for HI’s P&O service response, in collaboration with Rehab specialists and the Expat Technical Officer.

 Reporting:

1. Support teams in producing regular reports on HI activities (e.g., newsletters, case studies, trip reports, training reports etc).
2. Prepare and submit weekly action plans and activity reports to the line manager and technical unit.

Others:

1. Take responsibility for implementing personal objectives and goals as outlined in the Job Description.
2. Perform additional functions as required by the operation or project exigencies.
3. Ensure respect for institutional safeguarding policies and HR policies.
4. Maintain technical representation at local hospitals and national-level coordination with the Expat P&O Technical Officer.

Qualifications and Skills:

• BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in the P&O field, with demonstrated experience in service provision and P&O workshop management.
• Strong experience in training and capacity building of local staff.
• Excellent knowledge of international standards (WHO/ISPO) in P&O service delivery.
• Good leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and reporting skills in English; Pashto/Dari knowledge is mandatory.
• Ability to work in a team and support multi-disciplinary coordination.
• dge is mandatory.
• Ability to work in a team and support multi-disciplinary coordination.

Application Process:

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the following link into their web browser https://airtable.com/appEeXhXzVShlNV1U/shrRJkW8lf6L8s3ob to submit their details and upload their required documents prior to the deadline.

Important notes:

• Please note that only the applications received through the online platform will be considered for this position.
• It is important to note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.
• After the review process, please be aware that only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. If you do not hear from us within one week from the closing date , please consider that your application has not been shortlisted for further process.

- HI has got strong stand on protection of beneficiaries.

"The Role Holder will have to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the code of conduct"

HI promotes and upholds the principles of equal opportunities and its policies (PSEAH, Child Protection etc). HI has a zero tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or a child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. Recruitment to all jobs in HI includes, in particular, criminal
record checks and the collection of relevant references. Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do.

Individuals with disabilities and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly value the unique perspectives and contributions that you can bring to our team.