About World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the technical and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership in global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical and implementation support and monitoring and assessing health trends. In Afghanistan, WHO works to improve the health and well-being of all Afghans by preventing and reducing mortality, morbidity and disability and strengthening health services in close coordination with national and international partners.
Job Description
Programme Strategic Objective (Overview of the programme):
WHO Afghanistan has been implementing health programs for the people of Afghanistan and working closely with national health authorize partners and donors to reach the most vulnerable and those who have limited access to health services.
WHO Afghanistan is committed to fully leverage the power of communication as a tool for promoting health and informing the public about life-saving measures to protect themselves and their communities from health threats. It is also imperative for WHO to proactively communicate about its work to the public, donors and stakeholders using various innovative communication platforms, including the WHO website, media and social media channels, to showcase the contribution of the Organization across Afghanistan.
Overview of the Position
WHO maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, retaliation, and abuse of power. Safeguarding affected populations, frontline health workers, and vulnerable groups is central to WHO’s operations and humanitarian response. Reporting to the PRSEAH Coordinator, the incumbent supports the implementation of WHO policies and strategies on the prevention and response to sexual misconduct across WHO programs and operations in Afghanistan. The role focuses on safeguarding risk mitigation, strengthening partner capacity, monitoring, culture change, and ensuring that key drivers of sexual misconduct, including gender inequality, lack of accountability to affected communities, power imbalances, and accountability to affected populations, are adequately addressed across WHO-supported interventions. The incumbent works closely with WHO program teams, implementing partners, Health Cluster partners, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms to mitigate PRSEAH risks.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
WHO operations and Programs
· Under the leadership of the PRSEAH coordinator, support the integration of safeguarding and PRSEAH measures across WHO programs and operations in collaboration with the established PRS taskforce members for each program and unit at the country office level and in field offices.
· Support safeguarding risk assessments and implementation of mitigation actions.
· Development and implementation of risk-based action plans for projects
· Monitor implementation of WHO’s Zero-Tolerance Policy and strategy on sexual misconduct.
· Support integration of safeguarding in WHO processes
· Contribute safeguarding inputs to emergency and operational reports.
· Support capacity building and engagement of the WHO workforce on PRSEAH to strengthen knowledge, roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
· Support engagement with the PRS Taskforce, implementing partner PSEAH focal points, and relevant WHO teams including HR, Procurement, Logistics, Security, Gender, and AAP to strengthen safeguarding measures and reduce SEAH risks.
· Support the use of gender, AAP and community feedback data to identify and address safeguarding risks in programs and operations including ensuring PRS risks are mitigated in AAP and gender related interventions.
· Under the leadership of the PRSEAH Coordinator, collaborate with gender units and AAP to ensure safe delivery and equitable access of health services to communities in their diversity including joint risk assessments in emergencies
· Support inclusion of safeguarding and SEAH discussions within Health Cluster and program meetings where relevant.
· Support program and office-level initiatives that promote gender equality and respectful workplace practices.
Implementing Partners Support and Capacity Building
Support implementing partners to develop and implement project safeguarding action plans.
Facilitate safeguarding and SEAH training, mentoring, and awareness activities for WHO implementing partners.
Support and ensure SEA awareness and community engagement initiatives with partners.
Promote equitable and safe access to WHO-supported health services.
Culture Change
Support initiatives that promote respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace practices across WHO programs and operations.
Support awareness raises on prevention of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, and respectful workplace behavior.
Encourage safe and respectful dialogue on safeguarding and workplace conduct among teams and partners.
Support activities that promote gender equality, inclusion, speaking up, and protection from retaliation.
Contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for personnel and affected communities.
Support implementation of gender initiatives in the office
Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Management
Monitor safeguarding risks through field visits, reporting systems, and partner engagement including gender equality and accountability to affected people.
Support safeguarding reporting, documentation, and knowledge management.
Document lessons learned, best practices, and case studies.
Support evidence generation and data analysis to strengthen safeguarding preparedness and response.
Translate safeguarding data and trends into practical actions for programs and operations.
Job Requirements
Education/Experience /Language Requirements
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in public health, Sociology, Social Anthropology Social Sciences, Law/Human Rights, gender studies or related field
Experience
A minimum of one year of relevant experience in PRSEAH, safeguarding, Human rights, Protection.
· Experience in humanitarian settings (WHO/UN/NGO preferred)
· Experience in training, partner capacity building, and safeguarding risk assessments
· Knowledge of data protection, confidentiality, and survivor‑centered approaches
Familiarity with international safeguarding standards (e.g., IASC Six Core Principles, Core Humanitarian Standard, Sphere Standards).
Competencies
· Producing results
· Fostering Integration and Teamwork
· Communicating in a credible and effective way
· Effective use of resources
Skills & Attributes
· Extensive expertise in safeguarding, SEAH and protection.
· Strong focus on promoting women’s access to health services and protecting frontline health workers.
· Advanced skills in data analysis, data presentation, monitoring, and reporting.
· Demonstrates professional independence, adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
· Maintains high standards of ethical, accountable, and professional program implementation.
Languages and IT
· Fluency in English; knowledge of Dari and Pashto required
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and presentation tools
Additional Information
WHO has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, inaction against it and any form of retaliation against victims/survivors or bystanders who disclose, report, or participate in an investigation. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence, thorough background checks and reference check processes. This will ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded from abusers and that abusers are prevented from joining WHO Afghanistan office. Please report any concerning information regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by WHO workforce and partners to WHO office of Internal Oversight services at investigatio@who.int
WHO is a smoke free environment
Assessment method:
· WHO may conduct written/presentation and interview or combination of the mentioned mediums to select the most qualified candidate.
· WHO is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply, and equally qualified female candidate will be given preference.
Submission Guidelines
Interested applicants (Afghan National) meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit their applications quoting this Vacancy Announcement Number (WHOAFG-2026-05-03) along with their curriculum vitae, copy of National ID (Tazkira) to below mentioned email: EM ACO/AFG HR <emacoafghr@who.int>
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ONLY CANDIDATES UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEW AND TEST.