Program Management Unit Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI operates at the invitation of governments, collaborating with both public and private sectors to create and sustain high-quality health systems. Initially established to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, CHAI has since expanded its focus to include a variety of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. The organization is committed to maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead the solutions, and sharing learnings globally. In India, CHAI collaborates with the William J Clinton Foundation (WJCF), which has been operational since 2007, working under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on high-priority health initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Program Management Unit Lead is crucial for providing strategic leadership to the PMU, which is embedded within the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The Lead will serve as the primary liaison with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), IDSP-NCDC, and various stakeholders including donors and development partners. This role requires exceptional people skills to align multiple stakeholders and ensure adherence to the transition roadmap for the VPD surveillance program. The Lead will guide decision-making processes, ensure accountability for outcomes, and maintain high standards of surveillance quality during the transition phase. The PMU Lead will report to both the leadership at IDSP, NCDC and the Program Director, Immunization at WJCF, making this a pivotal role in shaping public health policy and implementation decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Management Unit Lead include leading the design and execution of multi-year strategies for VPD surveillance programming, developing cross-program collaborations, and conducting structured program performance reviews. The Lead will oversee program tracking, analyze data for improvements, and manage program monitoring processes. They will also be responsible for building project implementation capacity within the team, ensuring compliance with WJCF policies, and identifying training needs for VPD surveillance. Relationship management is key, as the Lead will develop relationships with governmental and donor entities, facilitate engagement with key government program managers, and maintain a stakeholder matrix. Additionally, the Lead will oversee financial management, ensuring effective execution of program plans, managing budgets, and leading risk assessment exercises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MBBS and MD or a post-graduate degree in public health, public policy, management, or development. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in public health, particularly in senior managerial or leadership roles, is required. Demonstrated experience in VPD or infectious disease surveillance at the national or state level is an asset. Proven ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships with government and donor officials, along with experience in leading teams in similar assignments, is essential. Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary, as well as a track record of working in multi-stakeholder environments and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an MBBS and MD or a post-graduate degree in relevant fields such as public health, public policy, management, or development. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of public health systems and the management of health programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in demanding, results-oriented environments within public health. Candidates should have held senior managerial or leadership positions and have demonstrated experience in VPD or infectious disease surveillance at the national or state level. Experience in leading teams and providing high-end technical support in public health is a plus, as is experience in concept note and proposal development.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with community partners and government officials in India.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government entities and international partners. The role is critical for ensuring the smooth transition of VPD surveillance functions from the WHO-led network to the IDSP. The last date to apply for this position is 30th November 2025.