Head of Child Care at Stand by Me Ethiopia
Stand by Me Ethiopia is a children’s charity committed to rescuing vulnerable children from poverty and giving them the care, education, and support they need to thrive. In Ethiopia, we work alongside local communities to ensure children are safe, healthy, and equipped for a brighter future. Our vision is to see every child we care for reach their full potential and become everything they were born to be.
Location: Bekoji, Arsi, Ethiopia
Organization: Stand by Me
Deadline: April 6, 2026
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Head of Child Care to lead our childcare programmes in Bekoji. You will be responsible for our Social Work, Community Empowerment, Medical and Children’s Homes teams.
Along with our Head of Education and Head of Admin & Finance you will report to the Project Director and will play a key strategic role to enhance the support given to over 500 beneficiaries and their families, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Strategic leadership & programme development to lead a world-class standard of care at Stand by Me Bekoji project
- Operational oversight of all Child Care Services
- Line Management and Leadership Development for Nurse, Children’s Home Manager, Social Work Manager and Community Empowerment Officer
- Safeguarding Leadership & Accountability
- Integrating holistic care, by ensuring coordination between the different child care departments
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Representing Stand by Me and Partnering with other organisations to enhance our services
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, Child Development, Psychology, Public Health, Education, or related field.
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in child-focused programming.
- At least 3 years in senior leadership overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.
Essential
- Strong safeguarding leadership and case management experience.
- Proven operational management experience.
- Experience implementing standards, policies, and training frameworks.
- Strong planning, budgeting, and reporting capability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High integrity and commitment to child protection.
- Experienced and confident in working directly with children aged 6 – 18
Desirable
- Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
- Experience transitioning residential care toward family/community-based models.
- Experience in East Africa.
- Experience implementing livelihood or income-generation programmes.
- Experience in Monitoring & Evaluation systems.
- People management
- Communication
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Ability to work with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
Please see full job description at: Head of Child Care Job Description for the specific responsibilities within each of the above areas.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Download the Application form HERE or Through: www.standby.me/ethiopiajobs
- Send the completed Application form both with your CV and Cover Letter (maximum 500 words outlining your suitability for the role) to: ethiopia@standby.me.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for making a lasting difference in the lives of children. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
For more information about Stand by Me visit: www.standby.me
