Program Management Unit (PMU) 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 in over 40 countries and has a diverse team committed to improving health systems by working closely with governments and the private sector. The organization initially focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. CHAI emphasizes sustainable impact and capacity building within health systems, ensuring that programs are designed to scale nationally and that learnings are shared globally. The organization values its people as its greatest asset, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The position of PMU Lead is crucial for providing strategic support to the PMU leadership within the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The PMU Lead will act as a secondary liaison with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), IDSP-NCDC, and various stakeholders, ensuring adherence to the transition roadmap and guiding decision-making processes. The role requires exceptional people skills to align multiple stakeholders and the ability to navigate complex environments effectively. The PMU Lead will report to both the National PMU lead at IDSP and the Program Director at WJCF, focusing on project delivery and strategic oversight. This position is designed for a highly motivated individual with a strong background in public health and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PMU Lead will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the design and execution of multiyear strategies for VPD surveillance programming.
• Developing cross-program collaborations and facilitating structured program performance reviews.
• Ensuring compliance with WJCF policies and government needs while building project implementation capacity within the team.
• Identifying training needs for VPD surveillance and planning capacity-building activities.
• Managing the workflow of the technical team to ensure adherence to scientific evidence and established protocols.
• Co-leading the development of relationships with governmental and donor entities, ensuring alignment across programmatic activities.
• Regularly updating stakeholders on program progress and leading effective communication strategies.
• Providing technical guidance and monitoring the progress of direct reportees, addressing programmatic and performance management issues as they arise.
• Supporting knowledge management and sharing best practices at national and global levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MBBS and MD or a post-graduate degree in public health, community medicine, or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in public health, particularly in senior managerial or leadership roles, is required. Experience in VPD or infectious disease surveillance at the national or state level is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing partnerships and shaping policy decisions with senior government and donor officials. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work in challenging multi-stakeholder environments and drive results. An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to work independently are also important.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an MBBS and MD or a post-graduate degree in public health, community medicine, or other allied areas. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of public health management and infectious disease surveillance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 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 either the national or state level. Experience in leading teams and providing high-end technical support in public health is a significant advantage.

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 various stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may also be beneficial for engaging with community members and local government officials.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and donor organizations. The PMU Lead will be expected to navigate complex relationships and drive programmatic success. The role is critical to the ongoing transition of the National Polio Surveillance Network into the IDSP, which is expected to conclude by 202

• The last date to apply for this position is 27 November 2025.