Program Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Officer will be responsible for implementing project activities across various project locations, collaborating closely with local partners. This role requires frequent travel to project sites and daily interaction with local partners to ensure alignment with approved work plans, project timelines as well as project results. Key responsibilities include implementing project activities, developing project and financial reports to track progress towards project goals and objectives, participating in all project-related meetings and events to ensure the quality of project implementation and documenting good practices during project implementation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Prepare periodic program workplans, budgets, and reports, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives.
• Oversee the implementation of program activities at national partner hospitals and with other stakeholders, ensuring high-quality delivery and long-term sustainability through effective collaboration with local partners.
• Coordinate and support local partners in implementing comprehensive eye care projects for communities, ensuring responsiveness to local needs.
• Collaborate with the MEL Officer to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation protocols, including the design and execution of baseline and endline surveys to effectively track program progress and outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data to produce regular program reports, documenting field observations, achievements, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Monitor project budgets and work closely with the finance team to prepare financial reports, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to budgetary guidelines.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of eye health communication and training materials, ensuring they reach and engage target audiences effectively.
• Ensure the documentation and sharing of program learnings, best practices, and success stories to inform future programming and support organizational knowledge management.
• Collaborate with the program team to support the Country Director in developing concept notes and funding proposals, aligning program strategies with Orbis’s global mission and strategic plan.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with local stakeholders and authorities and actively engage with a diverse range of actors—including government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and donors—to foster collaboration and advance program objectives.
• Other tasks as required

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Program Officer reports directly to the Cybersight Program Manager and collaborates closely with both internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to the National Children’s Hospital and the National Eye Hospital. Internally, the Program Officer works in close coordination with program staff, the Country Director, the Communications team, and the MEL Officer to support the development and implementation of data collection and reporting processes, while capturing lessons learned. The Program Officer conducts regular field monitoring and evaluation visits, providing actionable recommendations to enhance program output and outcomes. Additionally, the role involves close collaboration with other Orbis Vietnam staff, as well as liaison with local and international partners, including Orbis International.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, health sciences, international development, social sciences, or project management).
• A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in program coordination and project management, preferably in the health or development sector.
• Being a licensed medical doctor or a doctor specializing in preventive medicine is not required but would be an added advantage.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and AI for creating professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Extensive field experience in working with health system, understanding unique challenges and opportunities.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites, with 50% of time spent in the field for hands-on oversight.
• Proven track record in the development sector, particularly with NGOs and community groups, committed to social impact.
• Strong knowledge of eye health in Vietnam, understanding the local healthcare landscape.
• Preferred experience in health and education sectors, addressing key social needs holistically.
• Proficient in project management, presentation, and communication skills for effective coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledgeable in developing and managing monitoring and evaluation plans for program effectiveness and accountability.
• Understanding and sensitivity to poverty-related development and gender issues, fostering inclusivity and equity.
• Fluent in spoken and written Vietnamese and English for seamless communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive in seeking solutions to challenges.
• Motivated team player who manages individual projects effectively while supporting team collaboration for collective success.