Job Description

Position: Program Manager (Bihar) India

Location: Patna

ABOUT PURE EARTH

Pure Earth www.pureearth.org is the leading international not-for-profit dedicated to reducing toxic pollution-related impacts on the health of the populations especially children and pregnant women. Pollution is the leading cause of death in the world, more than HIV, AIDS and TB combined. Pure Earth identifies and cleans up severely polluted places in low and middle-income countries, focusing on sites where human health, especially that of women and children, is most at risk. Since 1999, Pure Earth has completed 110 pilot projects in 27 countries, impacting 4.2 million lives. 

This project will strengthen the state health system and create expertise to collect, store, analyze, and use childhood toxic exposure data, not only to identify sources but to also raise awareness and enable the state government to plan, advocate for, and enact sound, cost-effective policies and interventions to address root causes. The project will provide needed clinical guidance and training for health professionals on toxic pollution source monitoring, their prevention and the dissemination of information about toxic pollution exposure. To reduce toxic pollution and save lives, we partner with local and international organisations, communities, funders, and governments. 

POSITION PURPOSE 

The Program Manager will report to the Pure Earth’s Country Director and work closely with the Program Director for field operations. S/He/They will work in close coordination with International/National Experts, State Government Officials, field staff and project implementation partners in Bihar to support project development and implementation activities. S/he/they will be responsible for the management of assigned project-related activities, partner coordination, work planning, reporting, communications, budget and contracts/administration.

The Program Manager’s general responsibilities will include:

• Supporting preparation for and implementation of project activities, including communicating with government officials, program and research partners, maintaining strict timelines and proper project documentation;
• Strong advocacy skills, able to liaise with different stakeholders, and maintain relationship with government officials; 
• Have strong communication skills;
• Providing support to the leadership team in all project-related activities, project implementation, qualitative and quantitative assessments, and in conducting surveys;
• Develop materials and briefing documents for meetings and technical consultations;
• Ensuring best practices for health and safety protocols are in place and observed in all project sites & activities;
• Identifying and exploring opportunities for cross-sectoral work on addressing childhood lead poisoning; and developing a framework for the same;
• Coordinating and supporting work planning, budgeting and reporting
• Assisting in the preparation and monitoring of contractual agreements with organisations, consultants and field staff as needed for project activities and facilitating approval of project expenditures and invoices
• Support state advocacy in coordination with the India office and technical advisory group;
• Independently handle all state actors, including state government officials and regularly visit them for consultations and seek support for project activities
• When needed, facilitating efficient communication with donors, partners, and consultants; establish and implement systems for partner, consultant, and field communication;
• Participate in communication of the project’s activities and research results; 
• Develop project-related presentations, policy briefs, reports, blogs and other content;
• Participate in all state government and other stakeholders’ review meetings 
• Establish networking with different grass-root organisations, health champions, health and environmental organisations and research institutes
• Travel to various districts in Bihar and other states in India for research and stakeholder engagement 
• Other tasks as deemed necessary by the Country Director.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 4-5 years working experience with Government or International Organisation, preferably in the environmental health sector 
• Strong communication skills: must be able to create and present detailed reports & presentations.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of Public Health.
• Proficiency in English & Hindi

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and a good understanding of Bihar state environment and health policies and programs
• Experience working with the Government of Bihar, preferably with the Department of Health
• Strong government liaising skills
• Experience in managing and implementing large projects in Bihar
• Good Medical and pollution-related health exposure terminology and knowledge

Desired Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Deadline: June 10, 2024

Salary for this position is attractive and commensurate with experience

Please send a cover letter, resume/CV along with current and expected salary in a single attachment to sandeep@pureearth.org with email subject title “Application for Program Manager Bihar (India)”