P&O Technical Officer

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 supervision of the Rehabilitation Specialist, the Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) Technical Officer provides technical leadership and quality assurance for Prosthetics, Orthotics, Positioning and Mobility and other Assistive Technology (AT) services across HI operations in Afghanistan. The position is responsible for strengthening the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of P&O and assistive product services through technical capacity building, service quality monitoring, innovation, and adherence to international standards.

The P&O Technical Officer supports the development and improvement of assistive products and service delivery systems, including workshop management, procurement planning, supply chain coordination, and the introduction of appropriate technologies and locally adapted solutions. The role works closely with rehabilitation teams, project managers, logistics and procurement staff, government authorities, service providers, and technical partners to strengthen rehabilitation systems, promote policy development and advocacy, and ensure effective delivery of high-quality, tailor-made rehabilitation and assistive technology services. The position also contributes to project design, technical representation, and strategic development of rehabilitation interventions in Afghanistan.

Job Description:

The Duties and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

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

a.        Support the provision of orthotics, prosthetics, custom seats/positioning, and other devices for beneficiaries.

b.       Follow necessary steps for the provision of assistive products, including referral, assessment, prescription, product preparation, fitting, user training, maintenance, repairs, and follow-up.

c.        Recommend and support the reorganization of workshops: design/layout, reorganization of equipment/machineries, and recommend repairs of necessary equipment.

d.       Demonstrate professional ethics, respecting patients' privacy and confidentiality.

e.        Ensure coordination and collaboration with HI technical partners as delegated by the Rehabilitation Specialist.

f.        Work closely with other technical officers to promote locally-made solutions for assistive products, accessibility tools, and modifications to enhance participation in daily activities.

g.       Provide technical oversight for the selection, specification, quality assurance, and appropriate use of mobility aids, positioning devices, and other assistive products in line with HI and international standards.

h.       Promote the introduction, adaptation, and scale-up of innovative and locally appropriate assistive technologies and production techniques.

i.         Provide technical support to rehabilitation teams across all HI operational bases to ensure standardized and high-quality P&O and assistive products services.

j.         Contribute technical expertise to project design, proposal development, budgeting, and technical reviews related to Prosthetics & Orthotics and assistive products.

k.        

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

a.        Support and train in process to identify, assess, select, and prescribe beneficiaries in need of prosthesis and/or orthosis.

b.       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.

c.        Participate in the final selection of beneficiaries and refer them to the contracted service provider for assessment and prescription.

3.       Develop and implement capacity building for HI and local partner workshop staff

a.        Contribute to or lead technical training in P&O, identifying training needs and mentoring HI P&O and PT staff during technical visits.

b.       Organize and facilitate hands-on technical training for workshop staff — both within HI's own P&O workshops and in local/partner workshops — on production techniques, use of machinery/equipment, and workshop safety standards.

c.        Ensure standard tools are in place for assessment, discharge, and follow-up to guarantee quality control of products.

d.       Support workshop management, including budgeting, procurement, stock, and inventory management.

e.        Re-establish or strengthen functional referral mechanisms and follow-up services between hospitals, communities, and other departments together with technical team actors like Protection, MHPSS, Disability Inclusion, livelihood, mine action etc.

f.        Orient health and rehabilitation professionals on P&O services to promote multidisciplinary services.

g.       Build the technical capacity of rehabilitation professionals and workshop staff on assistive products assessment, prescription, fitting, user training, maintenance, and follow-up.

h.       Mentor technical staff on international standards and best practices for assistive products provision, including WHO priority assistive products where applicable.

i.          

4.       Provide technical learning and monitor activities and reporting

a.        Collect elements for lesson-learning or scientific documentation exercises.

b.       Contribute to technical learning in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Specialist.

c.        Participate in data collection and analysis with the MEAL officer, when requested.

d.       Contribute to user satisfaction evaluations and internal evaluations of P&O services.

5.       Maintain and improve the quality of P&O and Assistive Products services delivery

a.        Ensure the implementation of technical activities and tools according to HI's internal quality and technical standards.

b.       Ensure all clinical and technical processes are followed correctly during service delivery, including quality monitoring tools.

c.        Facilitate technical meetings and documentation exchange within the team.

d.       Promote and implement multidisciplinary team approaches in P&O service delivery.

e.        Establish and monitor quality assurance mechanisms for mobility aids, positioning devices, and other assistive products to ensure compliance with HI and international standards.

f.        Conduct regular technical quality audits of workshops, products, and service delivery across HI operational bases and recommend corrective actions.

g.        

6.       Develop tools and guidelines according to needs

a.        Collaborate with the Rehabilitation Specialist to design and update P&O tools and processes.

b.       Propose updates and improvements of relevant P&O activities according to the organization's strategy.

c.        Define and implement the technical strategy for HI's P&O service response, in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Specialist and the Technical Unit.

d.       Develop and update technical guidelines, SOPs, specifications, and quality standards for P&O and assistive products services.

e.        Contribute to the introduction and standardization of innovative technologies, materials, and production processes to improve service quality and efficiency.

f.         

7.       Reporting

a.        Support teams in producing regular reports on HI activities (e.g., newsletters, case studies, trip reports, training reports etc).

b.       Prepare and submit weekly action plans and activity reports to the line manager and technical unit.

8.       Others

a.        Take responsibility for implementing personal objectives and goals as outlined in the Job Description.

b.       Perform additional functions as required by the operation or project exigencies.

c.        Ensure respect for institutional safeguarding policies and HR policies.

d.       Maintain technical representation at local hospitals and national-level coordination with the Rehabilitation Specialist.

e.        Represent HI in technical working groups, coordination forums, and meetings related to Prosthetics & Orthotics, assistive products, and rehabilitation, as delegated by the Rehabilitation Specialist.

f.        Support advocacy initiatives with national and provincial authorities to strengthen rehabilitation systems, improve access to quality assistive products, and promote sustainable service delivery.

g.       Provide technical support to Logistics and Supply Chain teams in forecasting, technical specification development, supplier identification, technical evaluation of quotations, procurement planning, quality inspection, and acceptance of raw materials, components, prosthetic and orthotic materials, mobility aids, positioning devices, and other assistive products.

h.       Monitor stock quality and provide technical recommendations for storage, inventory management, product standardization, and lifecycle replacement of assistive products.

Qualifications and Skills:

•      Diploma / BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) from a recognized institution.

•      Minimum 5 years of experience for Diploma holder & minimum 3 years of experience for BSc holder in P&O field, with demonstrated experience in service provision and P&O workshop management.

Skills required

Essential

•      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.

Desirable

•      Problem solving.

•      Patience and resilience.

•      Adaptability.

Competencies:

•      Commitment to HI's mission and values.

•      Strong ethical standards and confidentiality.

•      Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks.

•      Willingness to learn and adapt.

•      Patient-centered approach in service delivery.

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the role link https://airtable.com/appRTa1FtgGbM3qTB/shrKshO656grBmcIH into their web browser 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 Project Manager 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.

 This job description can be updated during the duration of the contract.

 I, the undersigned, understand and accept the full range of duties and responsibilities contained in these Terms of References, and in accordance with my Contract of Employment, will undertake to fulfill them responsibly, honestly, diligently, and to the best of my abilities.