MSI Reproductive Choices Afghanistan (MSIA) is a branch of MSI, a global, non-profit, and non-governmental organization headquartered in London, UK, and was established in August 2002 after registration with the Government of Afghanistan. MSIA follows the local mission statement of MSI: Improve Afghan women’s health and well-being so that they can, in turn, build strong, healthy families. Our vision is to be the organization that Afghan women seek out for high-quality, client-centered health care provided by women, for women.

We focus on reducing maternal mortality by providing quality and sustainable maternal-child health (MCH) and reproductive health (RH) services and information in 17 provinces of Afghanistan, namely Kabul, Balkh, Herat, Jawzjan Faryab, Nangarhar, Helmand, Kandahar, Baghlan, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar, Samangan, Kapisa, Khost, Paktia, and Daikundi, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) of Afghanistan. 

MSIA strives to enhance women's health outcomes in the aforementioned provinces by delivering vital reproductive and maternal-child health services through multiple channels such as centers, outreaches, the private sector, and MS Ladies (Family Health Houses).

Position Summary

MSI Reproductive Choices Afghanistan (MSIA) is undertaking a scoping and feasibility assessment to identify suitable provinces for establishing maternity hospitals and to evaluate the MS Ladies model of care, which delivers home-based health services to local communities. To ensure ethical and culturally appropriate engagement, we seek an experienced Data Collector—female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply due to the gender-sensitive nature of the work. The Data Collector will support qualitative research focused on maternal and reproductive health services across multiple provinces.

Key Responsibilities

Data Collection

• Conduct gender-sensitive key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders including health facility staff, MS ladies, community leaders, provincial health authorities, and program beneficiaries
• Facilitate focus group discussions (FGDs) with health care providers, including MS Ladies, and community members
• Perform facility assessments (BEmONC and CEmONC) focusing on quality of care, patient-centeredness, accessibility, utilization, workforce, and referral systems.
• Assess availability of female healthcare providers and staffing gaps
• Record GPS coordinates and travel times where required.
• Ensure accurate field notes and high-quality data collection
• Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding compliance at all times.

Transcription & Documentation

• Transcribe audio recordings from Dari and Pashto into written format
• Use transcription software where applicable to support efficient documentation
• Translate selected transcripts or key excerpts into English as needed

Fieldwork Support

• Travel to designated provinces in Afghanistan to conduct data collection activities
• Adapt data collection tools and approaches based on local context and security considerations
• Participate in daily debriefs with the consultancy team to discuss findings and refine methodology

Deliverables

• Interview and FGD Notes:

Summarized records of all key informant interviews and focus group discussions, capturing main topics, participant insights, and relevant observations.

• Facility Assessment Checklists:

Completed standardized forms for each health facility visited documenting quality of care, accessibility, staffing, and referral systems.

• GPS and Accessibility Documentation (if assigned):

GPS coordinates and travel details for each site, including notes on accessibility challenges and travel times.

• Daily Field Summary Notes:

Brief daily reports outlining activities completed, key findings, challenges encountered, and recommendations for ongoing fieldwork.

• Hospital Site Selection Contributions:

Evidence-based input and recommendations for selecting suitable locations for new maternity hospitals, based on collected data and field observations.

Required Qualifications

Language Skills

• Fluency in Dari and Pashto (spoken and written) is mandatory
• Ability to conduct interviews and facilitate discussions in Dari and Pashto
• Strong English writing skills for documentation and reporting

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in qualitative data collection in Afghanistan
• Proven experience conducting key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs)
• Previous experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, or research institutions
•  Minimum 2–3 years of experience in maternal health, community health, or gender-focused programming.
• Experience conducting interviews with women in conservative or rural contexts is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Experience transcribing audio recordings manually or using transcription software
• Familiarity with OECD-DAC evaluation criteria or monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal and culturally sensitive communication skills

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel to multiple provinces in Afghanistan
• Understanding of and sensitivity to cultural norms, particularly related to women's health and gender dynamics
•  Ability to build trust with female participants
• Commitment to ethical research practices, including informed consent and confidentiality
• Flexibility to adapt to changing field conditions and security protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, social sciences, or related field

Contract Details

• Duration: Short-term consultancy, approximately 15–25 working days, depending on provincial coverage and security conditions.
• Payment: Based on agreed daily rates and submission of approved deliverables, in accordance with MSIA consultancy policies.
• Location: Afghanistan (multiple provinces as required).
• Start Date: To be determined.
• Reporting Line: Lead Consultant / MSIA Programme Manager.

Safeguarding:

MSI Reproductive Choices places human dignity at the center of its relief and development work. At the heart of MSI Afghanistan's efforts to address health, medical needs, and social justice is its engagement with marginalized communities, vulnerable adults, children, and maternal health.

MSI Afghanistan values maternal health and child protection, emphasizing that these groups are particularly at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. MSI Reproductive Choices is committed to protecting vulnerable adults and children from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, involving MSI Afghanistan employees and related personnel.

MSI Afghanistan has a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, and child abuse. We take all concerns and complaints regarding sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse, and child abuse involving MSI employees and related personnel very seriously.

All MSI Afghanistan offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By applying, the applicant confirms understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to fill out the MSI-A application form by clicking the link below and send a copy of their updated CV (no educational or job certifications) by the closing date.

Please note that MSI-A does not charge applicants any recruitment fees. MSI-A is an equal-opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity at all levels. MSI-A has a strict non-discriminatory policy in its hiring and selection processes. All applicants will receive equal consideration, and applicants from all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Please be aware that only those candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted.