Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192 member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view of preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services. The IFRC has five regional offices i.e. Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Additionally, the IFRC has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat. As one of the five decentralized parts of the IFRC Secretariat, the Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO) leads the implementation of operational plans in support to National Societies of 39 countries through eight Country Offices and five Country Cluster Support Teams. As part of the Asia Pacific Region, the Afghanistan country delegation supports Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) with capacity building and programme implementation guided by the ARCS established strategic plan in the areas of health, disaster risk management, food security and livelihoods, social outreach, organizational development, and COVID-19 pandemic operations. The Senior Officer, Community Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) reports to the Manager, Community Health. He/she is a member of the Afghanistan Health and Team. This position will work closely with other technical teams including health, operations, PGI, CEA, NSD and quality and accountability teams during response as well as preparedness, recovery and development. He/she will coordinate and manage all CBHFA programme activities and lead the technical assistance to deliver Community Based Health and First Aid response under emergency operations as well as the program development related to it.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Manager, Community Health,, s/he is responsible to oversee the implementation of IFRC Community Health operational plan support to Afghan Red Crescent Society. S/he will work closely with Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) ensuring CBHFA activities are implemented effectively and efficiently in coordination with the MoPH and other relevant stakeholders at national and local levels. S/he works closely with ARCS CBHFA department at the HQ and provincial/regional levels to build ARCS CBHFA team capacity in overall in CBHFA programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The Senior Officer for Community-Based Health and First Aid will coordinate and support the ARCS CBHFA Programme and other community-based health and WASH initiatives. This role involves promoting community resilience and ensuring the effective implementation of health programs, particularly in emergency contexts. The Senior Officer, Community Based Health and First Aidwill work closely with ARCS and other stakeholders to enhance the capacity and reach of CBHFA services.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide technical support to ARCS in promoting community health activities and first aid training for various audiences, including community members and responders.
• Assist in updating and drafting curricula for community health and first aid training sessions.
• Support ARCS in developing assessment and evaluation tools for training programs and ensure the delivery of high-quality educational content.
• Provide hands-on technical support to ARCS trainers, ensuring the maintenance of standardized training programs for community health and first aid responders.
• Lead the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for community health and first aid activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to address the health impacts of climate change within community health initiatives, ensuring that programs are resilient and responsive to environmental challenges.
• Facilitate community education programs that raise awareness about the health risks associated with climate change, promoting adaptive behaviors and practices to enhance community resilience and well-being.

Programme Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Ensure that all community health and first aid programs utilize appropriate planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (PMER) tools in compliance with IFRC and ARCS guidelines.
• Support the development and implementation of community-based health initiatives and first aid programs, including assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Produce comprehensive reports for donors regarding health projects, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation visits to program areas, preparing detailed feedback reports for the ARCS Health Program/ CBHFA team at national and regional levels. • Develop case studies and communication materials to highlight community health and first aid initiatives.
• Monitor budget utilization for community health and first aid programs in coordination with the finance department.

Coordination and Communication:

• Foster collaboration with ARCS and other health stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to enhance the effectiveness of community health initiatives.
• Organize joint health meetings with ARCS and IFRC to coordinate programs, share updates, and address operational challenges.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination with health program counterparts from the movement, UN agencies, and NGOs at national and regional levels.
• Where appropriate, attend monthly cluster coordination meetings that are facilitated by other external stakeholders e.g. UNICEF and WHO and share updates with the Manager, Community Health as well as the HealthCoordinator.

Emergency Response:

• Be prepared to be deployed as a community health and first aid expert during emergencies, ensuring rapid intervention and support for affected communities.
• Assist ARCS in developing and implementing emergency contingency plans related to community health and first aid.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Feedback Mechanism:

• Establish and implement a feedback mechanism for community-based health activities to gather with related ARCS/IFRC departments.
• Collaborate with relevant colleagues to analyze feedback and make necessary adjustments to programs, ensuring responsiveness to community needs.
• Integrate Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) and Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) principles into project planning, implementation monitoring and feedback processes.
• Participate in health sector meetings and networks to stay informed about best practices and emerging issues.

Compliance and Financial Management:

• Ensure adherence to financial policies and budget management for community health and first aid initiatives.
• Review and approve financial documentation related to project expenditures in line with ARCS and IFRC policies.

Education

Required:

• University degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Nursing, Nutrition, or a related health field; a master’s degree in Public Health or a related discipline is preferred.
• Relevant post graduate qualification/technical training (or equivalent experience).
• Certification on Public health, emergency health, basic epidemiology, community base approaches and first aid.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in community health and first aid programs, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Experience in responding to epidemics, health crises or emergency health and WASH responses.
• Experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation in health-related initiatives.
• Experience in managing multiple projects.

Preferred :

• A broad understanding of global humanitarian issues, disaster recovery and related areas.
• Experience in NS capacity building in preparedness, response and recovery.
• Experience of working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent or other humanitarian organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Able to achieve results through collaboration/teamwork.
• Able to strategically plan for community health and first aid initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to negotiate while maintaining effective working relations.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to change, take extra miles to accomplished work task.
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team and in a changing environment.
• Ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Good representation and facilitation skills.
• Computer skills: Windows, Word Processing, PowerPoint, Excel. (spreadsheet and database application) + Ability to use video conferencing application i.e., Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc.
• Ability to be flexible to work in pressurised working environments e.g., disaster affected area.
• Able to travel frequently to project areas.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Fluently spoken and written English

Preferred:

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

Competencies, Values and Comments

Core Competencies: Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, Judgement & Decision Making, National Society & Customer Relations, Creativity & Innovation, Building Trust.
Values: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, professionalism, Accountability.
Managerial competencies: Managing Performance, Managing Staff Development Functional.
competencies: Strategic Orientation, Building Alliances, Leadership, Empowering Others