Application Guide

How to Apply for Health Program Manager (REACH), Middle East

at Samaritan's Purse

🏢 About Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that combines faith with direct action, providing both spiritual and physical aid to people in crisis. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that operates in some of the world's most challenging environments, with a strong emphasis on integrity, compassion, and long-term impact.

About This Role

As the Health Program Manager for the REACH project in the Middle East, you will oversee health activities in rural areas and Primary Healthcare Centers, training community health workers and managing a team. This role is impactful because it directly addresses critical health needs in conflict-affected regions, combining strategic oversight with hands-on community engagement.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the field team in the Middle East, reviewing health data and addressing supply chain issues. You might then draft a proposal for a new funding stream, followed by a training session for community health workers via video call. Afternoon could involve budget reconciliation and reporting to donors, ending with prayer or reflection on the day's impact.

🎯 Who Samaritan's Purse Is Looking For

  • A clinical professional (e.g., RN, MPH) with at least 2 years of experience in public health or project management, preferably in low-resource settings.
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, write proposals, and implement M&E frameworks for health programs.
  • Cultural adaptability and preferably previous experience living or working in Middle Eastern contexts, with sensitivity to local customs and languages.
  • Fluency in English is required; Arabic and/or Kurdish language skills are highly valued for effective communication with local staff and beneficiaries.

📝 Tips for Applying to Samaritan's Purse

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific health program management experience, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas, and include quantifiable outcomes (e.g., number of community health workers trained).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your clinical background (if any) to the training and primary care aspects of the role, and mention any cross-cultural work or language skills.

3

Research Samaritan's Purse's Statement of Faith and ensure your application reflects alignment with their Christian mission, as this is a key factor for employment.

4

Use examples from your past that demonstrate budget management and proposal writing—these are critical for the REACH project's success.

5

Include any experience with M&E systems, such as designing indicators or using data to improve program outcomes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express your passion for serving vulnerable populations in the Middle East and how your faith motivates your work.', 'Highlight your project management skills with specific examples of leading health projects from design to implementation.', 'Mention any Middle East experience or language skills, and show cultural awareness (e.g., understanding of Islamic practices or local health challenges).', 'Emphasize your ability to train and mentor community health workers, as this is a core responsibility.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read Samaritan's Purse's Statement of Faith and core values to understand their evangelical Christian foundation.
  • Learn about the REACH project specifically—look for annual reports or news articles that mention health programs in the Middle East.
  • Familiarize yourself with the current health challenges in the region (e.g., conflict-related injuries, infectious diseases, maternal health).
  • Review the company's approach to holistic ministry (spiritual and physical aid) to see how your role fits into their broader mission.
Visit Samaritan's Purse's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience managing a health project in a low-resource or conflict setting. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
2 How do you integrate faith into your professional work without being coercive? (Expect questions about Samaritan's Purse's Christian identity.)
3 Provide an example of a time you had to adapt a health program to local cultural norms. How did you ensure community buy-in?
4 How would you handle a situation where a team member is not performing or there is conflict within the team?
5 What is your experience with M&E? How do you use data to make programmatic decisions?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention faith or the specific region—Samaritan's Purse values candidates who are personally invested.
  • Overlooking the need for clinical or public health credentials—ensure your degree and experience are clearly stated and relevant.
  • Failing to demonstrate cultural sensitivity—avoid any language that could be perceived as colonial or dismissive of local practices.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 12, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Samaritan's Purse!