ACBAR

Bakhter Development Network (BDN) was established and registered in 2001 with the Ministry of Economics in Afghanistan as an Afghan, non-political, non-profit, and non-governmental organization. BDN operates in line with its constitution in three sectors: education, health, and agriculture and livestock. With its current focus on public health and nutrition services, BDN's mission is to assist communities in the achievement of their own development goals, while its vision is a world of enabled communities working toward a brighter future.

Currently, BDN is involved in implementing different health projects across multiple provinces of Afghanistan, such as BPHS-EPHS projects in Balkh, Maidan Wardak, and Kapisa provinces, as well as other vertical projects like CBNI, TSFP, PHNS, FSAC, PHC-WHO, GC7, and RMNCAH/SRH and PSS services in provinces such as Balkh, Badakhshan, Faryab, Sar-e-Pol, Jawzjan, Samangan, Takhar, Kapisa, and Maidan Wardak.

BDN, in more than 20 years of its operation, has made impressive contributions in promoting access to quality healthcare and has developed a reputable track record in the effective implementation of numerous projects within the country. BDN adheres to the policy of equal employment opportunities, and its hiring process is based on evaluation by knowledge, skill, work experience, and ability, without regard to age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or physical status.

Nutrition counselors are based in nutrition service delivery points (SDPs) within villages. They are responsible for providing Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) services to caregivers, conducting growth monitoring activities, and delivering overall nutrition counseling to target clients. Their work ensures proper screening, counseling, and referral in line with national nutrition guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Register and monitor the growth of all children under two years, including measurement of weight, height/length, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC).
• Classify children into categories: normal, moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), and severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
• Provide counseling to mothers/caregivers of all children under two years on appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices and infection prevention.
• For children with normal growth: provide tailored counseling to strengthen and promote age-appropriate IYCF practices.
• For children with MAM or SAM: provide counseling on IYCF practices to help restore normal nutritional status.
• Conduct complementary food demonstrations when possible.
• Refer children with SAM to the health center supervisor for appropriate treatment.
• Check whether children have received Vitamin A during National Immunization Days (NID); if not, administer Vitamin A.
• Provide counseling during pregnancy and lactation.
• Counsel pregnant women on appropriate nutrition during pregnancy, including the importance of daily iron and folic acid tablets.
• Ensure pregnant women receive the required amount of iron and folic acid tablets from the health center.
• Promote the use of iodized salt.

Community-Level Responsibilities

• Work with Community Health Supervisors (CHS) and Community Health Workers (CHWs), supporting them in monthly meetings on:
• Growth monitoring and counseling on IYCF for all children under two years, based on community nutrition package recommendations.
• Counseling pregnant and breastfeeding women on appropriate maternal nutrition, including daily iron and folic acid intake.
• Delivering 1–2 nutrition messages to the community each month.
• Support CHS/CHWs during household visits where children show poor growth, are malnourished, or require problem-solving interventions.

Reporting and Documentation

• Provide regular reporting, monitoring, and follow-up of nutrition services, including maternal and child nutrition (MCH Booklet).
• Identify beneficiaries who require follow-up visits and share information with CHS and CHWs.

• Diploma or certificate in nursing or community health, with specialized training in nutrition programs, particularly IMAM. 
• At least 2 years of work experience in the related field.
• Ability to read and write in Dari and other local languages.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possession of good moral character, including patience, compassion, caution, and adherence to all Islamic values and principles.

We welcome prospective applicants to submit their resumes and a formal letter of application delineating their credentials and enthusiasm for the role via the provided link until the close of business on the mentioned deadline. Please note that applicants may submit only one application for their chosen position.

https://forms.gle/fPCy5k1zMWDWPrC2A

BDN has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the BDN, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. BDN also adheres to strict child-safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

https://forms.gle/fPCy5k1zMWDWPrC2A