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:

Under the line management of the Protection Specialist, the Protection Technical Officer (PTO) will contribute technical expertise to project implementation, ensuring quality protection activities and compliance with HI policies and standards. The PTO will provide technical support to social workers and other protection staff, conduct joint intakes with MHPSS, rehabilitation, inclusive humanitarian action, and AVR teams, and facilitate identification, assessment, and referrals. The Protection Technical Officer will:  

• Ensuring adherence to HI's protection strategies, tools, and guidelines.

• Overseeing implementation, quality control, and documentation of protection activities.
• Strengthening referral pathways with other protection actors.
• Collaborating with other teams to develop and implement protection strategies.
• Preparing reports and documentation on protection trends and achievements.
• Representing HI in protection coordination meetings and working groups.
• Providing technical guidance, analysis, and training to ensure quality programming with the support of Protection Specialist.
• Identifying opportunities for technical improvements and program development.
• This role requires strong coordination with protection organizations and internal teams to enhance protection outcomes in Afghanistan.

The Duties and responsibilities may include but not limited to: 

Under the line management of the Protection Specialist, the PTO will form part of the with projects field team together with the Social Workers, Psychosocial Workers (PSSs) and the Physiotherapist (PT).

The PTO will:

• Ensure the implementation of the Identification, Assessment, and Referral package with quality and adherence to guidelines.
• Provide tailored trainings on protection to internal and external stakeholders, supported by the Protection Specialist.
• Adapt international protection tools and guidelines to the Afghanistan context.
• Offer technical support to protection staff, including Social Workers, to address technical needs.
• Conduct joint intakes with technical team.
• Facilitate effective referrals, service mapping, and collaboration with protection actors.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor and enhance protection activities.
• Raise awareness and deliver training to staff on identifying and responding to protection risks.
• Participate in Protection Working Group meetings and collaborate with protection actors to strengthen referral systems.
• Support advocacy and communication efforts by drafting case studies and human-interest stories on protection beneficiaries.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the line manager.

Note that this job description must remain flexible, to respond to additional tasks or changes as identified by the line manager.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, or social studies.
• Minimum of 3 years in a related field or position; experience in protection teams, training, and knowledge transfer is an asset.
• Experience with service mapping and community outreach/mobilization.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel), e-mail, Microsoft Teams and internet use.
• Written and spoken fluency in English (mandatory); fluency in Dari and/or Pashto (at least one is mandatory, both is an asset).
• Strong communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
• Adaptability to diverse beneficiaries and willingness to learn and develop professionally.
• Commitment to disability inclusion and understanding of disability issues.

Application Process:

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the following link into their web browser https://airtable.com/appOLZfHvjmEmyeYo/shra8iiYSCNECVbUE 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.