Head Coach – Afghanistan Women’s National Team (Freelancer)

As the organiser of some of the biggest and most iconic sport events in the world, we lead the way in the sport and event industry. Join the team as a freelancer and support us on our mission. The Head Coach will lead the technical, tactical and cultural development of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team. The role is responsible for preparing the team to perform competitively on the international stage while creating a safe, inclusive and high-performance environment for players and staff. Reporting Line: The Head Coach will report directly to the Technical & Sporting Lead. This role is funded through the FIFA Women’s Football Division and will be contracted under the following terms: Start Date: ASAP Location: Remote Contract Type: Freelancer Further details regarding payment structure, deliverables, and support services will be included in the official contract and onboarding documentation. THE POSITION These are your key tasks: Lead the technical and tactical delivery of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team programme. Develop and implement a clear playing style, training methodology and match strategy. Prepare and deliver high-quality training sessions, match plans and in-game tactical adjustments. Build a united, disciplined and cohesive team environment. Lead squad selection in coordination with the Technical & Sporting Lead and relevant staff. Build player profiles covering technical, tactical, physical, medical and psychological with relevant staff. Create and monitor individual player development plans. Support player identification and provide input into recruitment, scouting and talent pathway decisions. Recruit, onboard and manage assistant coaches and technical and performance staff where required. Create a positive, collaborative and accountable working environment. Coordinate closely with medical, safeguarding, operations, logistics, analysis and communications staff. Work with the Medical and Performance Lead to support player fitness, injury prevention, return-to-play and recovery plans. Ensure player welfare, safeguarding and duty-of-care standards are embedded in all team activities. Foster an inclusive and respectful environment that values the diverse backgrounds and experiences of players and staff. Provide strong leadership, role-modelling and emotional intelligence across camps, matches and team environments. Build trust with players and staff through clear communication, consistency and cultural sensitivity. Lead pre-match preparation, opposition analysis and post-match reviews. Conduct post-camp and post-match debriefs, identifying lessons and priorities for future improvement. Support communications activity where required, ensuring messaging is culturally sensitive and aligned with programme objectives. Contribute to regular performance reports and updates for FIFA leadership and relevant stakeholders. Travel internationally for camps, matches, scouting and programme activities as required. YOUR PROFILE We work hard at FIFA. We are dedicated, ambitious and innovative. And we respect our values. Always. For all roles, we seek talented people with an entrepreneurial spirit and a global mindset. The specific competencies we require for this position are: Pro Licence preferred. A Licence essential. Minimum five years’ coaching experience in football, ideally within a club, federation or national team environment. Proven coaching experience in women’s football. Experience working with elite, semi-professional or international-level players. Strong understanding of technical and tactical principles of the game. Ability to design and deliver high-quality training sessions and match preparation. Proven ability to build a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture. Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage players and staff with professionalism, empathy and authority. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including performance, medical, analysis, operations and safeguarding staff. Strong understanding of player development, performance feedback and individual development planning. Ability to work sensitively with players from diverse cultural, social and football backgrounds. High level of integrity, discretion and emotional intelligence. Flexible, resilient and adaptable in fast-paced or complex environments. Willingness to travel internationally and work across different contexts. Excellent spoken and written English. Valid safeguarding certification. Valid police/background check or willingness to complete one before appointment Strong IT skills, including video analysis tools, PowerPoint, Word and Excel. Desirable Qualifications Experience working with diaspora player groups or geographically dispersed squads. Experience supporting players in complex or sensitive cultural environments. Knowledge of Afghan football, Afghan culture or the Afghan diaspora. Additional languages such as Dari, Pashto, French or Spanish.