Supervisors for the 100 Thinking Healthy Program Trained Midwives from 17- Focused Provinces

Background:

Our client, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and implementing partners, has trained midwives on the Thinking Healthy Program (THP) to strengthen the integration of mental health and psychosocial support services within primary and secondary healthcare settings. To ensure the quality, consistency, and sustainability of THP service delivery, trained midwives require structured post-training supportive supervision and mentoring to strengthen their competencies, maintain adherence to THP standards and protocols, and ensure the provision of safe, ethical, and high-quality care to beneficiaries.

Under the ADB–UNICEF Award, our client has committed to training 100 THP-trained midwives across 17 focused provinces during the second and third quarters of 2026, with implementation of the program to be completed by 31 December 2026. To support the effective application of knowledge and skills acquired during the training, client will establish a structured supervision mechanism aimed at providing continuous technical guidance, case consultation, mentoring, performance monitoring, and quality assurance support to trained midwives. 

To support effective implementation, client will engage qualified THP Master Trainers as part-time online supervisors, each responsible for providing structured supervision, mentoring, and performance monitoring to an assigned group of trained midwives throughout the supervision period. These supervisors will play a critical role in strengthening the practical application of THP interventions, addressing implementation challenges, and promoting continuous quality improvement in mental health service delivery.

Therefore, our client intends to implement a four-month, part-time, structured online supervision program from August to November 2026. The program will provide regular technical support, coaching, case-based learning, and performance feedback to assigned midwives. The supervision approach will promote continuous professional development, improve the quality of mental health service delivery, strengthen adherence to the principles of “do no harm,” and enhance the appropriate identification, management, and referral of mental health conditions within routine healthcare services.

As the first structured online supervision initiative for THP-trained midwives in Afghanistan, this program is expected to generate valuable lessons learned and best practices that can inform future scale-up and institutionalization of supportive supervision mechanisms by the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant stakeholders. 

Purpose of the Assignment:

The purpose of this assignment is to provide structured online technical supervision, mentoring, and performance monitoring to THP-trained midwives to support the effective application of knowledge and skills acquired through the Thinking Healthy Program (THP). The assignment aims to strengthen the quality of mental health and psychosocial support service delivery, enhance adherence to THP and relevant mhGAP protocols, improve clinical decision-making and referral practices, identify and address implementation challenges, and promote continuous quality improvement through regular supportive supervision and coaching. In addition, the assignment seeks to improve the quality, accuracy, completeness, and timely submission of service and program reports, while ensuring the delivery of safe, ethical, and patient-centered care in accordance with the principles of “do no harm.”

Objectives

The Part-Time Online Supervisor shall:

• Provide structured online supportive supervision and mentoring to assigned THP-trained midwives to ensure the effective implementation of the Thinking Healthy Program (THP).

• Strengthen the clinical competencies, knowledge, skills, and confidence of midwives in the identification, management, follow-up, and referral of beneficiaries requiring mental health and psychosocial support services.

• Facilitate the practical application of THP approaches and relevant mhGAP protocols through case discussions, coaching, technical guidance, and continuous professional support.

• Identify operational, technical, and implementation challenges affecting service delivery and recommend practical, evidence-informed solutions to improve program performance.

• Promote continuous quality improvement in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) service delivery through regular performance monitoring, feedback, and follow-up of agreed action points.

• Improve the quality, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of monthly service and program reports submitted by assigned midwives.

• Strengthen adherence to ethical standards, patient-centered care, confidentiality requirements, and the principle of “do no harm” in the delivery of mental health services.

• Monitor progress and performance of assigned midwives throughout the supervision period and provide recommendations for certification and successful completion of the program.   

Key Responsibilities 

a) Technical Supervision and Capacity Building   

The Part-Time Online Supervisor shall:

     • Provide weekly online case discussion sessions focusing on mental health cases identified by assigned midwives or selected by the supervisor to strengthen clinical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and application of THP interventions.

     • Conduct biweekly online technical supervision sessions on priority topics and challenging cases encountered during routine clinical practice, with emphasis on the practical application of THP and relevant mhGAP protocols.

     • Develop and administer biweekly written assessments through Kobo Toolbox, in coordination with our client's Information Management Team, to assess knowledge retention and identify areas requiring additional support.

     • Provide timely written and verbal feedback following supervision sessions, case discussions, and assessments through online meetings, WhatsApp, or other approved communication platforms.

     • Monitor the performance and progress of assigned midwives and develop follow-up actions to address identified capacity gaps.   

    • Identify operational, technical, and programmatic challenges affecting service delivery and recommend practical and evidence-informed solutions.

    • Promote appropriate referral pathways and support midwives in the identification and management of complicated cases requiring specialized care.

    • Remain available during official working hours throughout the contract period to provide technical consultation and respond to questions raised by assigned midwives.

    • Ensure adherence to professional standards, ethical principles, patient confidentiality requirements, and the “do no harm” approach throughout all supervision activities.

    • Administer a final written examination consisting of open-ended questions through Kobo Toolbox no later than three weeks before the end of the contract period.

    • Assess the performance of assigned midwives based on participation, supervision attendance, assessment results, application of THP skills, and reporting performance, in accordance with our client -approved completion criteria.

    • Prepare and submit a final narrative report containing a structured analysis of the performance, strengths, challenges, and progress of each assigned midwife following completion of the four-month supervision period.

    • Identify midwives who have successfully fulfilled all programme requirements and recommend them for issuance of a Certificate of Completion by our client.

    • Maintain complete records of supervision activities, assessments, feedback provided, action points agreed upon, and follow-up actions undertaken throughout the supervision period.  

b) Review of Monthly Reports

The Part-Time Online Supervisor shall:

     • Review monthly reports submitted by assigned midwives. • Verify the completeness, accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reported data.

     • Identify reporting errors and data quality issues and provide corrective feedback to assigned midwives.

     • Follow up on delayed, incomplete, or inaccurate reports and support improvements in reporting practices.

     • Ensure timely submission of reports and maintain records of feedback and corrective actions provided.

c) Data Analysis  

The Part-Time Online Supervisor shall:

    • Analyze monthly service delivery data submitted by assigned midwives and identify key trends, common and severe mental health conditions, treatment gaps, and data quality issues based on THP performance indicators.

   • Monitor patterns in service utilization and highlight emerging challenges requiring technical support or corrective action.

   • Prepare concise monthly analytical summaries highlighting achievements, key findings, challenges, recommendations, and follow-up actions. 

d) Documentation 

The Part-Time Online Supervisor shall:

    • Maintain supervision records for each assigned midwife and provide regular feedback on performance and progress.

    • Document key discussion points, action items, recommendations, and follow-up actions from supervision sessions.

    • Maintain records of assessments, feedback provided, and corrective actions taken during the supervision period.

    • Prepare and submit monthly supervision summary reports highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations. 

5. Deliverables  

The The Part-Time Online Supervisor shall submit the following deliverables:

• Monthly online supervision plan at the beginning of each month. • Documentation and attendance records of completed supervision sessions, case discussions, and assessments.

• Reviewed and corrected monthly reports of assigned midwives, including feedback provided and recommended corrective actions.

• Monthly supervision summary report highlighting:

    - Number of midwives supervised. o Key findings and achievements. 

    - Common challenges and capacity gaps identified.

    - Data quality and reporting issues.

    - Recommendations for improvement.

    - Follow-up actions undertaken and pending actions.

• Final narrative report at the end of the contract, including a structured assessment of each assigned midwife and recommendations for certification.

a) Education

     • Bachelor's degree or higher in Psychology, Counselling, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, or a related Mental Health field is required.

     • Must be a certified Thinking Healthy Program (THP) Master Trainer accredited by our client and the Mental Health Department of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).

     • Must have established commitment and experience working with our client and the Mental Health Department in supporting the rollout and facilitation of THP training activities.

     • Advanced training or certification in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), counselling, psychotherapy, or related fields is highly desirable.

b) Experience

     • At least five (5) years of professional experience in mental health, psychosocial support, counselling, or related fields.

     • Demonstrated experience in the implementation and application of the Thinking Healthy Program (THP).

     • Previous experience as a THP Master Trainer accredited by our client and the Mental Health Department of MoPH.

     • Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supportive supervision of health workers or community-based service providers.

     • Experience in reviewing, validating, analyzing, and interpreting health service data and program reports.

     • Experience conducting online or remote training, supervision, and capacity-building activities is desirable.

     • Experience working with our client, MoPH, implementing partners, or similar health and development programs is an asset.

c) Skills  

     • Excellent mentoring, coaching, and supportive supervision skills.

     • Strong clinical knowledge of mental health, psychosocial support (MHPSS), and the Thinking Healthy Program (THP).

     • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-review skills.

     • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

     • Ability to facilitate effective online learning, case discussions, and virtual supervision sessions.

     • Ability to provide constructive feedback and support continuous professional development of supervises.

     • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WhatsApp.

     • Experience using electronic data collection and reporting platforms, including Kobo Toolbox, is desirable.

     • Ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to our client ethical and professional standards.

7. Time Commitment

• Part-time assignment.

• Be available on WhatsApp or phone call for technical consultation during working hours.

• Allocated 24 hours per week as mentioned above (Technical Supervision and Capacity Building) for discussion on topics, cases, collecting, summarizing, and analysis of reports.

• Conduct regular online supervision sessions according to the agreed schedule.  

8. Reporting Line

• The supervisor will report to our client National Psychosocial Officer, and to Public Health Officer, with overall supervision with WHE Team Lead.

9. Duration of Assignment

• The consultancy is expected to last 4 months (September 1, 2026 – December 30, 2026)

10. Confidentiality

• The supervisor shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information, clinical discussions, and program data.

• All information obtained during the assignment shall be used solely for technical supervision and quality improvement purposes.

11. Ethical Considerations

The supervisor shall:

• Adhere to our client ethical standards and professional conduct, including PSEAH.

• Respect patient confidentiality and data protection principles.

• Promote equitable, non-discriminatory, and patient-centered care.

• Declare any conflicts of interest that may affect the assignment.

Annex 1: Suggested Weekly/Monthly Activities

Annex 2: Allocation of Salary to Suggested Weekly/Monthly Activities

The supervisor will report to our client National Psychosocial Officer, and to Public Health Officer, with overall supervision with WHE Team Lead.

To be determined

To be determined

Our client has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, inaction against it and any form of retaliation against victims/survivors or bystanders who disclose, report, or participate in an investigation. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence, thorough background checks and reference check processes. This will ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded from abusers and that abusers are prevented from joining our client Afghanistan office. Please report any concerning information regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by our client workforce and partners to our client office of Internal Oversight services at [email protected]

Our client is a smoke free environment.