Lay Counsellor

The Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) is a nationally recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to strengthening the role of NGOs in Afghanistan’s development. AICS initially focused on enhancing the institutional effectiveness of NGOs through a certification program based on locally defined and internationally recognized standards. It has also provided capacity-building support and promoted transparency and accountability among NGOs. Furthermore, AICS is actively engaged in capacity-building initiatives and research activities.

Over time, AICS has expanded its scope to include direct implementation and support of education sector programs, particularly in Early Childhood Development (ECD), Community-Based Education (CBE), and Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP). Additionally, AICS conducts capacity-building programs for NGOs and implements research projects in the education sector to support the development of evidence-based strategies, strengthen education systems, and contribute to more effective and informed decision-making by stakeholders at all levels.

Today, AICS continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening NGO capacity, supporting inclusive and quality education services, and generating knowledge to inform policies and practices across the development sector.

• To support and implement effective education programs across ECD, CBE, and ALP, aimed at improving access to and the quality of learning for Afghan children and youth.
• To generate practical, evidence-based research that contributes to improved education policies, planning, and service delivery in Afghanistan.
• To build the institutional capacity of NGOs through tailored training, technical assistance, and performance-based support.
• To promote transparency, accountability, and quality standards among NGOs operating in Afghanistan through the application of certification systems and good governance practices.
• To facilitate coordination and constructive engagement between NGOs, government entities, and development partners for effective and aligned service delivery.
• Support Youth and Adults with Skill Learning, TVET, entrepreneurial and employability skills to establish a sustainable living.

Lay Counsellor will provide basic psychosocial support (PSS), social and emotional learning (SEL) activities, counseling services, and referral support to learners, facilitators, and community members participating in the Skill Development and Literacy (SDL) Program. The Lay Counsellor is responsible for promoting learner well-being, resilience, positive coping mechanisms, and social inclusion while contributing to the creation of a safe, supportive, and learner-friendly environment. The Lay Counsellor supports learners facing emotional, psychological, social, or family-related challenges that may affect their participation and learning outcomes. The position also contributes to community awareness raising, facilitator capacity building, and strengthening referral pathways for individuals requiring specialized support services.

Psychosocial Support and Counselling Services

• Provide basic psychosocial support services to learners, facilitators, and community members participating in the SDL Program.
• Conduct individual and group counselling sessions for learners facing emotional, social, family, or personal challenges.
• Provide psychosocial support to learners experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, social isolation, or other psychosocial challenges.
• Offer support to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and facilitate referrals to specialized service providers when required.
• Promote learner well-being and resilience through supportive counselling approaches.
• Facilitate discussions and activities that promote Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), self-awareness, self-confidence, communication skills, empathy, and positive relationships.
• Encourage learners to identify and utilize positive coping strategies and self-help techniques.
• Support learners facing attendance, retention, or participation challenges.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all counselling interactions.

Class Visits and Learner Support

• Visit SDL classes regularly, with a minimum of one visit per class per month or as directed by the project.
• Conduct awareness sessions on psychosocial support, emotional well-being, stress management, and resilience.
• Explain the purpose and benefits of psychosocial support and counselling services to learners and facilitators.
• Encourage learners to discuss challenges affecting their learning and participation.
• Identify learners who may require additional support and follow-up.
• Coordinate with facilitators to identify learners experiencing psychosocial or emotional difficulties.
• Support interventions aimed at improving learner attendance, participation, retention, and completion.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities

• Facilitate SEL activities and discussions during class visits and community events.
• Promote positive communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills among learners.
• Support development of learners' confidence, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills.
• Encourage inclusive and respectful interactions among learners.
• Integrate SEL concepts into psychosocial support activities and awareness sessions.

Community Awareness and Engagement

• Conduct awareness sessions within communities on mental health, psychosocial well-being, stress management, positive coping mechanisms, and emotional resilience.
• Engage with Village Skills Committees (VSCs), community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of psychosocial support services.
• Support efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental health and seeking psychosocial support.
• Promote supportive family and community environments for learners.
• Participate in community outreach events, awareness campaigns, and project meetings.

Parenting Education Support

• Support implementation of Parenting Education activities and sessions where required.
• Promote awareness among parents and caregivers regarding positive parenting practices and family well-being.
• Support facilitators in identifying psychosocial issues affecting learners and families.
• Encourage participation of parents and caregivers in parenting education activities.
• Provide basic guidance on family communication, child well-being, and supportive home learning environments.

Referral and Case Support

• Identify beneficiaries requiring specialized psychosocial, protection, health, legal, or social services.
• Refer individuals requiring advanced support to appropriate service providers in accordance with approved referral pathways.
• Coordinate with health facilities, protection actors, social service providers, and relevant organizations to facilitate referrals.
• Follow up on referrals where appropriate and feasible.
• Maintain records of referrals and actions taken while respecting confidentiality requirements.
• Immediately report serious protection concerns through appropriate channels in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

Capacity Building and Training

• Conduct awareness sessions and basic training for facilitators, community mobilizers, VSC members, and other project personnel on:
• Mental health awareness;
• Psychosocial support principles;
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL);
• Stress management techniques;
• Positive coping mechanisms;
• Psychological First Aid (PFA);
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness and referral;
• Safeguarding and protection principles.
• Support integration of psychosocial support concepts into project implementation activities.
• Participate in project trainings and refresher sessions.
• Monitoring and Reporting
• Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions, awareness activities, referrals, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain beneficiary confidentiality and secure storage of counseling records.
• Prepare monthly activity reports and submit them to the Project Officer and relevant supervisors.
• Report on key psychosocial issues affecting learners and communities.
• Document challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations to improve psychosocial support services.
• Contribute to project monitoring and reporting processes as required.

Safeguarding and Protection

• Promote safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), child protection, and protection principles throughout project implementation.
• Ensure that counseling services are delivered in a safe, respectful, confidential, and non-discriminatory manner.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with approved reporting procedures.
• Support beneficiaries in accessing available complaints and feedback mechanisms.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical conduct at all times.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with Project Officers, PCMs, DCMs, Facilitators, Master Trainers, and M&E Officers.
• Participate in project coordination meetings and planning sessions.
• Support community-based interventions aimed at improving learner well-being and participation.
• Work collaboratively with project teams to address barriers affecting learner participation and success.
• Perform any other project-related duties assigned by the Project Officer to support effective implementation of the SDL Program.

Preferably bachelor’s degree in psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Education, Public Health, Community Development, Medical Sciences, or a related field.

Candidates with a Grade 14 qualification and relevant psychosocial support or counseling experience may be considered.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in counseling, psychosocial support, social work, community development, protection, health, or related fields.

Previous experience working with vulnerable populations is desirable.

Basic training in counseling, psychosocial support, psychological first aid, protection, or related areas is highly desirable.

Good communication, facilitation, listening, and interpersonal skills.

Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto (written and spoken), preferably the language of the target district.

Basic understanding of English is desirable.

Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs@aicsafg.org  no later than 25th July 2026. 

Important Notes: 

Please quote the Vacancy Number and Position Title and Job Location, as the Subject of the e-mail when applying. 
•    No supporting documents (e.g., diplomas, recommendation letters, identification card(s) etc.) are required at this stage. 
•    Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

The Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) promotes a transparent and equitable recruitment process. We reiterate that all services related to job applications, including processing, seminars, and training programs, are provided free of charge. 

Our official job announcements are posted on the ACBAR website (acbar.org/jobs). Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through our designated email address: jobs@aicsafg.org

Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and protecting children and at-risk adults, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees from safeguarding violations. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and at-risk adults are recruited to work for us. In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment AICS implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AICS is kept free from harm and abuse is prevented.
 
Protection from Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) is the responsibility of everyone, and all selected individuals will be required to comply with AICS Safeguarding Policy at all times. 

By sharing your cover letter and resume with AICS in response to this job application, applicants consent AICS to keep this information in file for Recruitment and Human Resources Management purposes.

We request all job seekers to be attentive and report any instances of individuals or entities claiming to charge fees on behalf of AICS Afghanistan to info@aicsafg.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.

The organization has the right to start the recruitment process during the announced period.