Psycho-social Support Specialist

Afghan Family Guidance Association (AFGA) is an Afghan non-governmental, not-for-profit and non-political organization established in 1968. AFGA has been working in the field of Reproductive health and Rights since its inception and has recently become an associate member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

AFGA activities were suspended due to war and conflict in the country for ten years (1992-2002) and resumed its activities in 2002 with financial support from International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

IPPF is an alliance of 151 family planning associations known as Member Associations which has projects in over 180 countries. IPPF continues to be the largest civil society provider of reproductive health information and services in the world

AFGA seeks qualified Psycho-Social Support specialist, which will be responsible for overall Psycho-Social Support related activities technical support across AFGA programs. The PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring psycho-social support interventions for vulnerable populations. The role focuses on technical service delivery, capacity building, coordination and communication, and reporting to ensure high-quality PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT services aligned with project objectives.

1. -Sycho-Social Support Activities Implementation:

• Conduct psycho-social assessments to identify needs and vulnerabilities.
• Design PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT interventions, including counseling, group therapy, and recreational activities.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT best practices, guidelines, and methodologies.
• Develop technical tools, SOPs, and guidelines for psycho-social support delivery.
• Review and check HMIS data from FHHs, analyze and submit to the project Manager and PPHD/MOPH on a timely basis.
• Support Project Manager and senior management on data, narratives, and information about PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT for concepts, proposals, and reports to donors
• Provide joint supportive supervision on AFGA project sites, and on-the-job training to FHH staff, and undertake regular supportive supervision of the project activities at the field level.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT programs using qualitative and quantitative indicators.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT activities, case files, and beneficiary interactions.
• Represent the organization in relevant PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT forums and technical working groups.
• Support the program team for planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting of the PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT activities
• Conduct routine data collection and program reviews to ensure the successful implementation of Psycho-Social Support activities.
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the expatriate project manager.

2. Capacity Building

• Develop and implement a training plan based on training needs assessment and project objectives.
• Train AFGA-related staff, PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT counselors, and community-based actors on psycho-social support principles and practices.
• Organize workshops, refresher training, and on-the-job coaching to enhance the skills of field teams.
• Support the development of training materials and PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT tool kits adapted to local contexts.
• Mentor junior PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT staff to ensure sustainability and quality of services.
• Conducting training needs assessment, preparation, and delivering training outlined on TNA for the FHHs staff, and AFGA-related HFs. (PSEA, PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT, Mental Health, etc.)

3. Coordination and Communication

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders as an AFGA representative, including health facilities, NGOs, community leaders, and government agencies to ensure integrated PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT services.
• Participate in inter-agency coordination meetings and contribute to joint planning for PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT activities.
• Maintain clear communication channels within the project team to ensure smooth implementation of Psych-Social Support activities.
• Coordinate family health houses (FHH) PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT part activities with relevant government directorates, authorities, and stakeholders
• Attend PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT related meetings at the cluster, MoPH, donors, and PPHD level due to priorities and availability, and led PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT related meetings at the head office, and the provincial sub offices level

4. Reporting and Monitoring.

• Prepare a monthly report and send it to the project managers.
• Beneficiary reporting – including consultations, PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT activities, training activities, and community engagement to the project manager.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT interventions, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Review and check the PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT monthly statistical report and submit it to donor as per the given formats.
•   In close coordination with the M&E officer, enter collective data about PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT activities in a specific database
• With the support of the Project manager, follow the progress, challenges, and achievements towards project targets and indicators in PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT activities and inform the line manager of any serious challenge in this regard.

• A graduation degree from a recognized University department of Psychology or Medical Faculty (MD).
• Required Professional Experience in the related field
• At least 3 years of Relevant experience in managing PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT/Mental Health programs
• Good communication and problem-solving skills
• Very good language skills (Pushto, Dari, and English)
• Very good team spirit and ability to work with a large number of staff
• Management skills to manage a team
• Very good reporting skills 
• Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications:
• Experience in developing action plans, preparing curriculum, and training/orientation materials
• Experience in documentation and reporting
• Good computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and internet use.

Qualified & interested candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position through the below-mentioned link. The AFGA HR Department can only consider applications submitted through the official online application portal. Manual applications will not be accepted. When submitting your application, please ensure that you include your CV and cover letter in a single combined PDF file. Do not attach any additional documents such as education certificates, experience letters, or other related materials 

Due to the high volume of applications received, the AFGA HR Department will not be able to reach out individually to each candidate. If you have not received an email or call from the AFGA HR Department, please understand that your application has not been considered for this particular opening at this time.

http://hrmis.afga.org.af/Applicant/Apply/AFGA_1929904952

AFGA Recruitment Process Commitment:

At AFGA, we do not accept any kind of recommendation, favoritism, or discrimination during the recruitment and selection of candidates. Our process is designed to be objective and merit-based, focusing solely on the qualifications, skills, and experiences of the applicants.

We want to assure all candidates that their applications will be evaluated equally, without any undue influence or bias. AFGA is dedicated to building a diverse and talented workforce that can contribute to the organization's mission and objective