Global Lead, Gender Transformative Program at ORBIS International: Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusion in Global Eye Health (2026)

The global humanitarian and health sectors are increasingly prioritizing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion as essential components of sustainable development. ORBIS International has announced a senior leadership opportunity for a Global Lead, Gender Transformative Program, offering experienced professionals the chance to shape gender-responsive programming across international eye health initiatives.

This strategic leadership role is ideal for professionals with extensive experience in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), program development, and global humanitarian health systems. The position combines technical leadership, strategic planning, partnership development, and organizational transformation within one of the world’s leading eye care nonprofits.

About Orbis International

Orbis International is a global nonprofit organization focused on preventing avoidable blindness and strengthening sustainable eye care systems worldwide.

For more than four decades, Orbis has delivered sight-saving programs across over 200 countries and territories through:

• Country-based eye health programs
• Medical training and capacity development
• Telemedicine and e-learning initiatives
• The internationally recognized Cybersight platform
• The Flying Eye Hospital, the world’s first ophthalmic teaching hospital onboard an aircraft

The organization works across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean to improve access to quality eye care services and strengthen health systems in underserved communities.

Overview of the Global Lead Role

The Global Lead, Gender Transformative Program serves as the organization’s principal technical expert on gender equality and social inclusion programming.

The position is responsible for:

• Leading Orbis’s Global Gender Transformative Programming Strategy
• Embedding GESI principles across all programs and partnerships
• Strengthening gender-responsive approaches in eye health
• Supporting fundraising and donor engagement
• Advancing women’s leadership initiatives globally

This role operates at a senior strategic level and collaborates closely with country offices, regional leadership teams, and international partners.

Key Responsibilities of the Position

The Global Lead will oversee the integration of gender-transformative approaches across Orbis’s global operations and project portfolios.

Strategic Gender Leadership Responsibilities

A major component of the role involves shaping organizational strategy and ensuring gender equality remains central to program implementation.

Key strategic responsibilities include:

• Updating and implementing the Global Gender Transformative Programming Strategy
• Ensuring gender equality and inclusion are integrated across programs
• Providing technical guidance on gender-responsive programming
• Supporting inclusive monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems
• Promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility standards

The role requires a deep understanding of intersectional gender programming and organizational transformation processes.

Leadership of Women Leaders in Eye Health Initiative

The position also provides leadership for Orbis’s flagship Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) initiative.

Responsibilities include:

• Advancing women’s leadership within global eye health systems
• Strengthening gender equity in healthcare leadership structures
• Supporting partnerships that promote women’s empowerment
• Enhancing visibility of gender-focused health initiatives

This initiative forms part of Orbis’s broader commitment to improving inclusion and representation within healthcare systems globally.

Skills and Qualifications Required

Orbis International is seeking highly experienced professionals with advanced expertise in gender equality programming and international development.

Preferred qualifications typically include:

• Extensive experience in gender equality and social inclusion
• Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities
• Experience working across global or multi-country programs
• Knowledge of humanitarian or international health systems
• Expertise in program design, implementation, and quality assurance
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Experience influencing organizational systems and policies
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural environments
• Commitment to equity and inclusive leadership principles

Given the senior nature of the role, extensive experience in international development, public health, or humanitarian programming is highly valuable.

Why Gender-Transformative Programming Matters

Gender-transformative programming has become increasingly important within international development and global health sectors.

Organizations are recognizing that sustainable development outcomes depend on:

• Inclusive leadership structures
• Gender-responsive healthcare systems
• Equal access to services and opportunities
• Women’s participation in decision-making
• Social inclusion across marginalized communities

By embedding these principles into eye health programs, organizations like Orbis help address inequalities that disproportionately affect women and vulnerable populations.

Benefits of Working with Orbis International

Working at Orbis International provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute to globally recognized health and humanitarian initiatives.

Key professional advantages include:

• International leadership experience
• Opportunity to influence global gender strategy
• Collaboration with international health experts
• Engagement with innovative health technologies
• Contribution to sustainable healthcare systems worldwide

The organization’s global reach and commitment to inclusion make this role particularly attractive for senior development and humanitarian professionals.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested candidates can access the full job description and application details through the official Orbis International careers page.

Applications should be submitted online.

Application deadline:

• May 31, 2026

Candidates are encouraged to apply early as competitive international nonprofit leadership roles often attract strong applicant pools.

Final Thoughts

The Global Lead, Gender Transformative Program position at Orbis International represents a significant opportunity for experienced professionals passionate about gender equality, inclusion, and global health systems strengthening.

By combining strategic leadership, technical expertise, and international collaboration, the role offers the chance to influence gender-transformative programming on a global scale.

For professionals committed to advancing equitable healthcare systems and empowering women in leadership, this position provides a meaningful platform to create lasting international impact.

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