Senior Nutrition Officer

Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most comprehensive private, not‐for‐profit health care systems in the developing world with community health programs in large geographical areas in Central and South Asia, as well as in East Africa.

The Aga Khan Health Services, Afghanistan (AKHS, A) was established in 2003 as part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). AKHS, A provides health care services mainly on behalf of the government including the Ministry of Public Health’s of Afghanistan’s Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) and Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS). AKHS, A is unique both in scale and scope, delivering critical health services along the continuum of care, from Community Health Workers (CHWs) to ISO certified hospital facilities.

AKHS, A is currently implementing healthcare services in Bamyan, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kabul and Takhar provinces. The agency’s scope of work includes the provision of primary and secondary healthcare, preventive and curative medical care, Nursing and Midwifery education, Human Resources Development and Hospital Management. As BPHS and EPHS implementer, AKHS, A provides technical support as well as capacity building of health personnel, immunization services, nutrition trainings and the training of Community Health Nurses and Community Health Midwives.

AKHS, A draws on internal and other donor fundings to continue supplementary and complementary support to the national health system. Moreover, AKHS, A has introduced innovations, including, expansions of e-Health services, e-learning initiatives, and cross border arrangements. To promote healthy environment, AKHS, A is also implementing net zero and greenhouse gas emission initiatives.

Supports nutrition program/project development and planning

• Coordinates and works closely with WFP, UNICEF, PND, MoPH BPHS/EPHS, and field partners.
• Analyses and exchanges information with provincial partners and stakeholders using evidence (monitoring findings, nutrition database, NNSS reports) to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and address problems.
• Provides updates at national and provincial nutrition meetings.
• Supports the provincial nutrition committee to analyse routine data sources.
• Maps gaps and bottlenecks in the provision of nutrition services within the province.
• Plans field visits for priority areas to address identified gaps.
• Provides regular feedback to the provincial nutrition team with recommended actions.
• Follows up monthly on action points until implementation is completed and issues are resolved.

Provides technical support for program management, monitoring, and delivery of results

• Monitors and supervises nutrition services at health facilities, health posts, and community levels.
• Provides feedback to the provincial nutrition team.
• Conducts data verification sessions for WIFS, IMAM, CBNP, and MIYCN indicators using agreed tools (HMIS, nutrition online database, WIFS database).

Provides operational support to the nutrition program implementation

• Participates in national coordination forums, provincial nutrition committee meetings, contingency planning discussions, and nutrition cluster meetings.
• Monitors and follows up on key nutrition supply activities.
• Ensures proper handling and use of supplies (RUTF, IFA, anthropometric equipment, CBNP kits, Vitamin A).
• Ensures provinces maintain quarterly and/or monthly distribution plans.
• Ensures timely release of supplies from the main warehouse to prevent stockouts.
• Ensures provincial teams submit supply requests on time to PND, UNICEF, and WFP.
• Ensures safety, security, proper handling, storage, and documentation of supplies at all facilities and warehouses.
• Provides regular feedback on program nutrition activities.
• Assists in the preparation of donor reports.
• Participates in the development and implementation of program work plans.

Education: MD Degree

At least five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in nutrition projects/program management, nutrition projects monitoring, and reporting. Experience in collecting and compiling quantitative and qualitative data is an asset. 

Experience working with UN or NGO programs/projects is an asset. 

Three years of relevant experience for master’s degree holders 

Experience working at the zonal/provincial level is an asset.

Qualified applicants who are exactly suitable with the above criteria are requested to send their applications + CVs through this link: https://forms.gle/oWinGeKMeGdpuxR76

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

Aga Khan Health Service, Afghanistan strives to promote diversity as well as provide an equal employment opportunity to each candidate, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, language, marital status, origin, political affiliation, religion, sex, or social statuses.

Aga khan Health Service- Afghanistan is an equal opportunities employer. Female are encouraged to apply.

AKHS is concerned about the climate and environmental crises we face and is doing everything possible to reduce our own impact, encouraging others to do the same, and advancing understanding in this field. AKHS has set itself the task of getting as close to net-zero carbon operations as possible by 2030. We expect all staff to contribute to achieving these aims in the context of their roles. We encourage applicants with previous experience or an interest in this field to app.

(AKHS, A enforces a zero-tolerance stance towards behaviors inconsistent with the goals of AKDN and AKHS, A, encompassing sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, authority abuse, and discrimination. The organization is committed to stringent child safeguarding principles. Successful candidates are required to align with these standards, undergoing thorough reference and background assessments, which involve validating academic credentials and employment history. Additional information may be requested for a comprehensive background check.)

“AKHS, A is an equal employment opportunity organization, and with the mandate of transparent, open, and fair recruitment process. Any follow up during the recruitment process by the applicant/candidate can disqualify the querier”.