MIYCN Counsellor

Over the past few years, Afghanistan has witnessed a relative improvement in security and stability across much of the country. This has allowed humanitarian actors like INTERSOS to maintain uninterrupted access and expand services in areas that were previously hard to reach. Despite this progress, the humanitarian situation remains critical, with millions of Afghans continuing to face acute vulnerabilities due to prolonged economic hardship, natural disasters, and limited access to essential services.

In 2025, more than half of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, with food insecurity, child malnutrition, and displacement remaining key concerns. Natural disasters, such as floods and recent earthquakes, have further compounded the needs of already struggling communities.

INTERSOS continues to operate through a community-based approach with field bases in Kabul, Kandahar, and Zabul, delivering primary healthcare, nutrition, and protection services with a focus on women, children, and persons with disabilities. The organization enjoys strong community acceptance and collaborates closely with relevant national authorities, including maintaining the full participation of female staff in all activities.

While the operational environment is largely stable and conducive, funding shortfalls and systemic barriers such as restrictions on financial flows and administrative bottlenecks continue to impact the scope and scale of humanitarian response. Sustained support is crucial to ensure the continuity of life-saving services and to address the urgent needs of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations.

To contribute to a reduced morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition, diseases and hazards resulting from deficient (or non-existing) health and nutrition services, environmental health conditions and protection environment in conflict-affected communities in Provinces.

Duties and Responsibilities:

●        To register and undertake growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) including measuring weight, height, and age and checking edema of all children under two years of age.

●        Conduct GMP-based counseling of mothers/caregivers of all children under two years of age on appropriate maternal infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN) practices and infection prevention.

-        If the child is normal, encourage and consult the mother to reinforce and promote age-appropriate MIYCN practice

-        If the child is suffering from acute malnutrition, refer to the medical doctor to provide adequate treatment and counseling.

-        Counsel mothers/caregivers to bring under two ages of children continuously on monthly GMP.

●        Work closely with Health facility staff to ensure all aspects of the program are understood and agreed.

●        Check whether the child has received vitamin A supplementations during the previous NID, if not then refer to the doctor of the health center to obtain Vitamin A.

●        Provide health education to mothers in health centers daily.

●        Conduct complementary feeding demonstrations once per month.

●        Provide individual nutrition counseling on appropriate practices, based on the BMI and MUAC findings.

●        Check whether lactating mothers receive adequate IFA tablets three months after delivery.

●        If the mother's health and nutrition are not suitable, refer to the doctor of the health facility for diagnosis and treatment.

●        Report on progress and any problems promptly.

●        Any other duties that may be assigned by the line supervisor.

Nursing/Midwifery certificate is required.
2+ years of relevant work experience. Experience in MIYCN is an advantage
Pashto and Dari skills are required; English is preferable.

Work experience in Health as emergency response projects is preferable.
Previous experience working for an international NGO is preferable.

Commitment to INTERSOS principles.

Comply with all relevant INTERSOS policies and procedures.

Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to questions from supervisors in the field.
Availability to be based for the full week (Saturday to Thursday) in the centre location to ensure the smooth implementation of activities.