About the Organization
Orbis International is a renowned nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to the global mission of saving sight and eradicating avoidable blindness. Since 1998, Orbis International-Ethiopia has been a cornerstone of this mission in the country, working to transform lives through hands-on clinical training, public health education, and the strengthening of local healthcare systems. By fostering strategic partnerships with local health authorities, Orbis ensures that even the most remote communities gain access to high-quality, sustainable eye care services.
The organizational culture at Orbis is defined by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and humanitarian service. The team operates with a focus on high-impact interventions, such as the “SAFE” strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement) to combat trachoma. Staff members work in a collaborative, supportive environment where mutual trust and a shared passion for public health drive every initiative. The organization also maintains a zero-tolerance policy for safeguarding violations, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all.
Professional growth at Orbis is facilitated through direct involvement in large-scale public health projects and close coordination with regional health bureaus. Field personnel develop robust leadership skills, managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating complex logistics for surgical outreach programs. The role provides a platform to master quality assurance in clinical settings and gain deep expertise in neglected tropical disease (NTD) programming, specifically within the field of preventive ophthalmology.
Orbis is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. The organization actively seeks professionals who reflect the cultures and communities they serve, particularly those with a strong sense of accountability and respect for deadlines. By joining Orbis, you become part of a global legacy that has protected the vision of millions, contributing to a future where no one is blind due to lack of access or treatment.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Field Coordinator for Butajira plays a critical role in the strategic effort to clear the Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) surgical backlog in Central Ethiopia. Funded by the END Fund, this position is responsible for ensuring that thousands of individuals suffering from the advanced stages of trachoma receive life-changing surgery. The Coordinator acts as a vital link between Orbis, zonal health offices, and the community, ensuring that high-volume surgical services are delivered without compromising on clinical quality.
Daily responsibilities include developing woreda-based surgical plans, mobilizing skilled health workers, and organizing diligent case-finding missions to identify every patient in need. The Field Coordinator also provides technical training to Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and community volunteers, building local capacity that lasts long after the project ends. Beyond clinical coordination, the role involves administrative oversight, including managing petty cash, monitoring resource utilization, and ensuring that all medical supplies are properly documented.
The strategic impact of this role is measured by the restoration of sight and the prevention of permanent blindness for vulnerable populations. By implementing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives and supportive supervision, the Field Coordinator ensures that surgical outcomes meet international standards. Furthermore, the development of transition plans helps integrate these specialized eye care services into the existing primary health system, creating a sustainable model for the East Gurage Zone and beyond.
Career development in this position offers a pathway to senior program management within the international NGO sector. The incumbent will refine their skills in project monitoring, financial reporting, and intercultural communication. Managing a field coordination office provides firsthand experience in the operational challenges of rural health delivery, a highly valued competency in global health leadership.
Ultimately, the Field Coordinator is a champion for eye health in the field. Through meticulous planning and dedicated community mobilization, the Coordinator ensures that Orbis’s sight-saving mission is realized on the ground, bringing hope and health to the residents of Butajira and the surrounding woredas.
Job Positions and Requirements
1. Field Coordinator – Butajira
Education: MPH or B.Sc. degree in Public Health, Ophthalmic Officer, or related health fields.
Work Experience: At least 4 years of total professional experience, with at least 1 year specifically in eye care program implementation.
Required Skills: Strong command of English, basic IT proficiency (Excel/Word), and excellent team leadership skills. Proficiency in the local language of the project area is a significant asset.
Job Location: Butajira, Ethiopia (covering Central Ethiopia and East Gurage Zone).
No. Required: 1.
Employment Type and Compensation
This position is a full-time contract role with a duration until June 30, 2028, and a possibility of extension based on performance and funding. The role is based at the duty station in Butajira, requiring regular travel to various project woredas.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, following Orbis International’s salary scale for field coordination roles. In addition to a base salary, Orbis provides a stable work environment, professional support, and the fulfillment of working for a globally recognized humanitarian leader. Staff also benefit from a culture that prioritizes safety, safeguarding, and professional integrity.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official Orbis International recruitment system. The application should include an updated CV and a cover letter that highlights your experience in eye care programs and your ability to lead field teams in a rural setting. Please ensure all sections of the application are completed accurately to reflect your technical and educational background.
Scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required at the initial application stage. Orbis prioritizes the information provided in the digital application form for the initial screening process. Physical verification of original academic and professional documents will be conducted only for candidates who are shortlisted for final interviews.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include technical tests or interviews. Orbis is a zero-tolerance organization regarding safeguarding and code of conduct violations; all selected personnel will undergo thorough background and reference checks. Applicants are encouraged to submit their documents early to ensure consideration for this critical field leadership role.
The primary application channel is the official portal. If you encounter technical difficulties, please consult the help section on the Orbis website. Your application should clearly demonstrate your commitment to quality improvement and your experience in coordinating health outreach services.
Application Deadline
May 16, 2026