ACBAR

Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most comprehensive private, not‐for‐profit health care systems in the developing world with community health programs in large geographical areas in Central and South Asia, as well as in East Africa.

The Aga Khan Health Services, Afghanistan (AKHS, A) was established in 2003 as part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). AKHS, A provides health care services mainly on behalf of the government including the Ministry of Public Health’s of Afghanistan’s Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) and Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS). AKHS, A is unique both in scale and scope, delivering critical health services along the continuum of care, from Community Health Workers (CHWs) to ISO certified hospital facilities.

AKHS, A is currently implementing healthcare services in Bamyan, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kabul and Takhar provinces. The agency’s scope of work includes the provision of primary and secondary healthcare, preventive and curative medical care, Nursing and Midwifery education, Human Resources Development and Hospital Management. As BPHS and EPHS implementer, AKHS, A provides technical support as well as capacity building of health personnel, immunization services, nutrition trainings and the training of Community Health Nurses and Community Health Midwives.

AKHS, A draws on internal and other donor fundings to continue supplementary and complementary support to the national health system. Moreover, AKHS, A has introduced innovations, including, expansions of e-Health services, e-learning initiatives, and cross border arrangements. To promote healthy environment, AKHS, A is also implementing net zero and greenhouse gas emission initiatives.

JOB PURPOSE: To assist in the planning and implementation of PCH Mental Health Initiative and to ensure mental health case finding / improve the social and emotional condition of the mentally challenged and vulnerable in the program area

• Serve as focal person for mental health services in program area
• Conduct need assessment of mental health training and coordinate training of health workers
• Through community networking, ensure proper assessment of mental health and disability problems in the communities
• Develop mental health referral centres preferably at CHC+ and hospital and provide systems for quality mental health and referral services for affected persons; Coordinate with heads of Health Facilities on mental health services including referrals
• Develop a standardized recording and reporting system at health facilities that will allow staff to follow-up patients and link with communities; Ensure accurate client files and records.
• Coordinate mental health case finding in the program area and through CHWs
• Ensure supervisory field visits using checklist and tools for ensuring mental health case identification and referrals to health facilities
• Facilitate referral of serious mental disorders to provincial hospital
• Maintain up-to-date reports on the operations of the mental health activities and the Social Care and Rehabilitation Programmes in the program area.
• Ensure of training of health staff on mental health counselling and management
• Establish a system of feedback at health facilities and  health post for mental health affected persons and systems for reporting, supervision and monitoring
• Ensure the flow of information within the program area, and to other departments or agencies.
• Ensure proper coordination with local and provincial organizations and other key stakeholders on issues regarding Mental Health.
• Liaise and coordinate with other NGOs and sectors dealing with mental health
• Advice the PHPO regarding the development of special programmes for mental health clients.
• Provide public education on mental health issues through community dialogue.
• Plan, coordinate and implement community-based programs in collaboration with NGOs and community groups.
• Ensure coordination with MOPH on mental health issues, training of staff and mental health services IEC materials.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the Social Care Programme.
• Attend mental health training as required
• Ability to work independently under minimum supervision
• Carry out other activities assigned by line manager.

• Medical Doctor Degree with knowledge of mental health issues in program area.
• Possess relevant qualifications 2 years of experience in BPHS in the program area especially in mental health unit.
• Have special interest and willing to be trained in Mental Health
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be an active listener and show empathy
• Be able to relate to a wide range of people.
• Experience and ability to work with communities, partners and donors for development of programs
• Flexible team player

Desirable: Knowledge of BPHS and AKHS program coverage area desired

Qualified applicants who are exactly suitable with the above criteria are requested to send their applications + CVs through this link: https://forms.gle/oXKPRiHyWV5hGQfXA

Note: Applications are reviewed on active bases and after receiving sufficient eligible applications we may process the position before closing date. 

Aga Khan Health Service, Afghanistan strives to promote diversity as well as provide an equal employment opportunity to each candidate, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, language, marital status, origin, political affiliation, religion, sex, or social statuses.

Aga khan Health Service- Afghanistan is an equal opportunities employer. Female are encouraged to apply.

AKHS is concerned about the climate and environmental crises we face and is doing everything possible to reduce our own impact, encouraging others to do the same, and advancing understanding in this field. AKHS has set itself the task of getting as close to net-zero carbon operations as possible by 2030. We expect all staff to contribute to achieving these aims in the context of their roles. We encourage applicants with previous experience or an interest in this field to app.

(AKHS, A enforces a zero-tolerance stance towards behaviors inconsistent with the goals of AKDN and AKHS, A, encompassing sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, authority abuse, and discrimination. The organization is committed to stringent child safeguarding principles. Successful candidates are required to align with these standards, undergoing thorough reference and background assessments, which involve validating academic credentials and employment history. Additional information may be requested for a comprehensive background check.)

“AKHS, A is an equal employment opportunity organization, and with the mandate of transparent, open, and fair recruitment process. Any follow up during the recruitment process by the applicant/candidate can disqualify the querier”.  

https://forms.gle/oXKPRiHyWV5hGQfXA