The Organization for People’s Health in Action (OPHA) is an independent, non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization dedicated to the development of Afghanistan. OPHA focuses on implementing projects in healthcare, community development, capacity building, and the empowerment of women and youth.

OPHA was established in October 2017, and is officially registered with the Ministry of Economy. The organization is currently delivering essential healthcare services in Paktika province.

For more information, please visit our website: www.opha.org.af

General Responsibilities:

The Environmental, Social Health & Safety Officer will ensure that all project activities under the HER-AF2 BPHS & EPHS framework are implemented in compliance with environmental and social safeguarding standards. This includes identifying risks, promoting mitigation strategies, and ensuring community engagement and protection in line with national and donor policies.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Safeguarding

• Monitor and assess environmental risks related to health facility operations, waste management, and infrastructure.
• Ensure proper implementation of medical waste disposal protocols and environmental protection measures.
• Support development and enforcement of environmental management plans (EMPs).

Social Safeguarding

• Promote inclusive and equitable access to health services, especially for vulnerable groups (women, children, persons with disabilities).
• Ensure protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) across project sites.
• Monitor social risks and grievances, and support resolution mechanisms.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to World Bank ESS standards, MoPH guidelines, and OPHA safeguarding policies.
• Conduct regular field assessments and audits to identify and mitigate safeguarding risks.
• Maintain records of incidents, complaints, and follow-up actions.

Capacity Building & Awareness

• Train health facility staff and community stakeholders on environmental and social safeguarding principles.
• Develop IEC materials and conduct awareness campaigns on rights, responsibilities, and grievance mechanisms.

Reporting & Coordination

• Prepare monthly and quarterly safeguarding reports.
• Coordinate with MEAL, gender, and protection teams to ensure integrated safeguarding approaches.
• Liaise with local authorities and community leaders to promote accountability and transparency.

Deliverables

• Environmental and Social Risk Assessment Reports
• Facility-level Environmental Management Plans
• Safeguarding incident logs and resolution reports
• Training records and awareness campaign documentation
• Monthly and quarterly safeguarding performance reports

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Social Work, Public Health, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in environmental and social safeguarding roles, preferably in health or humanitarian sectors
• Strong knowledge of World Bank ESS standards and Afghan regulatory frameworks
• Experience in community engagement, risk mitigation, and grievance handling
• Excellent communication, training, and reporting skills
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto; English proficiency required
• The position requires regular travel to provinces for field visits and providing support to project activities.

 Working Conditions

• Based in Kabul with frequent travel to health facilities across provinces
• Must adhere to OPHA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and safety protocols

Others:

• Act according to the policies of OPHA.
• Keep confidentiality with issues related to OPHA.
• Develop Spirit of co-operation and understanding among members of the team.
• Work with honesty and co-operative attitude and keep a high standard of quality.
• All other interdictions are stipulated in the staff regulation and other OPHA policies along with the disciplinary measures and all these policies are part of the staff contract with OPHA.

OPHA upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination by its personnel toward the individuals it serves. Additionally, OPHA is firmly committed to stringent child safeguarding principles.

All personnel, including selected candidates, are expected to fully comply with these standards and principles at all times. As part of OPHA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical work environment, all selected candidates will be subject to thorough reference and background checks concerning any past misconduct related to sexual exploitation and abuse as well as child safeguarding violation and any corrupt practices. Candidates may also be required to provide further information throughout the selection process.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants who are exactly suitable with the above criteria are requested to submit their CV with cover letter through the email provide below.

Please write the subject title in email as: Environmental, Social Health & Safety Officer , Vacancy No. 2025/117, otherwise your application may not be considered.

Only short listed candidates will be contact for written test/interview and application after closing date will not be considered.

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

Email Address:

jobs@opha.org.af