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Celebrating over twelve years of innovative and collaborative work, Athena Infonomics has established itself as a data-driven global consultancy that leverages social science research, data science, and technology to provide user-centric, context-specific solutions and advice to decision makers. Our multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team of 70+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, DC, and London exemplify extensive experience in designing and applying research methods to co-design and co-produce useful research that is inclusive and relevant.

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At Athena, we function in an outcomes-based work environment with flexible hours and a high level of autonomy. Professional development and thought leadership are key elements of our business model: we support our team members’ professional growth through on-the-job training, and we encourage the cultivation of our colleagues’ personal brands through participation in panels, events, publications, and other thought-leadership opportunities. We embrace a transparent, open work environment with meaningful leadership pathways for those with inventive ideas and initiatives.

Proposal Purpose

e upcoming USAID India Health Learning Activity will aim to provide organizational and programmatic monitoring and learning to generate effective learning for improving the health of vulnerable populations. Emphasis on evidence-based decision making, accountability, and tracking investments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary of Position

Seeking an Indian national Chief of Party (CoP) to support the upcoming USAID India Health Learning (IHL) Activity. The COP will provide vision and overall project leadership, oversee management of staff and consultants, work plans and other project documents, and serve as the project’s primary point of contact for USAID. S/he should have demonstrated broad management and team building experience; and deep technical knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities in health. The COP will serve as the overall director of knowledge management, including a digital knowledge sharing platform. The COP will also support and facilitate collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) activities and events. Finally, the COP will oversee the strengthening of learning and adaptive management among key stakeholders including USAID/India staff, local partners, and the Government.

Responsibilities will include:

• Provide overall technical guidance and program management to ensure exceptional project delivery in a manner consistent with project work plans and USAID requirements.
• Serve as the main point of contact for USAID, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and other key project stakeholders as established in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and through engagement with USAID.
• Oversee all technical and managerial aspects of the IHL activity including design, development, and implementation of learning  activities, including development of learning agenda, report generation, knowledge sharing, and training and capacity building activities.
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of findings, impact, innovations, and lessons learned
• Overarching responsibility for accurate and timely preparation and delivery of programmatic and financial reporting.
• Ensure quality control and overall responsiveness of technical assistance provided under the contract, including necessary adjustments to operations to fit USAID requirements and working environment in India.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with Athena Head Office and Project Director.
• Ensure appropriate thought leadership and communications pieces are coming from the project.
• Work closely with relevant project staff and Athena’s shared services to ensure timely and effective operationalization of key organizational resources to maximize effectiveness of Athena’s delivery
• Identify areas of risk promptly and work to mitigate their impact by instituting systems that seek to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Lead, manage, and care for the project team, including short and long-term staff, and directly supervise Directors on the Senior Management Team
• Supervise and mentor assigned staff and strive to maintain a high level of staff retention through staff engagement and development, portfolio management and workload balancing, and career growth opportunities.
• Recruit staff and ensure implementation of effective human resource protocols for project staff.
• Fill staffing gaps expeditiously to keep work plan and budget on track.
• Review staff performance and provide feedback to team members through informal and formal mechanisms including regular team meetings, individual meetings, and annual performance reviews.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or another advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, or institutional learning.
• Minimum of 10 years progressively responsible experience in a senior management role on a large integrated service delivery project in India and / or Southeast Asia with a similar scope and size. Preference for experience directly related to delivery of USAID and/or Public Health programs in India.
• Previous experience working on a USAID program and working knowledge of USAID regulations, requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Strong working knowledge in health systems, public health, PEPFAR, and/or other aspects of typical USAID health programming areas.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with government, donors, the private sector, and community organizations to advance development and health objectives.
• Significant experience with USAID monitoring and evaluation policy and guidance required, including CLA and knowledge management practices.
• Demonstrated experience in performance monitoring, strategic planning, project design and implementation, evaluation, tracking data quality, data management, and/or training in performance management topics.
• Significant experience building MEL capacities of USAID staff, implementing partners, and government counterparts highly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve results in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Attention to detail and ability to perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities effectively and efficiently, often within a required timeframe.
• Professional and diplomatic demeaner and conduct, especially during interactions with the client and its constituents.
• Proven ability to understand client needs, ensure client satisfaction, and deliver timely and appropriate solutions.
• Proven ability to be flexible, responsive, and adaptive to shifting priorities and seizing opportunities to generate added value of deliverables and services.
• Superior relationship building, interpersonal, management, and leadership skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation experience to high-level audiences in English.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a reference check and employment verification.
• The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described.
• Please Note: This is a local position. Only candidates with Indian citizenship will be considered.

Apply

Interested applicants can send their CVs, and a cover letter to career@athenainfonomics.com. Please state in your cover letter your expected salary, current location/home city and availability to start. Please mention “Chief of Party (CoP) – India Health Learning 2023” in the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

Athena Infonomics is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Athena Infonomics is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.