Program Assistant, Ethiopia

Organizational Overview

Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft focused organization. Our goal is to transform the lives of every person impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our patients with free, life-changing, comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach more than 2 million children in 90+ countries in the past 25 years, and we still feel like we’ve just started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time!

Make a Difference

The Program Assistant, Ethiopia will assist the Senior Program Manager, East Africa in developing and implementing an annual budget and long-term and short-term action plans to reach as many cleft-affected children as possible with cleft treatment, as quickly as possible, in the most cost-effective manner, whilst maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

The Program Assistant, Ethiopia will be expected to act when and where necessary to ensure the best interests of the organization and our programs. Be responsible for ensuring full compliance with Smile Train’s Safety & Quality Protocol and organizational Guidelines.

Reports To

Senior Program Manager, East Africa 

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of Program Assistant will include the following.  Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Within the framework of the approved budget, assist the Senior Program Manager to implement and monitor operational plans with measurable targets, specific checkpoints, and clear financial commitments.
• Assist the Senior Program Manager to receive, review, and analyze all grant requests from local implementing partners, and carry out ‘due diligence’ to either reject or approve those that fall within the agreed financial authority and plans, sharing with the Senior Program Manager when additional approvals are required.
• Assist in hosting planned events and support field operations by providing logistical support (travel arrangements, bookings, handle phone calls); preparing marketing materials for distribution of display during branding social platforms.
• Ensure all operations are legally and financially transparent and in compliance with all local laws and laws of the U.S. that apply to local business practices.
• Speak up, when and where necessary, about the organization’s aims, values and practices; keep track of cleft-related issues and developments and share this feedback internally and with local partners.
• Share Smile Train’s global messaging locally and help to build the brand and awareness of Smile Train program.
• Capture and share stories, images, and videos that help to tell Smile Train’s story and that could be used across the organization to further Smile Train’s programs.
• Maintain communication with existing implementing partners in Ethiopia with the Senior Program Manager to ensure success of current and future programs.
• Build and nurture the ‘Smile Train’ brand, developing an image of a focused, committed, ethical and caring organization upholding and furthering ‘best practices’ in cleft care.
• Assist the Senior Program Manager in serving as a point of contact for operations within Ethiopia and communicate regularly with the Senior Program Manager to keep him informed of all significant developments and key plans.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• A highly organized and result-oriented health professional with strong experience in program cycle management, grant review processes, and health program implementation in low-resource settings. The candidate will have a solid understanding of health systems in Ethiopia and experience working with local implementing partners, healthcare providers, and government institutions.
• Detail-oriented and analytical, with the ability to review grant proposals, assess compliance, and support data-driven decision-making. The candidate demonstrates strong coordination and logistical skills, with experience supporting field operations, grant management, organizing events, and managing multiple priorities effectively.
• An excellent communicator and relationship builder, capable of maintaining strong partnerships and representing the organization professionally.
• Proactive, adaptable, and committed to upholding high standards of quality, transparency, and accountability, with a passion for improving access to safe and timely comprehensive cleft care for underserved populations.

Required Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Nutrition, Global Health, or a related field
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in program cycle management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting
• Demonstrated experience in grant review, partner due diligence, and compliance monitoring
• Experience working with clinical and non-clinical implementing partners
• Strong understanding of health systems and program implementation in Ethiopia.
• Proven experience coordinating field activities, logistics, and stakeholder engagement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Knowledge of local languages
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Based in Ethiopia

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in maternal and child health, surgical care, or congenital conditions (e.g., cleft lip and palate)
• Experience of working with international organizations
• Experience in working on cleft care programs
• Experience working with Ministry of Health and sub-national health offices 
• Familiarity with Ethiopia health system and regulatory environments
• Experience in financial tracking, budgeting, and grant management
• Background in monitoring & evaluation, data analysis, or research
• Experience in knowledge management, communications, storytelling, or content development (photos, videos, social media)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Strong interpersonal and partnership management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Alignment with Smile Train’s mission, values, and commitment to safety and quality standard

Compensation

$13,000 to $15,000 USD Annually

Travel

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically within Ethiopia as required
• Travel may include field visits to partner hospitals, program sites, and attendance at meetings, trainings, and events

Why You’ll Love Working Here!

Smile Train offers a range of innovative benefits...

Meaningful Work – Be part of work that creates meaningful, lasting impact — changing the world one smile at a time.

We’ve Got You Covered – Enjoy a generous stipend towards medical expenses to help prioritize the health of you and your family.

Rest and Recharge - Enjoy a generous vacation package, paid holidays, and sick time so you can rest, recharge, and return feeling your best.

Family Matters - We support employees through life’s most important moments with paid parental leave, giving you time and flexibility for the people who matter most.

Learn and Grow - Take advantage of an annual professional development stipend and opportunities to expand your skills and continue learning.

Work Your Way – Thrive with a remote work model built for connection, balance, and impact.

Travel the World – See our impact firsthand while partnering with global colleagues and programs through opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Application Process

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.

To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. Only those who provide a cover letter as directed will be considered. We encourage interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.