Assistive Technology Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial aid organization that has been operational since 198

• The organization focuses on addressing the needs of people with disabilities and vulnerable populations in situations of poverty, exclusion, conflict, and disaster. HI operates in over 55 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization has a budget of around 200 million euros, which supports various humanitarian and development projects. HI is committed to promoting inclusion and diversity within its workforce, actively engaging in policies that encourage the integration of people with disabilities. The organization is also involved in various coordination bodies and clusters, including health and protection, to enhance its impact and effectiveness in the field.

Job Overview:
The Assistive Technology (AT) Technical Officer plays a crucial role in implementing Humanity & Inclusion's mandate and strategy in Afghanistan. This position is primarily focused on enhancing the availability, accessibility, quality, and sustainability of assistive technology services and supplies, particularly concerning wheelchairs and positioning devices. The AT Technical Officer will conduct comprehensive assessments of the existing assistive technology market and supply chain, which includes mapping potential suppliers, reviewing product availability, analyzing pricing, and identifying opportunities for improvement in procurement and distribution. The role emphasizes collaboration with rehabilitation teams, logistics, and procurement colleagues to ensure quality assurance of assistive products and to develop appropriate technical standards. The AT Technical Officer will also provide technical guidance and capacity building to HI staff and partners, promoting equitable access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities, especially in underserved areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assistive Technology Market and Suppliers Analysis: Assess the technical capacity of local workshops to produce wheelchairs and positioning devices. Provide coaching and technical support to improve production processes and product quality. Identify technical gaps in equipment and machinery and recommend improvements.
• Assistive Technology Product Quality and Technical Review: Review and support the development of wheelchair and positioning device designs suitable for local needs. Establish practical technical specifications and quality criteria for production.
• Supply Chain and Procurement Technical Support: Provide guidance on production planning, costing, and marketing related to wheelchair production. Identify measures to improve local production efficiency and sustainability.
• Technical Support and Capacity Building: Provide training and mentoring for workshop staff and rehabilitation stakeholders. Facilitate technical workshops and develop resources to support ongoing application of skills.
• Documentation and Recommendations: Document findings and progress, providing recommendations for strengthening local production. Prepare a handover package for continued work after the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or professional qualification in relevant fields such as Physical and Functional Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Assistive Technology. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required, with demonstrated expertise in Assistive Technology, particularly in mobility and functional devices. Strong experience in product assessment, quality assurance, and supply chain management is essential. Experience in training and mentoring rehabilitation professionals is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree or professional qualification in Physical and Functional Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Assistive Technology, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of assistive technology and its application in rehabilitation settings.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in Assistive Technology. Candidates should have a strong background in product assessment, selection, and quality assurance, as well as practical experience in market analysis and supply chain management, ideally in complex or resource-constrained environments. Experience in training and mentoring is also beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of Dari and Pashto is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role in the Afghan context.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kabul, with occasional travel to other provinces as required. It is a 4-month international contract starting from January 1, 202

• The contract includes social coverage, unemployment insurance for EU nationals, a pension scheme, medical coverage with a 50% employee contribution, and repatriation insurance. The salary starts at 2,346 € gross per month, with additional benefits such as a per diem of 599 € net per month, hardship pay of 500 € net per month, and 25 paid leave days per year. The position is unaccompanied, with collective housing provided by HI.