Head of Human Resource

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.

• Formulates and leads the implementation of the Human Resources Strategy for AKHS Afghanistan, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, business objectives, the AKHS Global HR Strategy and broader AKDN strategic priorities.
• Serves as the CEO's principal advisor on all people-related matters, providing strategic guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, organizational development, talent management, employee engagement, and organizational transformation.
• Ensures compliance with Afghanistan labour laws, donor requirements, AKDN policies, safeguarding standards, and international best practices across all HR functions.
• Reviews legal amendments, AKDN HR policies, and emerging HR trends to ensure timely updates to HR policies, procedures, and organizational practices.
• Establishes and monitors internal control mechanisms across HR processes to mitigate operational, legal, safeguarding, financial, and reputational risks.
• Conducts comprehensive benchmarking and job evaluation exercises in collaboration with the Global HR team and serves as a member of the Job Evaluation Committee. Ensures all roles are accurately graded to support talent retention and motivation.
• Develops and manages the annual Human Resources budget in consultation with the HR Managers at the National Program Office (NPO) and the regions and key stakeholders and monitors its utilization to support strategic organizational priorities.
• Defines the organization's talent acquisition strategy to attract, recruit, develop, and retain high-performing clinical, technical, and support staff while promoting AKHS Afghanistan as an employer of choice.
• Ensures the implementation of fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment processes in compliance with HR best practices, institutional policies and safeguarding requirements.
• Oversees the development and implementation of standardized orientation and onboarding programmes for all new employees.
• Spearheads the development and implementation of an organization-wide learning and development strategy, annual training plan, and leadership development initiatives aligned with organizational priorities and workforce capability needs.
• Ensures regular training and awareness programmes on HR policies, Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest, Safeguarding Framework, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and other topics as necessary.
• Oversees the organization-wide performance management framework and ensures the timely completion of annual performance planning, performance reviews, and talent review processes.
• Advises and coaches the CEO and Senior Management Team on leadership effectiveness, talent reviews and performance discussions to strengthen organizational capability.
• Guides managers in performance improvement planning, employee coaching, talent development, disciplinary actions, and employee separation processes when required.
• Promotes a high-performing, inclusive, ethical, and values-driven organizational culture that reflects AKDN principles and strengthens employee engagement.
• Provides strategic direction on complex employee relations, disciplinary matters, workplace investigations, safeguarding cases, grievances, and organizational development issues while ensuring consistent application of HR policies, legal compliance, and best practices.
• Designs and oversees the organization's compensation, benefits, and rewards philosophy to ensure internal equity, market competitiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.

Academic and Professional Qualification:

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related discipline. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and significant progressive HR experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge and competencies, may also be considered.
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD, SHRM, SPHR, CHRP, or an equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills with the ability to advise senior executives and management teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret workforce data and translate insights into strategic actions.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills with the ability to engage effectively with employees, management, donors, government authorities, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in HR Information Systems (HRIS), workforce analytics, and digital HR solutions, including experience with systems such as Odoo or similar platforms
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong integrity with the sensitivity to manage confidential information.
• Shows resilience, flexibility and perseverance, especially during challenging periods.
• Culturally sensitive, inclusive and respectful of diverse populations, reflecting the global values of the AKDN.
• A deep passion and commitment to AKDN’s purpose, values and ethical framework.
• Flexibility to work as required to meet AKHS mandates.

Qualified applicants who are exactly suitable with the above criteria are requested to send their applications + CVs through this link: 

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”.