Women for Afghan Women (WAW) is a grassroots civil society organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan and New York. In particular, WAW works to help Afghan women and girls exercise their rights to pursue their individual potential to self-determination, and to representation in all areas of life—political, social, cultural, and economic. WAW relentlessly advocates for women’s rights and challenges the norms that underpin gender-based violence to influence attitudes and bring about change.

Job Summary: 

The Psychosocial Counsellor serves as the dedicated lead for the Child-Friendly Space (CFS). The role focuses on creating a therapeutic environment where children can recover from stress through "soft" interventions—primarily art therapy, guided play, and recreational activities. She is responsible for the daily management of the center and ensures it remains a safe, joyful, and healing environment for children.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the Child-Friendly Space (CFS), ensuring it is clean, decorated, and welcoming.
• Plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate recreational, educational, and psychosocial activities that support children’s development and well-being.
• Design and lead drawing, painting, and craft sessions specifically intended to help children express emotions they may not be able to put into words.
• Implement non-intrusive psychosocial activities such as storytelling, puppet play, and music to build confidence and social cohesion.
• Ensure that activities promote positive social interaction among children.
• Identify and report any child protection concerns or risks observed within the CFS.
• Apply child safeguarding policies and ensure compliance by all staff and visitors.
• Observe children during play to identify behavioral changes or signs of deep distress.
• Ensure the CFS is a "zero-violence zone." Monitor peer interactions to prevent bullying or exclusion.
• Work closely with protection, case management, and MHPSS teams to ensure children’s holistic needs are addressed.
• Engage with parents, caregivers, and community members to raise awareness of child protection and psychosocial support.
• Keep daily attendance records and activity logs.
• Monitor the progress and well-being of children attending the center.
• Provide regular reports on activities, challenges, and achievements to supervisors and project management.
• Manage and maintain educational and recreational materials and ensure the CFS’s resources .
• Act as the primary focal point for identifying children who need specialized protection services and reporting them to the Case Management team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with CFS children, community members, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Document "milestones" to demonstrate the impact of the CFS.
• Participate in relevant events and forums as needed.
• Support in raising awareness regarding the availability of MHPSS and protection services.
• Any other task assigned by supervisor.

• Bachelors in psychology, or trained by MOH, or received accredited training by IPSO
• Accredited training certificate in psychosocial counseling or health social counselling is highly desirable 
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience (years of accredited training is counted)
• Fluent in both Pashto and Dari

Interested Afghan applicants should submit a cover letter along with their CVs in one PDF file explaining their interest in and suitability for the position. Please indicate the vacancy number (VA#1555 Psychosocial Counsellor (CFS), Nangarhar clearly in the cover letter and in the subject line of your email and send it to: hr@womenforafghanwomen.org

Note: Kindly avoid sending your educational and work certificates at this stage of recruitment. Applications received after the closing date without mentioning the location in the subject line of the email will not be considered.