PSEA/RH Officer

Bakhter Development Network (BDN) was established and registered in 2001 with the Ministry of Economy 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 and vertical projects like CBNI, TSFP, PHC ECHO, GC7, S-WIFS, and RMNCAH/SRH and PSS services in provinces such as Balkh, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Faryab, Sar-e-Pol, Jawzjan, Samangan, Takhar, Baghlan, Kapisa, Ghazni, Kunduz, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Kabul, Parwan, Panjshir, 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.

The PSEA/RH Officer will combine responsibility for coordinating PSEA prevention, safe reporting and survivor assistance referrals with technical supervision and improvement of reproductive health services. The PSEA/RH Officer will support senior management in implementing reproductive health activities, PSEA policies and procedures, strengthening staff capacity and community awareness in Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan provinces, and improving the quality, accessibility, and reporting of reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services.

Degree in Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing or a related health discipline, with relevant reproductive health training.

At least 3 years of relevant experience in reproductive health, maternal and newborn health or related health programmes, including facility supervision, staff training or programme coordination.

Demonstrated experience in PSEA, safeguarding or protection activities, including awareness raising, safe reporting or referral coordination. Relevant PSEA training is an advantage.

Understanding of PSEA principles, institutional policies and procedures, professional boundaries and survivor-centred approaches.

Knowledge of the local context and social norms related to sex and gender, and experience engaging respectfully with local communities.

Knowledge of reproductive health service delivery, family planning, safe motherhood, maternal and newborn referrals, and RH/HMIS reporting.

Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and apply confidentiality, data protection, and secure record-keeping practices. Strong communication, facilitation and coordination skills, with the ability to train staff and conduct community awareness sessions.

Proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto and the ability to prepare clear reports; working knowledge of English is an advantage. Practical computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and data reporting.

Ability to undertake regular field visits within Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan Provinces and manage the responsibilities of both PSEA and RH functions with impartiality and sound judgement.

BDN is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Prevention and staff capacity

Assess BDN’s PSEA policies, practices and implementation risks periodically and recommend practical improvements to senior management. Coordinate the development and implementation of PSEA action plans and procedures with management, HR and relevant programme teams. Conduct regular PSEA training, induction and refresher sessions for personnel and support staff in understanding expected conduct and reporting responsibilities. Work with HR to ensure that personnel sign the Code of Conduct and that recruitment procedures include appropriate screening for past SEA misconduct. Facilitate accessible awareness sessions for beneficiaries and communities on SEA, expected staff conduct, available reporting channels and contact details.

Safe reporting and response coordination

Develop and maintain safe, accessible and confidential internal procedures for reporting SEA allegations and concerns, including protection against retaliation. Receive SEA allegations and related information sensitively, explain confidentiality and its limits, and promptly refer reports through BDN’s designated reporting channels. Coordinate a survivor-centred response that prioritizes safety, dignity, informed consent and non-discrimination, in accordance with BDN procedures. Maintain up-to-date referral information and coordinate timely access to appropriate professional assistance for survivors, based on their needs and informed choices. Refer allegations to the authorized mechanism for assessment and investigation. The officer’s role is to receive, report and coordinate referrals; investigations must be handled by authorized, qualified personnel. Protect sensitive information through secure records and restricted, need-to-know access. Keep identifiable SEA case information separate from routine RH and HMIS reporting. Raise PSEA implementation concerns and barriers directly with designated senior management and follow up on agreed actions.

Coordination and accountability

Participate in PSEA inter-agency meetings and represent BDN within delegated authority, without disclosing confidential case information. Coordinate with RH teams and other service providers to strengthen safe assistance pathways while maintaining professional boundaries between service delivery and complaint handling.

Conduct regular supportive supervision of project health facilities, assess the quality of reproductive health services and follow up on identified gaps. Plan and support comprehensive reproductive health services integrated into primary healthcare and aligned with approved project plans and applicable service standards. Strengthen family planning services, including counselling, and coordinate the timely availability and distribution of contraceptives to health facilities. Review and analyse RH service data and Health Management Information System (HMIS) reports monthly, check data quality and provide feedback to facility teams. Compile and submit monthly maternal and child health (MCH) activity reports for BDN-supported facilities under the project. Support the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality through appropriate delivery supplies, clean delivery kits, early recognition of complications and effective referral arrangements. Strengthen safe motherhood services through on-the-job coaching and refresher training for relevant health staff. Improve the recording, counselling, appropriate management and referral of infertility cases within the scope of available services and staff competencies. Promote community awareness of tetanus vaccination in accordance with the national immunization programme. Build staff capacity and community awareness on early recognition of breast and cervical cancer warning signs and appropriate referral, in line with service guidelines. Organize health education for mothers and caregivers on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, routine immunization and prevention and recognition of malnutrition. Raise awareness of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV prevention, and strengthen staff capacity for appropriate management and referral. Identify and promptly report problems affecting service delivery or project objectives to the immediate supervisor, and support corrective actions. Participate in RH task forces at the Provincial Public Health Office and other relevant technical working groups and coordination meetings. Carry out other relevant duties assigned by the immediate supervisor or project manager, consistent with the role, professional competencies and confidentiality obligations.

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit their updated CV and a formal cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience through the approved application form below by the close of business on October 08, 2026. Applicants should submit only one application for this position.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/m8UpTggv7W6X8qA69

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.