CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, health, agriculture, education, and peacebuilding.

Background

CRS has been working on behalf of Afghan families since 2002, with experienced Afghan staff working in offices across the country. We provide emergency relief, basic needs and services, improved livelihoods, and other life‐enriching services to tens of thousands of households. CRS is currently implementing programs in the provinces of Bamiyan, Ghor, Herat, and Kabul, and is exploring additional expansion.

Afghanistan has the highest reported maternal mortality in Asia with 620 fatalities per 100,000 live births and very high rates of infant mortality (45 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022. According to a 2018 Afghanistan Health Survey conditions are improving, especially for rural families, which is linked to several improvements in community health systems, increased uptake of antenatal care. Even still, many factors hamper progress on key health outcomes, such low rates of 4+ ANC uptake, long or difficult distances to public or private clinics, and limited availability of affordable care. Over the last several years, natural shocks and stresses as well as economic instability have contributed to widespread food insecurity, with over a third of Afghanistan’s population facing high levels of acute food insecurity. As of 2023, over 3 million children suffer from severe or moderate acute malnutrition, with close to one million pregnant and lactating women suffering from acute malnutrition. Only half of children are fully immunized, which may also contribute to increased morbidity and/or mortality. 

To respond to these critical needs, CRS is expanding its health and nutrition programming to better meet the needs of vulnerable households, and in particular, the unique dietary and health needs of, communities in Herat.

CRS is hiring a local short-term Midwifery Consultant to support the reactivation of the Maternal and Child Care Center (MLMCC)" in Herat City. CRS is seeking an Advanced Registered Midwife (referred to as Midwifery Consultant) with robust clinical expertise and strategic leadership skills. This individual will drive technical input on MLMCC management processes, clinical protocols, and training to ensure safe, clinically accountable, and person-centered midwifery care. In addition to supporting the Clinical Midwifery Team in the development and evaluation of innovative care models, the consultant will play a pivotal role in aligning policies and practices with local standards and strategic priorities, while strengthening the technical capacity and performance of direct care providers. The Midwifery Consultant will collaborate with the Senior Project Officer to support the MLMCC staff, including midwives.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

1. Expert Clinical Practice 

• Clinical Leadership: 

• Serve as the subject-matter expert in midwifery care, delivering hands-on guidance and ensuring adherence to evidence-based protocols. 

• Ensure best practices are integrated into daily operations and clinical decision-making. 

• Resource & Staffing Coordination: 

• Develop robust work rosters that ensure efficient coverage across shifts while being sensitive to staff wellbeing. 

• Oversee the allocation and management of medical resources—such as medications, supplies, and equipment—to maximize efficiency and prevent shortages. 

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: 

• Provide technical assistance on compliance, supportive supervision, and continuous quality improvement. 

• Co-develop, implement, and monitor clinical protocols and safety procedures to create a culture of excellence. 

• Workload Management: 

• Prioritize and balance clinical workloads within finite resources, ensuring safe and effective care delivery at all times. 

2. Professional Leadership & Consultancy 

• Mentorship & Team Development: 

• Lead, inspire, and coach colleagues, fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and clinical excellence. 

• Serve as a role model in both clinical practice and professional interactions. 

• Strategic & Multidisciplinary Collaboration: 

• Act as a key resource for internal teams and external stakeholders, including community partners, by offering strategic insights and fostering robust networks. 

• Participate in formal strategic and operational planning sessions to shape the future direction of maternity services at the hospital. 

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: 

• Identify opportunities for innovative practice improvement, contributing to the design and implementation of quality improvement initiatives. 

• Facilitate cross-disciplinary feedback loops to resolve challenges and refine clinical processes. 

3. Education, Training & Development 

• Evidence-Based Training Programs: 

• Design and deliver comprehensive in-service and refresher training sessions that reflect current clinical evidence and comply with international midwifery standards. 

• Develop training materials, session plans, and performance evaluation tools to assess learning outcomes. 

• Capacity Building: 

• Assess the needs of newly appointed staff and develop tailored educational programs in partnership with CRS and the host organization. 

• Mentor staff in the use of contemporary information systems and emerging clinical practices, ensuring ongoing professional development. 

• Continuous Engagement: 

• Organize and lead monthly in-service training sessions and workshops to ensure that clinical teams remain at the forefront of best practices. 

• Evaluate and enhance patient and staff involvement in the learning process to boost overall satisfaction and service quality. 

4. Learning, Research, & Strategic Innovation 

• Data-Driven Practice Improvements: 

• Monitor key MLMCC performance indicators to identify trends, challenges, and barriers. 

• Use clinical audit findings and robust data analytics to drive evidence-based quality improvement initiatives. 

• Research and Policy Integration: 

Provide expert input on policy development, ensuring that clinical procedures and guidelines are continuously refined based on the latest research and best practices. 

• Must be an Advanced Midwife registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board. 
• A minimum of 7+ years of clinical practice, with at least 50% of recent practice in a direct care setting, supporting sustained clinical relevance and credibility. 
• Demonstrated experience in the field of public health, and for an NGO and I/NGO would be a plus.
• Progressive experience with health service delivery and/or health systems strengthening is a plus
• Experience with community engagement; demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable communities while being sensitive to gender and local customs.
• Previous experience in health behavior change for improved maternal and child health is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Strong analytical, facilitation and coordination skills.

• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Proven expertise in clinical midwifery practice, compliance, quality improvement, and staff development. 
• Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of National Accreditation Standards. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and ICT skills. 

• Ability to work within diverse cultural settings while maintaining robust stakeholder relationships. 
• Demonstrated proactive approach to addressing clinical, operational, and policy gaps to drive service excellence. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: Program Manager, Head of Programming, Senior Project Officer and Field Officer (MEAL)
• External: Hospital staff

Required Languages – Fluent Dari (reading, writing, and verbal skills) + Pashto is preferred. Working proficiency in English is also required.

Travel – The position is based in Herat City. Relocation support is not available for this consultancy.

CRS is committed to providing daily allowances for mahram who accompany female staff on day trips to the field, and per diem and accommodation for mahram who accompany female staff on work-related trips that require overnight stays.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., May 27^th, 2025), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.