About this role
Education, Training, and Advocacy Director
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
Take charge leading the teams that extend hope and healing well beyond our ship. This hands-on leadership role gives daily operational direction for our competent ship Education, Training, and Advocacy teams. You will set and achieves goals of improving and building up our host nation’s ability for medical capacity and sustainability. This is one of the most challenging and important roles where you can make a difference for generations to come.
A two year commitment is preferred, though qualified applicants may be considered for a shorter service period.
What you will contribute
Be the visionary team builder executing Education, Training, and Advocacy programs consisting of courses, mentoring, and donations
Prioritize and balance program objectives, support staff, logistical and financial resources to maximize sustainable outcomes
Liaise between land and ship base cross-departmental leadership ensuring the highest standards of training
Meet with high-level host country officials and governments that enhance partner relations and ensure mutually agreed-upon outcomes
Consistently evaluate and document all projects for quality-control assurance
Living by example, inspire teams to operate at the highest level of standards and be people of excellence
For This Role, You Will Need
Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program
Masters (or Post-Graduate qualification in Education/ International Development/ Public Health) desirable
Experience with international teaching, training, and advocacy programs
Technical and strategic competency and experience in international advocacy building.
Have the ability to communicate in English and able to adapt in a multi-cultural setting.
French language skills – International B1 Level (or equivalent), B2 level preferred when serving in Francophone countries
To demonstrate technical and strategic competency and experience in international advocacy building
Ability to lead and manage a diverse team through strong communication, problem-solving and planning skills
Ability to make sound management decisions in difficult situations and also be able to work in a participatory and inclusive team context
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most.