Brace Technician _@ Hope Walks Inc., Ethiopia

• Position Title: Brace Technician
• Reporting to: Brace Workshop Team Lead
• Employment Type: Six (6)-Month Part-Time, Fixed-Term Contract

Position Overview

The Brace Technician produces high-quality Steenbeck foot abduction braces (SFAB) under clinical and organizational standards. By collaborating with program staff and adhering to safety, hygiene, and quality control protocols in the workshop, the brace technician contributes to effective clubfoot treatment and long-term life-changing impact on children born with clubfoot.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce complete Steenbeek Foot Abduction Braces, from raw materials to finished brace, according to the production manual, clinical specifications, and size patterns.
• Trace, cut, skive, glue and stitch the leather components, and cut and shape the plywood outer soles, following precise size patterns.
• Cut, weld and bend the metal abduction bar to the standard abduction and dorsiflexion angles using the workshop jigs, and assemble the brace.
• Operate power and manual tools safely, such as the router, jig saw, electric drill, bench grinder, welding equipment, and hydraulic leather cutting machine.
• Check each brace against the final quality control checklist before handing it to the Team Lead for inspection.
• Record daily output by brace size in the production log, and request raw materials through the store requisition process.
• Use materials responsibly and report machine faults or material shortages to the Team Lead promptly.
• Follow safety, hygiene, and workshop rules, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Agree working hours and machine use with the Team Lead so that work does not conflict with the full-time brace technicians.

 Other Duties

This description is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Diploma (Level IV TVET Certificate) in one or more of the following fields: leatherwork, metalwork, woodwork or general mechanics.
• 3+ years of experience in production or technical workshop settings.
• Demonstrated ability to produce a complete Steenbeek Foot Abduction Brace, or comparable orthotic or footwear products, confirmed by a practical skills test during recruitment.
• Experience in clubfoot brace production is a strong advantage; familiarity with paediatric orthotic devices or clinical environments is an asset.

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on technical skills in material handling, cutting, stitching, grinding, welding and assembly.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, durable products.
• Ability to follow technical drawings, size patterns and clinical specifications.
• Ability to work independently to weekly output targets while keeping quality consistent.
• Good communication and teamwork with the workshop team.
• Problem-solving mindset and adaptability in a busy workshop.

Competencies:

• Attention to Details – Able to be alert in a high-risk environment; follow detailed procedures and ensure accuracy in documentation and data; carefully monitor processes; concentrate on routine work details, and organize and maintain a system of records.
• Communication Skills – Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; listen well.
• Planning, Prioritizing, & Goal Setting – Able to prepare for emerging customer needs; manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organize and schedule people and tasks.
• Initiative, Flexibility, & Problem Solving – Voluntarily undertakes additional responsibilities, remains open-minded and changes opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as needed; able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; review facts and weigh options.