Nurse

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.

The primary objective of the Referrals Nurse position is to facilitate the efficient and effective referral of patients to appropriate healthcare facilities or specialists for further evaluation, treatment, or management. The Referrals Nurse will work closely with healthcare providers, patients, and external healthcare facilities to ensure timely and coordinated referrals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

●      Conduct initial assessments of patients to determine the severity of illness and the need for referral based on established criteria and guidelines.

●      Coordinate referrals for patients requiring specialized services, diagnostic tests, or consultations with external healthcare facilities or specialists.

●      Maintain accurate and complete documentation of referral requests, approvals, and outcomes in the patient's medical records and referral tracking system.

●      Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers regarding the need for referral, referral process, and follow-up care instructions.

●      Follow up with patients to ensure they have received the necessary services and support after referral, including scheduling appointments, obtaining test results, and addressing any barriers to care.

●      Collaborate with internal healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and other departments, to ensure seamless coordination of care and continuity of treatment.

●      Establish and maintain relationships with external healthcare facilities, specialists, and community resources to facilitate timely and appropriate referrals.

●      Provide direct nursing care to patients, including dressing changes, catheterization, vital sign monitoring, and medication administration.

●      Assist in INTERSOS supported clinics (as assigned by line manager), especially during heavy patient flow periods or HR gaps.

●      Support regular health facilities and community-based identification of malnutrition cases through screening for specific demographics and referral to treatment points, as well as follow-up on defaulters.

●      Perform any other duties assigned by the line supervisor.

Education

•      Recognised nurse degree or diploma. [ESSENTIAL]

•      Valid licence to practise, registered with the Ministry of Public Health where applicable, verified before contract signature.

Professional experience

•      One year of work experience is desirable, and previous experience with other NGOs is an asset.

•      Experience in patient referral and in liaison with hospitals is an asset.

Professional requirements

•     Demonstrable experience in supervising and training others in a team setting.

•     Knowledge of triage and of the recognition of danger signs requiring urgent referral.

•     Ability to keep accurate records and to maintain a referral tracking tool.

•     Ability and willingness to travel to the supported clinics as assigned.

Languages

•     Dari and/or Pashto, as required by the duty station. [ESSENTIAL]

•     English is desirable. [TO BE MARKED]

Personal requirements

•     Commitment to INTERSOS principles. [ESSENTIAL]

•     Confidentiality and professional discretion. [ESSENTIAL]

•     Teamwork and cooperation. [TO BE MARKED]

•     Behavioural flexibility and stress management. [TO BE MARKED]

General responsibilities

•     Is aware of INTERSOS objectives and activities in general and of the working context.

•     Participates actively in meetings and training.

•     Is constantly aware of INTERSOS security rules and of the situation in the field.