Program Director, Vector Borne Diseases

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 of enthusiastic individuals committed to improving health systems. 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, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. CHAI collaborates with governments and the private sector to create sustainable health solutions, ensuring that programs are designed to scale nationally and that learnings are shared globally. The organization emphasizes the importance of its people, recognizing that their talent and dedication are crucial to achieving its mission.

Job Overview:
The Program Director for Vector Borne Diseases (VBD) will lead a team focused on addressing significant public health concerns in India, particularly malaria, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. The role involves overseeing multiple grants and workstreams, providing technical oversight, and serving as the primary interface with donors and program partners. The Program Director will be responsible for shaping policy and implementation decisions, ensuring effective program management, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. This position requires a highly motivated individual with strong public health credentials and management abilities to drive the VBD team's efforts towards achieving the government's ambitious elimination goals for these diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Program Management and Leadership: Lead the design and execution of multi-year strategies for VBD programming, develop cross-program collaborations, and oversee program performance reviews. Ensure compliance with WJCF policies and responsiveness to government needs.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with government entities, donors, and NGOs, ensuring alignment and buy-in across programmatic activities.
• Strategic Communication: Regularly update stakeholders on program progress and lead effective communication approaches.
• People Management: Foster a collaborative team environment, provide guidance, and support the professional development of team members.
• Financial Management: Oversee program budget planning and ensure effective resource allocation.
• Problem Solving: Direct teams in managing program-related risks and ensure compliance with WJCF’s problem-solving approach.
• Technical Expertise: Lead subject matter development and knowledge sharing among program leads.

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. Experience in vector-borne diseases at the national or state level is an asset, along with a proven record of developing partnerships and shaping policy decisions. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in multi-stakeholder environments are essential.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an MBBS and MD or a post-graduate degree in relevant fields such as public health, public policy, management, or development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health systems and the management of vector-borne diseases.

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 vector-borne diseases at either the national or state level. Experience in leading teams and providing high-end technical support in public health is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in local languages spoken in the regions of operation (Maharashtra and Karnataka) would be advantageous for effective communication with stakeholders and community engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves leading a team across multiple states in India. The role requires a high level of collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships is crucial. The deadline for applications is set for 21st December, 2025.