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 through innovative programs. The organization initially focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but has since expanded to address various health challenges, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as non-communicable diseases. CHAI collaborates with governments and the private sector to create sustainable health solutions, ensuring that programs are designed for national scale 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 position of PMU Lead is crucial for providing strategic support to the PMU leadership, acting as a secondary liaison with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), IDSP-NCDC, and various stakeholders. The individual in this role will oversee the adherence to the transition roadmap for the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) as it transitions to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). This includes guiding decision-making processes, ensuring accountability for outcomes, and leveraging analytical skills to navigate complex public health environments. The PMU Lead will report to both the National PMU lead at IDSP and the Program Director at WJCF, ensuring effective project delivery and alignment with strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PMU Lead will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Supporting the design and execution of multiyear strategies for VPD surveillance programming.
• Facilitating program performance reviews and fostering an accountability culture within teams.
• Developing and reviewing key program reports for stakeholders, including donors and government entities.
• Building project implementation capacity within the program team and ensuring compliance with WJCF policies.
• 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 expertise to the team, monitoring progress, and addressing performance management issues. 1
• Supporting knowledge management and sharing best practices at national and global levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MBBS and MD or a postgraduate 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. Demonstrated 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 strong partnerships and influencing policy decisions with senior government and donor officials. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in multi-stakeholder environments.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an MBBS degree and an MD or a postgraduate degree in public health, community medicine, or other allied areas. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of public health challenges and for effectively leading initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in demanding, results-oriented environments within public health. This experience should include senior managerial or leadership positions, with a focus on VPD or infectious disease surveillance. Proven experience in leading teams and providing high-end technical support in public health is a significant advantage, as is a history of working in challenging multi-stakeholder environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as strong communication skills are essential for this role. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions in which CHAI operates, but English proficiency is the primary requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and international partners. The role is critical for the successful transition of the NPSP to the IDSP and is expected to conclude by 202

• The PMU Lead will be responsible for ensuring that the program meets its strategic goals and maintains high standards of data quality and surveillance effectiveness. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and aligned with organizational standards.