This position aligns with Plan International’s 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.

1. The Chief Driller will play a critical role in overseeing and implementing the drilling of both shallow and deep wells across various PIE’s 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

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 International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

• Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;

• Ensures that Plan International’s 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 International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted

Job Requirements

• 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

How To Apply

The closing date for the application is July 28, 2025. Qualified candidates should submit their application with THIS LINK

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• We are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated links.

• Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to Apply

More information about Plan International can be found on http://plan-international.org 

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required. As an international child centered community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with. 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. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.