Program Coordinator

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: Samaritan’s Purse

Deadline: May 12, 2026

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for identifying, coordinating, and supporting patients in need of cleft lip and palate surgery across the country. This role oversees the full patient journey from initial identification and screening through surgery and post-operative follow-up ensuring high-quality care, accurate recordkeeping, and compassionate support for beneficiaries and their families. Expected to develop and implement patient mobilization strategies, maintains comprehensive patient databases, and ensures all candidates meet established medical guidelines. Collaborates with government agencies, partner hospitals, and local health facilities, and recruits and supervises patient navigators. Responsible for program administration, including budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify Cleft lip and Palate (CLP) patients nationwide for surgery, more specifically from areas where SP Ethiopia has projects. This is done in accordance to Samaritans Purse (SP) and partner hospital guidelines;
Manage patient expectations throughout the process.
Maintain accurate patient records, including registration forms, medical evaluations, and pre- and post-operative photos.
Manage and update a patient database, including contact information and surgical waitlists for future referrals.
Develop and implement patient mobilization and community sensitization strategies to identify potential beneficiaries.
Collaborate with the MoH in Ethiopia as needed regarding program implementation.
Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with partner referral hospital/(CURE)
Represent Samaritans Purse professionally with partner hospitals, healthcare facilities, NGOs, and government officials.
Recruit, select, and supervise qualified patient navigators (counselors) to support patients through the surgical process.
Coordinate patient logistics, including transportation, lodging, meals, and registration for patients and their navigators traveling to Addis Ababa for surgery.
Work with local health facilities to ensure patients meet pre-surgical requirements, including malaria testing, hemoglobin (Hb) checks, and weight criteria.
Develop and submit annual program budgets; monitor financial reports and Program Activity Reports (PARS).
Implement post-operative follow-up plans, including phone calls and home visits to beneficiaries within reason. Submit follow up reports and photos.
Monitor for post-surgical complications; notify the Regional Program Manager and assist in coordinating appropriate care or referrals.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE NEEDED

BSc in Nursing
Active practice license
4 -5 years related work experience, preferably in cleft care, surgical programs, or health systems strengthening

LANGUAGE

Proficiency in English and Amharic
Knowledge of the regional language required
Knowledge of any other national language is a plus

SKILLS REQUIRED

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritans Purses code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritans Purses Statement of Faith, as well as be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Committed to Samaritans Purse values, with experience working among marginalized and at-risk populations.
Strong relational skills with a warm, people-oriented approach.
Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and data collection tools (e.g., DHIS2)
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and networking skills.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk and run; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be exposed to loud noises around the maintenance and construction workshops.
May travel in country with exposure to communicable diseases, hot and humid weather conditions.
Work in a security context that is fluid

SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT

The employee is required to carry out his/her duties in accordance with Samaritans Purse Safeguarding policy and Code of conduct.

Employee should remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills, which will enable him/her to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct his/herself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding Policy.