The specific terms of reference for this position are: 

Management

·         Acts on behalf of the Country Director when required

·         Responsible for management of the National – level and the State level staff including overseeing yearly PAR process including setting of yearly work plans, goals and training plans

·         Responsible for hiring and supervising work of consultants where required including:

·         Prepare Term of Reference (TOR) for issuing contracts to agencies identified for facilitating training/orientation

·         Review the claims of the agencies/consultants and recommend for payment against services laid down in the contract in a timely manner.

·         Responsible for implementing policy changes

·         Responsible for induction, training and skill development of Trust Officers.

·         As delegated by the Country Director, responsible for tracking financial performance of the programs in India and taking corrective action as necessary

Program Strategy

·         Assist Country Director in development of State-level  and Program level strategies

·         Take part in India Planning Meetings and MI Regional Planning Meetings

Program Monitoring and Reporting

·         Ensures quarterly reviews are conducted

·         Ensures programs are monitored and program reports are thorough and completed as per timelines

·         Ensures program implementation plans are developed, followed and reviewed as required

·         Ensures Officers are using Contract database

Relationship Development

·         As delegated by the Country Director, develop and maintain key government relationships

·         As delegated by the Country Director, develop and maintain key partner relationships

·         As delegated by the Country Director, represents MI India Trust at state fora and events in consultation with National team

Other Functions

·         Any other specific task assigned by the Country Director as required

·         Responsible for coordinating visits for Regional Office and Head Office and donor organizations as needed

 The MI Trust’s programs are large and complex because they involve different modalities (public health systems and private sector channels) and several different state contexts. The incumbent will be responsible for the performance of all these programs, through the management of three Program Managers and their teams and working closely with the Country Director.

5.    Education/Professional Designations/Experience:

·         A professional degree in medicine, nutrition, public health, health management, international development and/or a related field.

·         Strong technical knowledge of human nutrition and of the role of micronutrients would be an asset.

·         Strong knowledge of government policies and programs to address nutrition in India as well as of the role of industry in nutrition in the country.  Good knowledge of other programs that intersect with nutrition and provide a platform for action (e.g. health programs, livelihoods, social safety nets).

·         At least 10 years of work experience with industry, government agencies, NGOs, community groups, and/or UN agencies (preferably a combination of experience in at least two of these and preferably in nutrition).  Prior experience managing or working on micronutrient programs will be an asset.

6.    Language Skills

Fluency in Hindi and English (Reading, Writing & Oratory Skills) is a prerequisite.  Knowledge of other languages spoken in India would be an asset.

7.    Travel Requirements

Frequent local and occasional regional travel

8.    Other Specific Skill Requirements:

§  A result-oriented approach and proven ability to manage, track and coordinate complex multi-partner large-scale programs.

§  Ability to network and negotiate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the program.  The position will particularly require a strong ability to engage and negotiate with senior government officials at national and state level in India.

§  Ability to manage a team of senior technical and non-technical managers.

§  Ability to assess programmatic risks and develop and manage effective mitigation strategies.

§  Ability and willingness to travel frequently, mainly within India.

§  Strong leadership skills and ability to work independently and generate innovation.

§  Strong communications skills (oral and written).  Ability to effectively represent the program in various fora. Ability to develop and implement a communications strategy for the India program and to ensure its delivery.

§  Ability to use effectively tools and systems for financial planning and tracking (e.g. disbursement tracking systems).

§  Good computer skills, including MS Office programs

§  Ability to work under minimal supervision

§  Ability to work under pressure