Associate Director – Program Management (Family Planning)

Organisation Overview (Samhita.org)

• Samhita is a social impact consulting firm, with a vision to build a ‘better normal’. The better normal reimagines business environments where social value is an integral aspect of growth, putting stakeholders and environmental guardianship at the centre of business strategy, a strategy that evolves from inputs to outcomes, from individuals to ecosystem, and from delivering services to building capacity and enabling the market.
• To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector, and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome-oriented social impact initiatives.
• This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people, pro- t and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses.

Job Responsibilities

• Set a distinctive strategic vision and provide thought leadership for FP/RH portfolio for WOHLA Teams
• As a thought leader ensure that WOHLA programs integrate innovative methods and promote state-of-the-art technical approaches that reflect latest evidence, best practices, emerging priorities and trends in the field of FP/RH.
• Strengthen WOHLA leadership for expanding the basket of contraceptive choices, quality assurance, gender, strengthening health systems, social and behaviour change communication, total market approach that address issues related to RH and FP in the public and private sector.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of public health outreach and education programs and events, including high-level visits for GOI and USG staff.
• Design and strengthen the Program design and management support for FP/RH programs supported by WOHLA
• Design, implement and evaluate sound and cost-effective interventions aimed at increasing use of quality family planning services, expanding contraceptive choices, and addressing gender norms through WOHLA’s various projects.
• Lead the development, adaptation, testing and mainstreaming of best/good practices in needs assessment, project design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and research.
• Strengthen network and partnership development on FP/RH interventions, working with a variety of stakeholders to explore synergies and leverage resources, and forging collaborations with donors and private sector.
• Work with the program implementation team to make sure every project being implemented (and developed) has a Log Frame or Results Framework.
• Collaborations with other alliances, social impact investors, and development partners I overlapping thematic areas. 
• Establish and lead a detailed process for tracking the program and the delivery against the set objectives, build key performance indicators and milestones, coordinate with various stakeholders and strategize the implementation plan and define the role of various stakeholders.
• On a regular basis assess the effectiveness and theory of change, strategy, approach related to FP SRH and suggest improvements and strategic direction
• Provide recommendations on the design of new research and innovations in the context of FP/RH.
• Will operationalize the WoHLA to serve as platform and marketplace for women’s health with an explicit purpose to mobilize resources for access to finance opportunities for livelihood and implementation of women’s health programs

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• A Master of Public Health degree or Master of Medicine in Obstetrics & Gynaecology is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of public health issues in one or more of the following: family planning, reproductive health, adolescent health, maternal and child health, gender.
• Must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to managing FP/RH programming in India.
• Familiarity and understanding of USAID policies and procedures (highly preferred), or those of other donors, donor funded projects, community- based projects, or corporate social responsibility projects.
• Understanding of private sector market-based models, total market approach, social marketing.
• Ability to function with a high degree of independence and latitude with respect to policies, programs and issues related to his/her area of expertise.
• Familiarity with USG FP/RH compliance and regulations, and gender policy.
• Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
• Fluency in English and preferably in Hindi.

Additional skills (preferred)

• Familiarity with global initiatives such as FP2020/2030.
• Established relationships with FP/RH thought leaders to facilitate access to emerging approaches and to identify appropriate leverage opportunities across program portfolios.

Location : Mumbai/Delhi

Why Samhita?

• Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
• Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
• Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
• Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition.
• Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges.

How to apply: Forward your LinkedIn page or CV to careers@samhita.org.