Head Mechanic
Job Description
Position Title: Head Mechanic
Location: Kigutu, Burundi
Functional Reporting: Logistics and Supply Chain Coordinator
Hierarchical Reporting: Fleet and Movement Officer
Supervises: Assistant Mechanic
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Full-time
Note: The Head Mechanic reports directly to the Fleet and Movement Officer for day-to-day operations and to the Logistics and Supply Coordinator for strategic and technical oversight regarding fleet and mechanical asset management.
Organization Background:
Village Health Works (VHW) is a 501(c) (3) corporation. It is a social justice organization founded on the principle that health equity is not a commodity but a fundamental right. Founded in partnership with the communities we currently serve, VHW’s mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare and education based on critical thinking in a dignified environment to those in need. VHW’s holistic approach integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music, and the arts. In the context of our current work, this is the only way we can sustainably address extreme, multigenerational scarcity in a manner that uplifts and engages communities with dignity and in their context. We believe that the lack of access to quality healthcare and education is the biggest threat to development and world peace.
Currently, VHW operates in a wide array of clinical and community programs within a catchment area of over 200,000 people in the provinces of Rumonge and Bururi. However, its doors are open to every patient, regardless of their origin. Our first clinic handles over 51,000 outpatient consultations annually. From 2007 to the summer of 2023, our 60-bed inpatient wards have provided basic adult and pediatric non-operative inpatient services, including treatment for malnutrition, mental health issues, chronic and acute diseases, and uncomplicated obstetrical deliveries. Our staff of generalist physicians has administered these services under the supervision of our current Medical Director.
Village Health Works has launched a plan to expand its clinical services, offering comprehensive, high-quality medical care and training. To achieve this goal, VHW has constructed and officially opened an 85,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art teaching hospital offering a range of services, including surgery, obstetric deliveries, intensive care, pediatrics and neonatology, emergency care, a pathology lab, a medical education and research center, and more. To deliver exceptional patient care and training, we must enhance the expertise and capabilities of healthcare providers through ongoing education, instruction, and research. This expansion necessitates the rigorous development and implementation of systems, structures, policies, and procedures informed by high-quality norms and international standards.
Additionally, VHW has established the Kigutu International Academy, a grade 9-12 boarding school, to equip young minds with an education based on critical thinking, preparing them to become the leaders we wish their country and the continent to have for a better future.
Our core values are as follows:
- Every member of VHW’s team must value the dignity inherent in each individual, strive
for excellence in all we do, and approach our work with boldness and perseverance.
- Compassion and justice must be at the heart of our organization.
- To accomplish our organization’s mission, we must all be accountable to one another and
our community.
Job Summary
The Head Mechanic plays a key role in ensuring the reliability and safety of Village Health Works’ vehicle fleet and mechanical equipment. This position is responsible for advanced servicing, diagnostics, maintenance, and repair activities, as well as overseeing preventive maintenance systems. The role contributes directly to operational efficiency and supports the organization’s mission to deliver essential health services in remote areas by maintaining uninterrupted mobility and logistics support.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Operations
- Perform maintenance and repairs on all vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, and mechanical equipment in line with standard procedures.
- Conduct advanced diagnostics and complex mechanical troubleshooting; report major repairs to management before proceeding.
- Carry out routine servicing (mini A, medium B, full C) as per logbook instructions and special services as required.
- Ensure post-maintenance testing before vehicles and equipment are returned to service.
- Implement and maintain a preventive maintenance plan, including service schedules, checklists, and quality standards.
Fleet & Equipment Management
- Monitor fleet utilization and ensure all vehicle and motorcycle operations comply with internal safety guidelines and national regulations.
- Maintain accurate records, including vehicle logbooks, service history, driver reports, and fuel consumption data.
- Use or support implementation of a maintenance tracking system or CMMS to improve data accuracy and service forecasting.
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of key performance indicators (e.g., downtime, repair turnaround time).
Inventory and Procurement Coordination
- Manage garage inventory, including tools, spare parts, and consumables.
- Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure timely availability of required spare parts and tools.
- Track maintenance-related expenditures and assist in the preparation of budgets and cost forecasts.
People Management and Capacity Building
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Assistant Mechanic.
- Provide regular training to drivers and field staff on basic vehicle maintenance and operational best practices.
- Conduct refresher training on workshop safety and mechanical diagnostics.
- Support disciplinary or corrective actions in coordination with Human Resources when necessary.
Workshop Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing use of PPE, proper handling of tools, and safe waste disposal (e.g., oil, batteries).
- Comply with environmental regulations and promote eco-friendly practices in mechanical operations.
Reporting and Communication
- Prepare and submit weekly/monthly reports on maintenance activities, fleet status, and garage needs.
- Report all equipment damage, theft, or workplace incidents to the appropriate supervisor immediately.
- Liaise regularly with the Fleet and Movement Officer and Logistics team for strategic coordination.
Requirements
Education/Experience/Language
- Diploma in automotive mechanics, mechanical engineering, or related field required.
- Secondary school certificate required.
- A valid driver’s license is mandatory.
- Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience as a mechanic, including diagnostics and advanced repairs.
- Proven experience with Toyota Land Cruisers preferred.
- Familiarity with repair manuals, service software, and spare parts catalogs preferred
- Essential: Kirundi, Swahili, and French.
- Desirable: English proficiency (for technical manuals and cross-functional communication).
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their complete application package, which should include a cover letter, an updated CV, certified copies of diplomas and training certificates, proof of experience (e.g., a Certificate of Service), and contact details for three professional references. Applications should be sent by email to jobs@villagehealthworks.org, with the subject line: “Application – Head Mechanic. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible. We reserve the right to close the recruitment process and hire the most qualified candidate at any time before the deadline.
Deadline: 15 April 2025
We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability status, or religion.