CARE’s Introduction (Who We Are?)

As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people in over a hundred countries. We do this by focusing on our mission and living the values that drive our organization. A career at CARE is an opportunity to be part of a movement that brings communities together to solve complex problems and foster lasting change throughout the world. We seek individuals who are passionate about humanitarian and development work, collaborate well with others, embrace learning and innovation, and deliver results.

CARE’s Work Culture (What It’s Like to Work at CARE?)

CARE is a mission-driven international humanitarian aid and development organization that offers an opportunity to work with people across the world. Not a day will go by that you won’t learn something profound, meet an expert, or write a sentence that can change a life. We are committed to an environment where everyone can succeed.

Summary of Key Functions

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Advisor (MHPSS- Advisor) will play a key role in providing mental health and psychosocial support to Health service providers under Health Equity and Right program ( HERP) of the CARE country office. He/She will provide eon-the-spot support to the medical team psychosocial counselor and MPHSS officer to improve services to individuals and communities affected by continued c conflict, disaster, and displacement in CARE-targeted provinces. He/She will work closely with the project team and relevant stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor mental health and psychosocial support interventions. The MHPSS advisor will be responsible for conducting assessments, providing guidance on counseling and therapy, delivering training and capacity-building sessions, and ensuring the overall well-being of beneficiaries.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct comprehensive mental health and psychosocial assessments to identify the needs and concerns of individuals and communities.
2. Develop and implement appropriate mental health and psychosocial support interventions based on the assessed needs and context.
3. Provide individual and group counseling sessions to the project team, and beneficiaries, employing evidence-based approaches and techniques.
4. Facilitate psychoeducation sessions to raise awareness and reduce stigma related to mental health and psychosocial issues.
5. Collaborate with the project team to develop and deliver training programs on mental health and psychosocial support for staff and community members.
6. Establish and maintain referral pathways with relevant service providers, ensuring seamless access to specialized care when required.
7. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mental health and psychosocial support activities and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
8. Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and interventions.
9. Coordinate and liaise with local partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to foster collaboration and ensure a holistic approach to mental health and psychosocial support.
10. Stay updated on best practices, research, and developments in the field of mental health and psychosocial support and incorporate them into program activities.
11. Participate in regular team meetings, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives including initiation of MHGap and PFA training to enhance professional growth and contribute to the overall success of the project.
12. Frequent field visits to provide supportive supervision of MHPSS intervention and on-the-job training to the PSCs.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Uphold CARE’s Safeguarding Policy (https://www.care-international.org/resources/care-international-safeguarding-policy) and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Must read the Safeguarding Policy and either sign the Safeguarding Code of Conduct or sign a Code of Conduct that is consistent with or references this policy and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

Safety and Security Responsibility:

We all have a responsibility to promote a safe and secure work environment, foster a safety and security culture, and ensure consistent application of, and compliance with, CARE Afghanistan safety and security policies and procedures.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Professional certification or licensure in mental health counseling or therapy preferred.
• Proven experience in providing mental health and psychosocial support services, particularly in humanitarian or emergency contexts.
• Sound knowledge of evidence-based approaches and interventions in mental health and psychosocial support.
• Familiarity with cultural, social, and gender-sensitive considerations in mental health and psychosocial support programming.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications and software for data management and reporting.

Job Requirements:

Core Competencies:

• Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
• Able to listen well, accurately communicate ideas, and to work well in a team
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with a range of individuals and groups
• Work enthusiastically with clients
• Culturally flexible and respect the multi-cultural environment

4.2 Skills and Experience:

• Excellent skills in problem-solving and decision-making 
• Strong communication skills
• Patient counseling and advice
• Technical skills to provide effective safe motherhood services
• Good teamwork spirit 
• Willingness to learn new skills

 4.4 Languages Skills:

• Fluency in spoken and written Dari, Pashtu, and English language is a requirement.

Location:  Kabul with frequent travel to the field.

Safeguarding

CARE places human dignity at the center of its relief and development work. At the heart of CARE’s efforts to impact poverty and social justice is its engagement with marginalized communities, and vulnerable adults and children. Vulnerable adults and children are particularly at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. CARE commits to the protection from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse and of vulnerable adults and children, involving CARE Employees and Related Personnel. CARE has a zero tolerance toward sexual exploitation and abuse and child abuse. CARE takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation, harassment and abuse and child abuse involving CARE Employees and Related Personnel

CARE Afghanistan  participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we hereby request information from candidate’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. All CARE Afghanistan’s offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

• Please submit your completed CARE Standard Job application form (ACBAR: Application Form) to afg.vacancies@care.org.
• Applications after the closing date (12:00 AM) and without CARE Application form will not be accepted.
• Please Indicate the position title, Vacancy Number in the Subject Line (MHPSS Senior Advisor CARE-AF-1240 Kabul) otherwise your application will not be considered.
• Please note that there is no telephonic inquiry and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted with and call for Interview.
• The successful applicant will be expected to undergo a Background Check, Bridger check & Reference check and be compliant and sign up to Care Afghanistan’s Code of Conduct, PSHA (Prevention from Sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse) and other Care Afghanistan policies prior to a final offer being made.
• People with Physical Disabilities and Women are highly encourage to apply.
• CARE IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING POLICY (Available at: Safeguarding)
• CARE IS COMMITTED TO CODE OF CONDUCT (Available at: CARE Afg Code of Conduct (updated).pdf)

Equal Opportunity Statement

CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

MDS (Misconduct Disclosure Scheme)

CARE participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we hereby request information from the candidate’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.