About the Organization
SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is a distinguished International Non-governmental Organization and a proud member of the SOS Children’s Villages International Federation. Our journey in Ethiopia began in 1974 with the opening of our first village in Mekelle. Over the last five decades, we have expanded our reach across various regions, driven by the belief that every child and young person deserves to grow up in a supportive environment characterized by love, respect, and security.
Our mission is centered on addressing the persistent challenges faced by children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. By working in close collaboration with international donors, local government bodies, and community-based organizations, we implement sustainable interventions that yield positive, long-term outcomes. We currently operate across eight program locations, each dedicated to providing a family-like environment for those in need.
At SOS Children’s Villages, our commitment to safeguarding is a foundational value. We go beyond mere policy to ensure that protection is embedded in every action we take. We cultivate an environment of absolute trust and accountability, where the safety of children, young people, and our workforce is prioritized above all else. This holistic approach to ethics and integrity is what defines our organizational culture.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and diverse employer. We believe that a variety of perspectives strengthens our ability to serve vulnerable communities and innovate within the humanitarian sector. Our workforce is a reflection of our values, and we strive to maintain a professional atmosphere where every voice is respected and every individual is empowered to contribute to our mission.
As an equal opportunity employer, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia actively champions diversity. we provide fair consideration to all applicants regardless of their background. We explicitly encourage women to apply for our open positions, as we believe their leadership and perspective are vital to creating a world where everyone feels safe and protected.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The role of Driver/Purchaser in Arbaminch is a vital support position that ensures the smooth logistical operation of our regional projects. By combining transport responsibilities with procurement assistance, this role acts as a bridge between our office and the field. You will be responsible for the safe transit of project staff, visitors, and outreach teams, directly enabling our life-changing programs to reach those in need.
Strategically, the Driver/Purchaser ensures that our resources are managed efficiently and our assets are protected. By maintaining vehicles in top condition and conducting diligent market research for purchases, you help the organization maximize its impact while staying within budgetary constraints. Your work ensures that there are no delays in project delivery due to logistical hurdles.
A “day-in-the-life” in this role involves a proactive mix of field driving, vehicle maintenance checks, and local procurement tasks. You might start your day with a safety check and a trip to a remote outreach site, followed by an afternoon of coordinating with local suppliers to secure the best prices for project materials. It is a dynamic role that requires flexibility and a high level of responsibility.
Career development at SOS Children’s Villages is supported through exposure to international NGO standards and rigorous professional training. You will gain deep experience in logistics, procurement documentation, and safeguarding protocols. We value employees who show initiative and a desire for continuous learning, providing a stable platform for long-term professional growth.
The strategic impact of this role is found in the reliability of our operations. When you deliver goods on time and ensure safe transport, you are directly contributing to the safety and security of the children and youth we serve. Joining our team means your daily efforts are part of a larger humanitarian mission to transform lives in the Arbaminch region.
Job Positions and Requirements
Driver/Purchaser
Educational Qualification: Certificate of technical training or at least Grade 10 completion.
Work Experience: 4 years of experience in mechanics and driving, preferably with an NGO.
Job Location: Arbaminch, Ethiopia.
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale.
No. Required: 1.
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate must hold a valid 3-5 grade driving license and possess strong technical knowledge of vehicle repair and maintenance. Proficiency in maintaining accurate log sheets, purchase orders, and inventory records is essential. Excellent interpersonal skills are required to communicate effectively with vendors and co-workers. Candidates must be flexible enough to work extra hours, including evenings and weekends, as project needs dictate. A commitment to safety and an empathetic, results-oriented mindset are core competencies for this role.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time position that offers a stable and fulfilling career path within a globally recognized federation. SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia provides a competitive compensation package that reflects the essential nature of this role. Our rewards are growth-oriented, focusing on providing a secure environment for our staff so they can focus on their mission-driven work.
We believe in supporting the well-being of our employees through clear safety protocols and a culture of mutual respect. By joining us, you are entering a workplace that values your expertise in mechanics and procurement as much as your commitment to driving safely.
How to Apply
To maintain an efficient and inclusive recruitment process, SOS Children’s Villages utilizes its dedicated application portal. Please be clearly informed that scanned certificates or heavy attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We encourage you to focus on highlighting your mechanics experience and your history of safe driving and procurement.
Original documents and academic credentials will only be required for physical verification during the interview stage. This helps us streamline our review process while ensuring the integrity of our selection. All successful candidates will undergo thorough background checks as part of our unwavering commitment to holistic safeguarding.
Due to the volume of interest we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Following the deadline, our recruitment team will review submissions to identify those who best align with our core values of kindness, initiative, and results orientation.
Interested candidates should submit their resume via the SOS Children’s Villages Application portal (ICIMS).
Application Deadline
May 17, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Apply via the SOS Application Portal (ICIMS): https://sos-ethiopia-jobs.icims.com/