The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances childrenโs rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support childrenโs rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.
We wonโt stop until we are all equal.
The Opportunity
This position aligns with Plan Internationalโs core values and principles and is responsible for the proper operation of the drilling rig, as well as the execution of all drilling activities using appropriate and approved methods. The Chief Driller is expected to fulfil the responsibilities outlined below.
The Chief Driller will play a critical role in overseeing and implementing the drilling of both shallow and deep wells across various PIEโs intervention regions in Ethiopia. This position requires a highly skilled professional with expertise in managing the technical, logistical, and operational aspects of well drilling. The Chief Driller will ensure the proper functioning of all drilling equipment, including the drilling machine, compressor, drilling bits, and other essential tools and materials. The role also includes facilitating the procurement of drilling materials, coordinating their mobilization to drilling sites, and ensuring the successful completion of the wells within the project timeline. This position demands an integration with the drilling crew and the Geologists to ensure the selection of suitable drilling locations, the extraction of water, and the proper installation of surface casings, blind casings, screen casings, and head works. The Chief Driller will also oversee the construction of headworks and coordinate water quality testing in partnership with local water offices. Additionally, the role requires regular communication with community representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of the project. This position requires close coordination with the drilling crew, Chief Driller, and logistics team to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of required materials. Additionally, the role may involve regular communication with community representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation The Chief Driller will act as the focal point for all drilling-related activities and will be responsible for maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and safety.
The Individual
Diploma in Auto Mechanics/Electricity, Diploma (10+1) TVET and above in auto-electricity, auto-mechanics, and General mechanics with drilling machine operation professional certificate Having a minimum of 6 years of solid work experience in the drilling sector. Proven ability in driving heavy trucks, and driving license Grade 4 and above required Demonstrated experience in the management of key areas relevant to drilling interventions under the country program. Additional experience and commitment to, and understanding of, participatory approaches to respond to the Venerable community. Previous experience in working with and developing a multi-disciplinary drilling team. NGO work experience, preferably working in water well drilling operations in remote areas
Please click here to review the full job description
Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)
Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan Internationalโs Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed per the appropriate procedures. Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understand their role in upholding Plan Internationalโs safeguarding and GEI policies; Ensures that Plan Internationalโs global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day-to-day work. Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan Internationalโs global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.
Location: Gambella
Type of Role: Six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs
Reports to: Hydrogeologist-Drilling Operation Coordinator
Closing Date: July 28, 2025
Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.
We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.
We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girlsโ rights and inclusion.
Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.
A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.