Bridge Hope Health Organization (BHHO) is a non-Profit and Non-Political community-based organization established by People who use drugs (PWUD) in May 2015.

Bridge Hope Health Organization (BHHO) was founded as a network for people who use drugs. BHHO’s remit has now expanded to include key populations affected by HIV and people living with HIV. The development of the network is informed by a community consultation undertaken with over 400 people who inject drugs and other key populations in May 2015. In addition, a situation assessment was undertaken to help BHHO understand the Afghan systems for planning and delivering harm reduction, drug treatment and wider HIV prevention services. This has helped inform the focus and remit of BHHO both as a community organization representing people who inject drugs, other key populations and people living with HIV. BHHO provide harm reduction service for key affected and effected population.

BHHO’s approach long-term sustainable health, economic, social life and development of men, women empowerment who use drugs. BHHO facilitates the clarification of local concerns followed by support to planning and implementation of local heath development initiatives. We have three core principles: Basic services to reinforce livelihoods, health, human rights and harm reduction and strengthen emergency assistance.

BHHO is implementing a project in partnership with UNODC in East Region (Laghman, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces), the main purpose of the project is to improve quality of life, health, and livelihoods of children, men, women, adolescents, girls, and families at risk or affected by drug use and other negative health and social consequences. Beside of the initially planned activities of the project, some primary prevention activities of the project will be carried out under the umbrella of the project including strong families program.

Main task for this position 

1. Background:

The Bridge Hope Health Organization is seeking a qualified National Consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing national guideline on drug use Harm Reduction Guidelines.

The national drug use harm reduction guideline was developed in 2020 by international experts in consultation of Afghanistan National Program for Control of AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis (ANPASH), national/international experts, NGOs engaged in delivery of drug use harm reduction services, representative of key population and UN agencies (UNODC, WHO and UNDP). 

2. Objective:

The objective of this consultancy is to review the existing guideline on drug use harm reduction in close consultation/advise from ANPASH/MoPH and other stakeholders, adopt/amend the guideline based on the current context of the country, assess the relevance, effectiveness, and alignment of the guidelines with current best practices and international standards on drug use harm reduction services.

3. Key Responsibilities:

The National Consultant will be responsible for:

• Lead and engage key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and affected communities, to gather feedback and support for development and revision process.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement in the guidelines for revision to enhance the quality and impact of harm reduction services.
• Conduct and lead the detailed desk review of the existing drug use Harm Reduction Guidelines, including their scope, content, and implementation in lights of the current context of the country.
• Consult and interview with key stakeholders, analyze and prepare report which includes specific suggestions for revision the documents based on their insights and feedbacks
• Recommend evidence-based strategies, tools, and approaches to strengthen the implementation of harm reduction interventions in Afghanistan in line with global best practices.
• Revision of different harm reduction and OST documents including harm reduction guideline, OST protocol, OST policy, OST strategy, SDP, etc.
• Revise the documents, involve partners and recollect their feedback and revise the documents accordingly.
• Provide support finalization of the revised documents and convince the MoPH relevant departments and leadership for the final approval
• Translation of the guideline into national languages as well as preparing other required training materials based on the approved guidelines.
• Cooperate with training officer for conducting training for health workers and all partners who are working for harm reduction, prevention and control of HIV/AIDs across the country.
• Act as an active member of ANPASH technical working groups and task forces
• Actively participate and provide support for the development of concept notes, proposals, plans, reports, advocacy and other strategic documents on AIDS, STI and Hepatitis programs.
• Supervise and monitor the overall activities related to harm reduction on different levels and provide required support.
• Play role of focal point for UNODC to strengthen and maintain the working relationship for a mutual supporting environment.
• Analyzing data, research findings, and best practices in harm reduction.
• Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned by head of ANPASH.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in health, human or social sciences, public health, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, sociology, education or related studies, is required.  A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Prior experience in harm reduction programs, policy development, or guideline review
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Excellent communication and writing abilities.
• Familiarity with the local context and challenges related to drug use harm reduction in Afghanistan.
• Ability to work limited time frame.
• Previous 4 years’ experience of Harm Reduction.
• Afghanistan’s official languages (Pashto or Dari) are required.
• Advance knowledge of English

Qualified applicants who are suitable with the above criteria are requested to send their applications (detailed CV, cover letter outlining their relevant experience, proposed methodology, and expected remuneration) and clearly mention the job title and vacancy number in the subject line, otherwise their application will not be considered.

Bridge Hope Health Organization strives to promote diversity as well as provide an equal employment opportunity to each candidate, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, language, marital status, origin, political affiliation, religion, sex, or social statuses. Bridge Hope Health Organization is an equal opportunities employer.