State Program Manager, Maharashtra

Job Description

Job Brief State Program Manager, Maharashtra Vital Strategies India Services Private Limited, is a social enterprise focused on strengthening and revitalizing public health systems to address the leading causes of death, disease, and injury. We deploy our unique world-class technical expertise and global experience to design and support scalable solutions that can bridge the gap between public health needs and their solutions, focusing on rapid, large-scale impact. We leverage our core strengths in the areas of public health intelligence to strengthen the collection and use of data for informed government action, strategic communication to build awareness and behaviour change, institutional strengthening, and innovative financing. In addition to our topical areas of focus – noncommunicable diseases, environmental health and climate change, injury prevention, and social determinants of health we also prioritize work that aims to strengthen the fundamental, foundational dimensions of public health practice that enable governments to tackle and respond to any public health challenge. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on characteristics such as race, color, age, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other basis protected by country and local laws. We are proud of our commitment to a professional work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Vital Strategies India will not tolerate its employees, volunteers, consultants, partners, or any other representative associated with the delivery of its work carrying out any form of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, or sexual abuse, and thoroughly vets all final candidates. About The Project In collaboration with Pure Earth, Vital Strategies is leading public health surveillance design and implementation, data collection and analysis, and health professional training for the “Realizing Children’s Full Potential by Ending Lead Poisoning” project. We are working with local partners in five locations, including Colombia, India (Maharashtra), Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Peru to overcome key technical and clinical challenges and implement effective national/ state action to monitor and reduce lead poisoning risks. Job Purpose The State Program Manager, Maharashtra will provide technical support in enhancing the state health systems' capacity to reduce lead poisoning. The manager will offer epidemiological and programmatic support, including supporting the design, implementation, and monitoring of blood lead surveillance in the state. With technical support from the Vital Strategies team, the State Program Manager will use data to help the government plan, formulate, and enact sound local public health policies. The role involves collaborating with a team of environmental health scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians, public health professionals, statisticians, and partnering with high-level government officials. The position is grant-funded through December 2027 with the possibility of extension. Duties and Responsibilities: Technical and Programmatic Support: Collaborate with the team to provide technical support in the design and implementation of the lead poisoning prevention program in Maharashtra; Assist in guiding and building the capacity of government and non-government staff to implement the lead poisoning prevention program; Provide support in the development of a surveillance framework, standardizing surveillance procedures, and obtaining ethical approval; Train and monitor state, district, and field surveillance teams’ activities; Develop and deliver health-oriented content for workshops and training for local stakeholders or health professionals as needed. Stakeholder Management: Assist in developing and maintaining partnerships with government and non-government stakeholders across various sectors, including health, environment (such as pollution control board), academic and research institutions, etc; In collaboration with the supervisor, serve as a Vital Strategies focal point and representative for key state-level stakeholders. Data Management: Coordinate efforts across different departments to inventory relevant hazard, exposure, and demographic data; Lead a process for developing summary indicators, support data management, quality control, and visualization of indicator data in an integrated data store and visualization platform; With designated personnel, monitor data collection, ensure data quality, and manage data sets; Work with the supervisors and senior epidemiologists to clean, analyze, and report surveillance data ensuring the quality of surveillance data. Communication: Create presentations, technical reports, and non-technical summaries for varied audiences, including policy-makers and the general public; Disseminate and present report findings to stakeholders and promote data use for policy and planning. Operations and Program Administration: Support recruitment, contracting, and procurement activities; Coordinate and monitor the implementation of key project activities; Act as local Vital Strategies focal point and representative for key partner organizations in Maharashtra; Assist with other duties as specified by the supervisor. Qualification and Experience: Education Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, environmental science, or related public health field (e.g., biostatistics, demography) or public administration, or MBBS. Experience Required Minimum six to seven years of relevant experience, of which at least 3 years should be at the state level; Experience in supporting the design and monitoring of health surveillance programs at the state level or previous experience managing large health-related surveys; Experience working with government health departments, regulatory bodies, and public health facilities; Experience supporting the implementation and monitoring of public health programs at the state level; Experience in designing, managing field data collection, analysis, and reporting; Experience in using data analytic software (e.g. R, Stata, SAS, Excel) and/or data visualization platforms (e.g., Shiny, Tableau); Experience in conducting training sessions; Preferred Experience managing complex data flows; Experience in communicating scientific and health information to varied audiences; Experience in using project management platforms such as Monday or Airtable is a plus. Skills And Abilities - Demonstrated familiarity with public health systems, health programs, disease surveillance programs, and health and environmental risk assessment; Understanding of advocacy for evidence-based interventions and how to navigate bureaucratic processes; Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Ability to work independently while coordinating with diverse teams and stakeholders; Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey technical information to diverse audiences. Ability to prepare reports and presentations for decision-makers; Professional oral and written proficiency in English, Hindi, and Marathi; Proven ability to interpret public health data, generate actionable insights, and support policy recommendations; Ability to anticipate challenges and identify obstacles, work with team to develop solutions, and remain flexible with shifting program needs; Passion for addressing environmental health challenges and improving community well-being; Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office suite; Ability to build strong, ongoing, impactful relationships at all organizational levels and across a diverse range of cultural, generational, ethnic, racial, educational, and social backgrounds; Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Ability to work flexibly with colleagues across time zones Willing to travel for in-person meetings with government, partners, and relevant local stakeholders or visit field work as needed. Must be located in Pune, Maharashtra. Show more Show less