Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan is looking for a seasoned and Dynamic Counsellor for Chitral Region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enroll patients presenting at the assigned Gynaecology / Obstetrics Department to participate in the HPV study. This will include:
  • explaining the rationale for the study, the importance of screening for cervical cancer to patients to convince patients to participate in the study.
  • Conducting a transparent and ethical consent process with each patient to ensure that patients are free to consent or refuse to participate on the study with no coercion.
• Serve as the representative of the study in the assigned hospital and coordinate with Gynae/Obs staff including the Gynaecologist who is a part of the study to ensure that patients are respectfully and ethically facilitated through the consent, counselling, sample collection, results communication, and referral loop as per study protocols.
• Ensure minimal disruption to hospital service delivery as a result of the study and minimize inconvenience to enrolled and other patients.
• Ensure confidentiality of each patient and their data following study procedures closely
• Complete all required study templates and data collection tools fully, accurately and on time.
• Ensure that samples collected are labelled and stored as per study procedures and carefully transferred to relevant study personnel or the lab as agreed with supervisor.
• Maintain close coordination with study staff outside the hospital to ensure that data is ethically and confidentially transferred in a timely fashion as per study protocols.
• Build relationships with all relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of project activities at the assigned project site.

Qualifications and experience requirements:

• Graduate from reputable institute in Social Sciences, Mental Health, Counselling Psychology or in relevant disciplines.
• 1 year of professional experience required & experience in counselling or healthcare is preferable.
• Alternately healthcare providers such as Medical Officers, Nurses, LHVs, CMWs, Nursing Assistant or other allied health staff will also be considered.
• Fluency in written English & should be aware of local language.
• Ability to use electronic tools to accurately and consistently collect and transfer data is a must.
• Must demonstrate advanced ability to understand and follow complex study protocols.
• Team player, ability to meet tight deadlines, excellent communication, basic data management skills, stakeholder management and ability to manage field work.

AKHS is committed to reducing our impact on climate and the environment and have set ourselves the goal of striving for net-zero carbon operations by 2030. All staff are expected to take part in making this a reality. The Counsellor is expected to identify and understand which aspects of his/her work have most impact on the environment, and define tasks, work, and personal goals within his/her work plan to reduce these impacts and bring AKHS closer to net zero.