State Program Representative - The Micronutrient Initiative

POSITION PROFILE

Identification
Position Title:	State Program Representative
Reports to/Position Title:	Deputy Country Director, MI
Works with:	Country Office team
Location:	Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Last date of application	February 2, 2014
Overall Purpose/Broad Function:
•  The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the strong implementation of MI programs in Gujarat, supervision of MI India field activities in the State, and developing and maintaining working relations with key senior Government officials and other implementing agencies and donors as required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
	Program and State Strategy Assist in the development of the program strategy and program implementation plans for the State of Gujarat. Participate and provide input to National and Regional Planning meetings as required. Responsible for working with the Government in State on their planning processes including but not limited to ensuring adequate supplies of key micronutrients are procured. Identify key advocacy issues at the State and District level and mobilise a response •   Explore and develop the potential for resource expansion to support micronutrient programs within the State, including contributing to developing concept note, designing proposal and donor interaction, as required. Program Implementation Assist the State Government by providing technical expertise on the implementation of micronutrient programs (Vitamin A, Zinc scale up for childhood diarrhoea management, IFA and food fortification) Ensure successful implementation of donor supported programs in State.  Assist in the monitoring of all programs implemented in the State. Identify and rectify roadblocks in programs and communicate issues as needed. Evaluation and Dissemination •            Coordinate research and evaluation studies as may be undertaken under the projects in the State. Utilize research and data to inform project design. Ensure sharing of study reports with State level stakeholders. Assists in preparing/developing project dissemination tools (reports, case studies, flyers etc) in coordination with the team at National level. Provide feedback on programs to assist with future program development and implementation. Relationship Development Develop and maintain key Government relationships at the State, Divisional and District level. Develop and maintain key partner relationships including taking responsibility for coordinating activities with donors as needed in the State. Keep abreast of local NGOs and ascertain suitability for assisting Trust in implementing activities Identify Resource development opportunities at the State level. Represents MI India at State fora and events in consultation with National team • Ensure that regular, effective stakeholder meetings are held to share strategic and operational information, build consensus and coordination where required. Management Responsible for hiring and supervising work of State consultants and DCs where required including: Responsible for conducting monthly State program reviews and subsequent reports Responsible for office administration and management Responsible for coordinating visits for MI staff and donor organisation to the State Responsible for implementing policy changes with support from India Office, in the State Support in the Partner NGO selection process and carry out periodic Review. •     Manage budgetary allocation including budgeting, oversee disbursements, approve expenditures (in accordance with the Delegation of Authority), and other financial duties as delegated. •   Participate in the yearly performance appraisal process as required. Other Functions • Any other responsibility as assigned by the Deputy Country Director as required.
Education/Professional Designations/Experience:
•     A professional degree in either in medicine, health systems management, nutrition, public health or any other social science, •    Strong knowledge of public health and role of micronutrients on survival and development would be an asset. •    Thorough understanding and proven ability in managing large-scale health programs. •    Good knowledge of government policies and programs to address maternal and child health and 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). •    Excellent communication skills in English and Hindi, both oral and written. •    8 - 10 years of work experience with national or state governments, NGOs, community groups, and/or UN agencies. •    Good computer skills, especially in MS Office and Internet.
Language skills
Fluency in Hindi and English (Reading, Writing & Oratory Skills) is a prerequisite. Similar fluency in Gujarati would be an asset.

Supervision

•         Consultants as required •        Work of Extenders/NGOs as required •   Accounting/Administration Staff where present

Travel requirements

Frequent travel to districts (25%) and occasionally to Delhi and other states

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 MI programs.  The position will particularly require a strong ability to engage and negotiate with senior government officials at state level. • Ability to assess programmatic risks and develop and manage effective mitigation strategies. • Strong leadership skills and ability to work independently and generate innovation. • Outstanding ‘people skills’ (line management, staff motivation, regular performance feedback, ability to motivate large numbers of field staff, etc.) • Ability to effectively represent MI programs in various fora. • Good project management skills (project design, planning, work-plan management, budgetary management and control).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 • Strong report writing & presentation skills • Multi-tasking ability with a methodical approach. • Enthusiasm, out of the box thinking, and a desire to make a positive impact as a team leader and team player.

NOTE: This job description can and will be amended as required from time to time.

MI is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce

How to apply?

Please submit your recent curriculum vitae via e-mail (only) in confidence to the HR Officer, The Micronutrient Initiative, Asia Office (abala@micronutrient.org). The application must contain information about current salary drawn and expected. The applications should be in MS Word, and should have subject “SPR Gujarat”.   The closing date for receiving applications is February 2, 2014. Only short-listed candidates will receive an acknowledgment and will be called for personal interactions. Successful candidate will be required to join immediately. This is a Gujarat based position. The salary will be commensurate with merit and seniority. 

MI is a non-smoking work environment