Careers

Description:

Core Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

Strategy Development and Reporting

• Lead MNCH strategy development and implementation for the ICO, framed within the broader ICO Integrated Health Strategy.

• Lead discussion on ICO MNCH strategic priorities (convene meetings on technical issues; present to colleagues, etc) and guide the work of other teams in such areas as policy, communications and advocacy, use of behavioral insights, MLE, strengthening government capacity, etc.

• Lead MNCH resource allocation consultation and decision making, including updating/revision of budgets.

• Provide impactful thought leadership on a wide range of MNCH issues that shape national and state polices, including research and evaluation products.

• Develop/contribute to presentations and reports on the MNCH context and priorities, the ICO portfolio, progress made, challenges, etc, as briefings, talking points, strategy reviews and other outputs as needed.

• Lead engagement with government at the national level and support state teams on MNCH technical issues and elaboration of future priorities for support.

Generate and Use Data

• Synthesize and analyze data related to MNCH from a diverse range of sources to identify key priorities and levers for action in line with strategy.

• Advise on the development and production of research products and other related MLE initiatives, including processes to translate research into action, such as obtaining approvals, generating technical consensus, involving key research institutions, conducting dissemination of findings, etc.

• In collaboration with the MLE SPO in-country and in Seattle, define and implement appropriate measures to track investment performance.

• Actively collaborate, both contributing and drawing expertise from the MLE team, and collaborate with other teams on related areas such as use of behavioral insights, communications, policy and advocacy, and digital solutions in designing high quality investments.

• Communicate data/learning from foundation-supported investments and global emerging evidence to grantees and other stakeholders (including government) to facilitate continuous learning that shapes strategy, policy, and programs.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Collaborate with the foundation’s relevant (to MNCH) teams, especially the Bihar and UP teams, others within the BMGF FH cluster, state Technical Support Units, and other implementing partners to ensure that the MNCH program is being implemented in alignment with evidence and strategic priorities and integrated to optimize synergies.

• Work in partnership with foundation colleagues in India and Seattle to build and manage relationships with donors, government, private sector, implementers, and other external partners to develop innovative results-driven plans and interventions.

• Coordinate with other stakeholders on policy engagement, strategy development and new programs;

• Lead collaboration and coordination with the PST on alignment of respective portfolios where appropriate, and on common research priorities, involving the Digital and Innovations Team and MNCH Discovery and Tools, where relevant.

• Proactively maintain an extensive external network with experts, sector leaders and stake holders within the area of MNCH to ensure the India MNH work is shaped by the most up-to-date insights and research.

• Organize partners meetings, convene technical and strategic consultations as needed; contribute to the newly established, foundation-supported AlignMNH initiative for global leadership and coordination in MNH.

• Review and comment on new investments related to MNCH.

• Lead strategic discussions and engagement with government, key institutions and other stakeholders on relevant issues of strategic importance and development/review of guidelines.

Program Leadership & Management

• Compile MNCH workplans, review and manage risks, and lead reviews and government related engagement.

• Design investments that test innovative approaches for MNH service delivery in the public sector that are impactful and scalable, documenting lessons learned and supporting the refinement of guidelines.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of investments that are not led by state teams or the PST on themes including but not limited to scaling up midwifery, community health officer mentoring, implementation research; and providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW).

• Develop with partners, and effectively monitor, results frameworks, and MLE plans resulting in effective management of portfolio of investments to inform strategic decisions and future investments.

• Conduct thorough analyses of grants and contracts, grantee progress reports; write high quality briefing documents and portfolio reviews that synthesize results and learnings for leadership and the broader MNCH team, actively participate in all relevant forums related to ICO’s and PST’s Rhythm of Business.

Education & Experience

• Master’s/MPH, PhD or MD/nursing/midwifery with at least 10 years of experience in leading and managing MNCH programs in the public sector in diverse contexts including substantive experience in India.

• Experience in designing, implementing, managing investments or programs on MNCH.

• Additional, relevant experience in strategic planning, investment, and/or policy and advocacy is preferred.

• Experience in a relevant international development organization and portfolio management is critical.

• Advanced specialist clinical and/or research qualifications/experience would be an added advantage.