Project Director, Alive & Thrive-Bihar

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Project Director, Alive & Thrive-Bihar

Description:

Alive & Thrive (A&T) is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the governments of Ireland and Canada. A&T is dedicated to reducing death, illness, and malnutrition caused by sub-optimal infant and young child feeding. During its first phase (2008-2014) the initiative aimed to increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding and improve complementary feeding practices in three countries – namely Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Viet Nam. As part of its current phase (2013-2017) the initiative is translating lessons to other countries and regions including South East Asia, India and Burkina Faso.

In India, the initiative focuses on transfer of lessons, tools and approaches in the states of Bihar and UP in partnership with current BMGF partners. In Bihar, A&T will work closely with partners under BMGF’s Ananya Program and with the government to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN).

Position Summary:

The Project Director – Bihar, will provide technical leadership, management, and coordination for A&T activities in the State. S/he will ensure technical excellence in the design, implementation, follow up and analysis of activities and will facilitate policy dialogue and partnerships with relevant sectors (health, ICDS, Jeevika) and programs (Ananya, B-TAST, etc.). S/he will support information exchange within an alliance of pro-IYCF institutions and foster links with appropriate NGOs, UN, bilateral and governmental agencies and academic institutions. S/he will monitor work-plans to ensure timely delivery of results. S/he will provide financial, administrative and managerial oversight. S/he will lead documentation and dissemination activities. The project is funded till May 30, 2017.

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of A&T/HQ and in collaboration with BMGF:

• Oversee implementation of A&T’s workplan and budget, ensuring technical excellence and fiscal integrity. Act as a key link between Bihar stakeholders and the A&T/HQ team. Maintain close coordination and dialogue with key stakeholders in the state (both MIYCF and other related sectors) and implementers at district and block levels in all locations of the state.


• Provide technical oversight (with support from A&T HQ) to strengthen existing activities of scaling up MIYCN in Bihar. Based on findings from assessments, this may involve, development of a behavior change communication strategy, technical support for building a network of high quality IYCF counseling services within health and ICDS facilities, designing and implementing a performance improvement strategy for frontline workers and supervisor including training activities at various levels, preparing and checking translations and adaptations of behavior change communication materials and products, supervising and reviewing community mobilization and other communication sessions, develop supervision and monitoring checklists and ensuring their correct use.


• Design studies, analysis and surveys and facilitate implementation to generate data needed to strengthen program activities. Identify opportunities for collaborations on studies and data generating activities to promote IYCF learnings. Supervise data collection, assessments, reviews and interviews and provide guidance for the data entry and analysis.


• Ensure high quality documentation as per the plans developed by A&T, extracting milestones and lessons learned. Assist with development of a dissemination plan to as wide an audience as possible in Bihar.


• Oversee financial management of the A&T activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, budget monitoring, and compliance with A&T procedures in all financial, contractual, and procurement activities. Oversee all administrative and logistical aspects of A&T operations.

Other Roles/Responsibilities:

• Help develop A&T annual work plans, budgets and project reports, and ensure timely reporting and responses for information to HQ


• Actively participate in, contribute to, and in some cases conduct or help facilitate major A&T program development and implementation activities (strategic planning, program presentations, advocacy and policy meetings, workshops), as appropriate


• Work closely with A&T Regional Technical Advisor , Country Programs Director to leverage other international donor and private sector resources to complement and extend project reach


• Present/disseminate program results, based on program experience to State Nutrition Mission, projects and partners, and other professional colleagues and organizations at state and national level.


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition or equivalent degree in nutrition, public health, medical sciences, and/or pediatrics.


• A minimum of 10 years of experience in MIYCN/child health/nutrition related activities including behavior change communication, training and services delivery programs.


• Excellent written and oral English and fluency in Hindi.


• Excellent reputation in teamwork and facilitating dialogue and communications among diverse institutions and sectors


• Demonstrated experience and high acceptability in working with government, NGOs and donors in Bihar/other states.


• Demonstrated experience in successfully working across sectors (other than health) with senior government authorities, academic experts, national health partners, preferably in Bihar.


• Proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and the Internet.

Skills:

• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities while communicating, connecting, and collaborating with HQ and field office staff, subcontractors, and a broad coalition of government, NGO, and international project partners


• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills


• Excellent problem-solving skills


• Excellent writing, editorial, and communication skills, including strong presentation skills to report results to major donors


• Competency in behavior change communications


• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; fluency in Hindi also very strongly preferred.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please click here to visit FHI 360’s Career Center for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.