JOB DESCRIPTION
 Project Director, SAID supported Avert Project, Maharashtra State

Name of the Project:     USAID supported Avert Project, Maharashtra State

Place of Posting:           Mumbai, Maharashtra

Title of the Position:      Project Director

Reporting to:                  Chairperson and Governing Board of Avert Society

Background :- The Avert Society supports the National AIDS Control Program and works in collaboration with Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS). MSACS is implementing a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment program throughout the entire state of Maharashtra that is supported by the Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS). The overarching goal of Avert project is to complement the efforts of Maharashtra State in reducing the prevalence of HIV. The Avert project focuses on HIV prevention programs among most-at-risk-populations such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and migrants, implementing community mobilization activities to increase the uptake of counseling and testing, PMTCT, and care and treatment services in the five high-prevalence districts. Additionally, the Avert project is mandated to implement workplace interventions in the entire state. 

Description:- The overarching purpose of this position is to provide leadership to the Avert Society and be responsible for achieving the project's vision and strategy. This is a challenging post, set in the context of strengthening the state's capacity to implement HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, directing the project team and coordinating with state AIDS societies, the Government of Maharashtra, NGOs and other partners to implement such a large state level Program Management Unit. The Director has overall program and fiscal responsibility for the project including achieving program results, financial accounting and reporting, supervising over 25 professionals and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements and regulations.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

1. Lead the development of strategies and plans for successful implementation of the HIV/AIDS activities of Avert Society in Maharashtra.
2. Responsible for the development of the project annual action plan including financial planning.
3. Monitor the project progress and responsible for the achievement of the project outputs and outcomes including financial progress.
4. Strategic planning, management, implementation and monitoring of all Avert programs in the state
5. Organize Governing Board meetings including preparation of agenda notes, reporting progress of project activities, preparing minutes of the meeting and follow-up actions.
6. Coordinate with Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS), Directorate of Health Services, USAID partners, and other donors for developing the capacity of the state to implement and scale up HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs in the state.
7. Develop a plan for leveraging resources from the state government, other donors, private and corporate organizations for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs.
8. Develop systems to channelize technical support of other US Government supported programs.
9. Provide oversight, monitoring and manage the performance of the project partners including NGOs, CBOs, institutions/agencies contracted for services/awarded grants in accordance with the terms of the grant or contract.
10. Build a strong project team through motivation, team building and training and supervise staff for better performance.
11. Organize periodic program review meetings with project staff and monitor the progress of each component of the Avert Society.
12. Maintain sound procurement, financial and accounting systems to ensure compliance to the Avert Society, Government and USAID financial guidelines and procedures.
13. Develop a plan and ensure a good system of documenting and disseminating results and best practices through publications, workshops and services.
14. Develop a vision and strategic plan for building the capacity of the state for long term sustainability of the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment program.
15. Represent in the state level donor coordination meeting to share information and avoid duplication of efforts.

Qualifications and skills:

• A Masters Degree qualification in Social Sciences or Management or Public Health or any similar professional qualifications.
• Minimum 10 years experience and demonstrated leadership in health and development programs including 5-7 years in a senior program position. Preference will be given to candidates managing complex donor funded programs preferably in the field of HIV/AIDS or health issues.
• Having knowledge and experience of government systems is preferred.
• Good understanding of best practices in public health preferably in HIV/AIDS and demonstrating sound knowledge and mature judgment of core issues in the health and development sector.
• Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills, capable of directing and managing change, and inspiring teamwork and motivating staff and partners to achieve results.
• Demonstrated leadership in working and collaborating with various stakeholders including Government, donor agencies, NGOs, private institutions and other partners.
• Working knowledge of Window based applications, internet and intranet.
• Knowledge of Marathi language will be preferred.

Core competencies which the successful applicant should demonstrate are:

• Visioning, Planning, Directing and Delivery of work
• Team Building
• Analysis and use of information
• Decision making
• Managing change
• Excellent verbal and written communication

Terms & Conditions:

• The post is based in Mumbai. The post holder will be required to travel within Maharashtra State. There will be some outside travel to Delhi or other cities.
• The total remuneration package CTC monthly would be Rs. 1.5 lac. (this is inclusive of all benefits)
• Mobile phone will be provided for official use
• Car will be provided for official use only (need based).
• The selected candidate is expected to join office at the earliest
• This will be a one year contract.

Contact Information:     

Senior Consultant

Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
B 372 New Friends Colony
New Delhi 110 025
Email: pd-as@sams.co.in

Last Date for Application:
 

Eligible candidates interested in the above position are requested to send their updated resume at pd-as@sams.co.in by or before April 27, 2010.

All government employees should apply through proper channel