Bakhter Development Network (BDN) was established and registered in 2001 with the Ministry of Economics in Afghanistan as an Afghan, non-political, non-profit, and non-governmental organization. BDN operates in line with its constitution in three sectors: education, health, and agriculture and livestock. With its current focus on public health and nutrition services, BDN's mission is to assist communities in the achievement of their own development goals, while its vision is a world of enabled communities working toward a brighter future.

Currently, BDN is involved in implementing different health projects across multiple provinces of Afghanistan, such as BPHS-EPHS projects in Balkh, Maidan Wardak, and Kapisa provinces, as well as other vertical projects like CBNI, TSFP, PHNS, PHC-WHO, GC7, and RMNCAH/SRH and PSS services in provinces such as Balkh, Badakhshan, Faryab, Sar-e-Pol, Jawzjan, Samangan, Kunduz, Takhar, Kapisa, and Maidan Wardak.

BDN, in more than 20 years of its operation, has made impressive contributions in promoting access to quality healthcare and has developed a reputable track record in the effective implementation of numerous projects within the country. BDN adheres to the policy of equal employment opportunities, and its hiring process is based on evaluation by knowledge, skill, work experience, and ability, without regard to age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or physical status.

The Community Engagement Officer will play a pivotal role in fostering community participation and ownership in the implementation of the Community-Based Nutrition Intervention (CBNI) in Ghazni province. The position is responsible for leading the design and execution of effective social mobilization and behavior change strategies to promote improved nutrition, health, and hygiene practices—particularly among women, adolescent girls, and caregivers of children under five. The officer will coordinate with CEFC facilitators, social mobilizers, nutrition nurses, CHWs, FHH staff, and local stakeholders of Ghazni to ensure effective community engagement and sustainable adoption of key health and nutrition behaviors. The role requires strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, as well as a deep understanding of the local context and barriers to behavior change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and operationalization of Community Engagement and Feedback Centers (CEFCs) in target districts of Ghzani to ensure they function as inclusive platforms for community dialogue, feedback, and action planning.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data collected from CEFCs and community engagement activities; compile briefing notes, implementation roadmaps, and targeted communication plans.
• Engage with Ghazni community members and local leaders to raise their awareness about nutrition, health, and hygiene best practices.
• Conduct regular supervision of the community mobilizers and community engagement and feedback centers and provide feedback and a comprehensive report.
• Build the capacity of social mobilizers and CEFC facilitators through structured coaching, supervision, and refresher training sessions to ensure consistency and technical quality in outreach and engagement activities.
• Facilitate community mobilization and engagement sessions, including community dialogues, group discussions, and awareness campaigns focusing on maternal and child nutrition, hygiene, and health.
• Guide and support community engagement social mobilizers and CEFC facilitators in planning and executing effective community outreach and SBCC activities.
• Promote community-led initiatives and empower communities to take active roles in identifying, prioritizing, and solving their nutrition and hygiene challenges.
• Conduct regular supportive supervision of community engagement social mobilizers, CEFCs, and social mobilizers to provide coaching, gather feedback, and ensure quality and consistency in field implementation.
• Ensure integration of community mobilization efforts into communication and advocacy strategies of the project and alignment with provincial and national health and nutrition messaging.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document community engagement efforts using participatory and gender-sensitive tools; submit timely reports and contribute to program learning and adaptation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, entries in the online system, implementation plans, briefing notes, and monthly progress updates for internal and external stakeholders, reflecting key achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all community activities, achievements, and lessons learned; prepare regular narrative and data-driven progress reports for the project management team.

• University degree in public health, nutrition, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in implementing community-based programs related to health, nutrition, hygiene, and the WASH section.
• Proven expertise in community engagement strategies, SBCC methodologies, and participatory planning and monitoring.
• Familiarity with community health structures, including FHHs, CHWs, and national nutrition protocols (e.g., CBNP, IYCF, IMAM).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo, ODK) is an asset.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to manage multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to remote districts within Ghazni province under challenging field conditions.

We welcome prospective applicants to submit their resumes and a formal letter of application delineating their credentials and enthusiasm for the role via the provided link until the close of business on September 18, 2025. Please note that applicants may submit only one application for their chosen position.

https://forms.gle/VesH81tSHboYKi5A9

BDN has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the BDN, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. BDN also adheres to strict child-safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.