Assistive Technology (AT) Maintenance Specialist & Driver

Project Title

Connected Care – Innovative Community-Based Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Ecosystem for CYWD in Oromiya and Sidama Regions

Project Number

• CC-ETH-2026-002

Donor / Partner

• Liliane Fonds (LF)

Project Duration

• 3 years (2026–2028)

Number of Vacant Positions

• 4 position types, 10 posts in total (see summary table below)

Duty Stations

• Addis Ababa (head office) and field bases in Bishoftu and Ambo (Oromiya) and Hawassa (Sidama), covering 20 target woredas

Vacancy Type

• Internal/External — open to current Cheshire Ethiopia staff and external applicants

Application Deadline

• 10 working days from the date of this announcement

Organizational Background

Cheshire Ethiopia (Registration No. 0505) is a leading national non-governmental organization committed to disability rehabilitation and inclusive health services since 1962. With over six decades of experience in community-based rehabilitation (CBR), Cheshire Ethiopia’s mission is to ensure the rights and full participation of persons with disabilities. The organization operates from established centers in Addis Ababa, Menagesha, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa, with an annual production capacity of over 1,200 wheelchairs, prosthetics, and mobility aids, and a network of 500+ trained community health workers across Oromiya and Sidama regions.

Cheshire Ethiopia, in partnership with Liliane Fonds, is implementing “Connected Care”, a three-year (2026–2028) initiative to establish Ethiopia’s first hybrid high-tech/low-cost assistive technology (AT) ecosystem. The project integrates Mobile Rehabilitation Units (MRUs), community-managed AT production labs, a tele-rehabilitation platform, and the “Ekul” community solidarity financing model to close critical rehabilitation service gaps for 3,000 Children and Youth with Disabilities (CYWD) across 20 woredas of Oromiya (13 woredas) and Sidama (7 woredas).

To deliver this ambitious model, Cheshire Ethiopia is recruiting a project team of ten (10) staff across four position types, based at the project coordination office in Addis Ababa and at MRU field bases in Bishoftu, Ambo, and Hawassa. This vacancy is open to both internal candidates (current Cheshire Ethiopia staff) and external applicants.

Assistive Technology (AT) Maintenance Specialist & Driver

Job Title

• Assistive Technology (AT) Maintenance Specialist & Driver

Job Grade

• As per Cheshire Ethiopia organizational salary scale (Technical/Support Grade)

Number of Positions

• Three (3) — one per Mobile Rehabilitation Unit

Contract Duration

• One (1) year, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds

Location

• MRU field bases in Bishoftu, Ambo, and Hawassa, with travel across assigned woredas

Reports To

• MRU Field Team Lead

Position Purpose

The AT Maintenance Specialist & Driver is a dual-function role responsible for safely operating and maintaining the MRU’s motorized tricycle (Tuk-Tuk) and for providing basic technical maintenance and repair support for assistive devices in the field, ensuring the Mobile Rehabilitation Unit can reach remote communities safely and keep client devices functioning between clinical visits.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

•       Safely operate the unit’s motorized tricycle (Tuk-Tuk) to transport the MRU team, assessment toolkit, and equipment to scheduled community and household visits across the unit’s target woredas.

•       Perform routine vehicle checks, maintenance, and minor repairs; maintain accurate fuel, mileage, and maintenance logs.

•       Carry out basic maintenance, adjustment, and minor repair of assistive devices (wheelchairs, mobility aids, prosthetic/orthotic components) during field visits and follow-up calls.

•       Support the MRU Field Team Lead in the fitting and adjustment of assistive devices, including device transport to and from Cheshire Ethiopia’s centers or the nearest Community AT Lab for complex repairs.

•       Respond to urgent device-failure call-outs under the unit’s 48-hour emergency response protocol.

•       Assist with loading, transporting, and safeguarding project equipment, raw materials, and supplies between the field base, AT labs, and community sites.

•       Support basic data recording (e.g., vehicle usage, device maintenance records) using the project’s digital tools.

•       Comply with all vehicle safety, road safety, and Cheshire Ethiopia health and safety protocols during outreach activities.

Working Conditions

The Project Coordinator and Finance Officer are based at Cheshire Ethiopia’s project coordination office in Addis Ababa, with regular field travel to project woredas. MRU Field Team Leads, AT Maintenance Specialists & Drivers, and Community Mobilizers are based at the MRU field bases in Bishoftu, Ambo, and Hawassa, with frequent travel by motorized tricycle to remote and rural communities across Oromiya and Sidama regional states. All post holders must be prepared to work under varying field conditions, including travel to hard-to-reach villages.

Salary and benefits for all positions are set according to Cheshire Ethiopia’s organizational salary scale for the relevant grade. The initial contract duration for all positions is one (1) year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, project needs, and availability of funds as outlined in the Connected Care project budget.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cheshire Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability status. Women, persons with disabilities, and qualified candidates from Oromiya and Sidama regions are strongly encouraged to apply. Cheshire Ethiopia is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and dedicated to the principles of inclusion and diversity.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

•       Technical/vocational certificate in automotive mechanics, general mechanics, assistive technology/prosthetic-orthotic technology, or a related technical field. Experience

•       Minimum 2 years of experience as a driver and/or in vehicle/equipment maintenance; experience with motorbikes or motorized tricycles preferred.

•       Prior experience in assistive device maintenance, workshop/technical repair work, or a related hands-on technical role is an advantage.

•       Experience working in rural or remote field settings is desirable.

Skills and Attributes

•       Valid motorbike/light vehicle driving license with a clean driving record.

•       Basic mechanical and technical repair skills, with willingness to be trained in AT-specific maintenance.

•       Physical fitness and willingness to travel to remote and rural areas under varying road and weather conditions.

•       Basic literacy for record-keeping and use of simple mobile/smartphone applications.

•       Reliability, punctuality, and a safety-conscious approach to work.

•       Working knowledge of Amharic; knowledge of Afaan Oromo and/or Sidaamu Afoo is an advantage.