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Role Overview
The Program Coordinator will play a crucial role in managing the planning, coordination, and follow‑up of all Operation Smile surgical and non-surgical programs in South Africa. This includes facilitating the execution of short‑term surgical programs, oral health programs, and supporting community outreach, as well as coordinating education and training programs (including surgical training exchange programs and visiting professorships). The Coordinator will also handle logistical needs for all programs in collaboration with the Regional Medical Officer and SSA Logistics Coordinator to ensure compliance with Operation Smile Medical Global Standards.
Reporting directly to the Program Manager of Operation Smile South Africa, the Program Coordinator works closely with Volunteer and Education Coordinators and Patient Coordinators to ensure the safe and successful delivery of all Programs.
Responsibilities
* Cleft Surgical and Non‑surgical Programs – Plan, implement and administer all cleft surgical programs and non‑surgical care: coordinate fact finds, assess trips, liaise with hospital leadership, secure agreements, manage logistics, prepare team packets, conduct post‑op follow‑ups, and solve issues according to crisis notification plan. Provide accurate reports and ensure Global Standards of Care are met.
* Patient and Community Management – Oversee patient recruitment, community outreach, and patient management strategies; validate patient numbers; support referral pathways; engage stakeholders; manage post‑operative follow‑up and comprehensive care.
* Logistics – Develop and maintain medical supplies lists; collaborate with stakeholders to establish an efficient supply chain; identify reliable in‑country suppliers; coordinate procurement; implement inventory tracking; monitor usage; conduct audits and ensure equipment servicing.
* Cleft Competency Pathway – Work with medical leadership to develop comprehensive training plans; identify key training needs; establish clear pathways for professional development; schedule training sessions with hospital administration; organize life‑saving skills training; record data and documentation.
* World Care Programme (WCP) – Coordinate treatment of World Care patients from SADC countries; secure necessary approvals; handle logistics for flights, hotels, translators, per diems, transport; travel with WCP patients when required.
Requirements
* Education and Experience – Clinical Degree (Nursing) or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public Health, with clinical experience preferred; 3+ years in clinical or public health field; project management experience desired; understanding of health systems in South Africa.
* Skills and Characteristics – Excellent English and local language communication skills; strong organization and time management; ability to manage stress; independent and team oriented; handle sensitive situations with diplomacy; willingness to work outside regular hours and travel extensively within South Africa.
* Additional – Willingness to travel extensively within South Africa, including weekdays and weekends; ability to handle on‑call duties; must maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
Application Details
Job Type: Full‑time
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Modality: Onsite
Travel: Frequent domestic and occasional international travel
Start Date: 1 February 2026
Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
Benefits: Competitive NGO‑sector salary with benefits.
Application Requirements
Limit CV to 3 pages and include a cover letter with your application.
Other Information
No job description can be all‑embracing. Associated duties which can be reasonably considered part of the job are included. In addition, if required, an employee may be allocated to other temporary duties provided these are in keeping with his/her skills and experience. The Program Coordinator will always act with professionalism and maintain confidentiality of privileged management and donor information, and will accept new assignments consistent with the mission of Operation Smile.
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