Pathfinder Overview
Pathfinder International is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health. We place reproductive health care at the center of all that we do—believing that it is not only a fundamental human right, but is critical for expanding life opportunities for women, families, communities, and nations, and paving the way for transformations in environmental stewardship, decreases in population pressures, and innovations in poverty reduction. Pathfinder provides women, men, and adolescents with a range of quality health services—from contraception and maternal care to HIV prevention and AIDS care and treatment. Pathfinder strives to strengthen access to family planning, ensure availability of safe abortion services and post-abortion care, advocate for sound reproductive health policies, and, through all of our work, improve the rights and lives of the people we serve.
Program Overview
Pathfinder began working in India in the 1950s and expanded family planning services throughout the 1970s. Currently Pathfinder is implementing reproductive health and family planning projects in the states of Bihar and Rajasthan; maternal and newborn health projects in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar and Odisha; and HIV and AIDS work in Maharashtra. Pathfinder is in the process of establishing the India office as a registered local organization affiliated with Pathfinder International. Pathfinder’s strategy in India focuses on supporting the reproductive health and rights of underserved and vulnerable populations. Pathfinder supports the Government of India and its partners to increase demand for family planning, reproductive health, and maternal health services, while equipping and empowering health care providers and communities to better address adolescent health, maternal child health, unsafe abortion, and HIV and AIDS.
Position Purpose
The Country Representative coordinates, manages and increases visibility and funding for Pathfinder International programs in India. S/he prominently positions PI as a leader in the field of Reproductive Health and Population programs and in the improvement of the overall integrated family health services and as a successful partner in the development and cost effective implementation of USAID, CDC, Packard and other Multi-lateral, and bilateral and private sector funded programs. The Country Representative works closely with Pathfinder International’s in-country and Headquarters staff to conceptualize and plan program development activities, diversify funding resources, and build on country and international best practices.
The Country Representative also provides strategic leadership and managerial oversight of the administrative, programmatic, technical, financial and operational aspects of Pathfinder International’s India Program. S/he ensures that program objectives are met, all activities are responsive to the needs of the host country, and the program continues to advance and play a key role in contributing to Pathfinder International’s development within India.
Pathfinder International’s India program activities include support to the public health services to improve access to and quality of RH/FP services, AYSRH, PAC, HIV/AIDS/STI prevention, CPMTCT, Maternal and New Born Health, Child Health and Nutrition, including malaria prevention and treatment, and support to access to quality safe abortion services within the legal framework of the country, and the prevention of Cervical Cancer among HIV positive women. Moreover Pathfinder’s office in India supports the improvement of health systems, including HMIS, and in the improvement overall of quality of services through skills upgrading of the health service providers.
The Country Representative also provides strategic leadership and managerial oversight of the administrative, programmatic, technical, financial and operational aspects of Pathfinder International’s India Program. S/he ensures that program objectives are met, all activities are responsive to the needs of the host country, and the program continues to advance and play a key role in contributing to Pathfinder International’s development within India.
Pathfinder International’s India program activities include support to the public health services to improve access to and quality of RH/FP services, AYSRH, PAC, HIV/AIDS/STI prevention, CPMTCT, Maternal and New Born Health, Child Health and Nutrition, including malaria prevention and treatment, and support to access to quality safe abortion services within the legal framework of the country, and the prevention of Cervical Cancer among HIV positive women. Moreover Pathfinder’s office in India supports the improvement of health systems, including HMIS, and in the improvement overall of quality of services through skills upgrading of the health service providers.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Representation
- Serve as the primary representative for Pathfinder International on all matters related to the Country Program. Maintain positive tactical and strategic relationships with donors, partners, local Government agencies, and other key stakeholders by meeting regularly to share progress, accomplishments, and challenges.
- Be a vigilant voice for justice for reproductive rights and health and work strategically to incorporate into our implementing partners’ integrity and commitment to relevant parties both within country and Pathfinder. Work to remove policy impediments in reproductive health and rights and to foster and forge improvements.
- Use the organizational strategic framework to guide country strategies; create a timeline to implement strategy; contribute to organizational strategic goals and continuously evaluate country level progress for achieving organizational strategic goals.
- Provide periodic updates to the Pathfinder staff worldwide on the progress made, technical direction, approaches, challenges, successes, and lessons learned in managing the country Program.
- In all matters, develop and foster a strong partner relationship with Head Quarters to build a unified organization working in concert to achieve organizational goals.
- Act as liaison between Pathfinder International and the local board of directors of Pathfinder India as appropriate.
- Be a vigilant voice for justice for reproductive rights and health and work strategically to incorporate into our implementing partners’ integrity and commitment to relevant parties both within country and Pathfinder. Work to remove policy impediments in reproductive health and rights and to foster and forge improvements.
- Use the organizational strategic framework to guide country strategies; create a timeline to implement strategy; contribute to organizational strategic goals and continuously evaluate country level progress for achieving organizational strategic goals.
- Provide periodic updates to the Pathfinder staff worldwide on the progress made, technical direction, approaches, challenges, successes, and lessons learned in managing the country Program.
- In all matters, develop and foster a strong partner relationship with Head Quarters to build a unified organization working in concert to achieve organizational goals.
- Act as liaison between Pathfinder International and the local board of directors of Pathfinder India as appropriate.
Strategy
- Utilize a participatory approach to developing and updating the Country strategic plan, ensuring that programmatic directions are technically sound, evidence-based and consistent with Pathfinder’s country priorities.
- Ensure local organizations are developed and strengthened to become successful, sustainable bodies to promote RH/FP in their respective communities and countries.
- Ensure local organizations are developed and strengthened to become successful, sustainable bodies to promote RH/FP in their respective communities and countries.
Administration
- Oversee administrative and financial operations of the Program, ensuring compliance and ethical standards, corporate philosophy, local laws and with Pathfinder International’s policy and contract provisions.
- Develop and enforce country program management policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, quality, and all resources are in place, adhered to, and in compliance with local laws, donor rules and regulations.
- Contract and manage local individuals/organizations for identified tasks according to donor and Pathfinder International procedures. Negotiate consultancy agreements, provide training and/or develop capacity of local partners in mandated program areas.
- Ensure that security guidelines and procedures are established, maintained, updated regularly and adhered to by the Country team. Monitor the security situation and provide leadership for staff in emergencies.
- Protect the organization’s resources and assets and ensure that they are used efficiently in furtherance of PI mission and programs.
- Develop and enforce country program management policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, quality, and all resources are in place, adhered to, and in compliance with local laws, donor rules and regulations.
- Contract and manage local individuals/organizations for identified tasks according to donor and Pathfinder International procedures. Negotiate consultancy agreements, provide training and/or develop capacity of local partners in mandated program areas.
- Ensure that security guidelines and procedures are established, maintained, updated regularly and adhered to by the Country team. Monitor the security situation and provide leadership for staff in emergencies.
- Protect the organization’s resources and assets and ensure that they are used efficiently in furtherance of PI mission and programs.
Human Resources Management
- Build a culture and a work environment where every employee regardless of role/title feels s/he contributes to the larger purpose of reproductive health and rights.
- Build a high performing team, focusing resources on employee retention, professional development, organizational culture and staff morale.
- Manage the HR function in the country ensuring Pathfinder policies and standards are maintained.
- Hire and supervise the HR Manager in the development of local Handbooks, staff morale, customized policies, HR reports, procedures, systems, maintenance of personnel files and other legally required documentation.
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws and practice.
- Select, hire and supervise staff and subcontractors; assign roles and responsibilities, manage performance and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the work.
- Build a high performing team, focusing resources on employee retention, professional development, organizational culture and staff morale.
- Manage the HR function in the country ensuring Pathfinder policies and standards are maintained.
- Hire and supervise the HR Manager in the development of local Handbooks, staff morale, customized policies, HR reports, procedures, systems, maintenance of personnel files and other legally required documentation.
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws and practice.
- Select, hire and supervise staff and subcontractors; assign roles and responsibilities, manage performance and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the work.
Program Management
- Direct the successful programmatic, technical and financial implementation of the country’s programs and awards including the timely completion of high quality reports, work plans, performance objectives and other mandated deliverables. Ensure that programmatic goals and health outcomes are achieved.
- Undertake travel within the Country as necessary for the development of new projects and monitoring of ongoing Program activities.
- Partner successfully with PI’s Program Director and Country Management Team and Headquarters financial, technical, and program operations backstop officers by providing accurate and timely reporting and updates on the Program progress and difficulties.
- Contribute to other country programs, provide technical assistance, support and foster cross country collaboration and fertilization.
- Serve on the Field Council.
- Promote and enable in-country staff to travel and assist other countries in service to professional growth and development as well as organizational capacity building.
- Oversee all subgrantee relationships to ensure that subgrantees are accomplishing programmatic objectives and that both PI and the subgrantees comply with applicable rules and policies.
- Document technical components of materials and Program achievements for communications materials such as annual reports, brochures, and website updates.
- Monitor the country program progress and achievements vis a vis the goals and objectives utilizing tools and methods developed by Pathfinder and in alignment with donor requirements.
- Undertake travel within the Country as necessary for the development of new projects and monitoring of ongoing Program activities.
- Partner successfully with PI’s Program Director and Country Management Team and Headquarters financial, technical, and program operations backstop officers by providing accurate and timely reporting and updates on the Program progress and difficulties.
- Contribute to other country programs, provide technical assistance, support and foster cross country collaboration and fertilization.
- Serve on the Field Council.
- Promote and enable in-country staff to travel and assist other countries in service to professional growth and development as well as organizational capacity building.
- Oversee all subgrantee relationships to ensure that subgrantees are accomplishing programmatic objectives and that both PI and the subgrantees comply with applicable rules and policies.
- Document technical components of materials and Program achievements for communications materials such as annual reports, brochures, and website updates.
- Monitor the country program progress and achievements vis a vis the goals and objectives utilizing tools and methods developed by Pathfinder and in alignment with donor requirements.
Financial Management
- Develop and prepare the budget and manage expenses within approved budget.
- Maintain all internal controls and ensure that the controls are operating effectively.
- Oversee development and implementation of appropriate solutions to financial challenges encountered in program implementation
- Report on financial results. Approve the monthly operating report.
- Develop and prepare the budget and manage expenses within approved budget.
- Maintain all internal controls and ensure that the controls are operating effectively.
- Oversee development and implementation of appropriate solutions to financial challenges encountered in program implementation
- Report on financial results. Approve the monthly operating report.
Fundraising/Development
- Maintain close working relationships with the Headquarters Director of Business Development and Director of Foundation Relations to implement regional program development strategies and to diversify funding resources.
- Gather information/intelligence from the field on future and current funding opportunities and communicate these to Headquarters.
- Monitor, identify, pursue and negotiate funding opportunities with various donors and partners to expand Pathfinder's in-country activities in close collaboration with New Business and Resource Development.
- Maintain an awareness of the programs conducted by other international NGOs including but not limited to RH/FP and HIV/AIDS.
- Promote Pathfinder International by attending meetings, delivering presentations and cultivating positive, productive relationships with donors, partners, Ministry of Health, and other governmental agencies.
- Assist with the creation of proposal teams, and lead, manage and/or respond to proposals.
- Gather information/intelligence from the field on future and current funding opportunities and communicate these to Headquarters.
- Monitor, identify, pursue and negotiate funding opportunities with various donors and partners to expand Pathfinder's in-country activities in close collaboration with New Business and Resource Development.
- Maintain an awareness of the programs conducted by other international NGOs including but not limited to RH/FP and HIV/AIDS.
- Promote Pathfinder International by attending meetings, delivering presentations and cultivating positive, productive relationships with donors, partners, Ministry of Health, and other governmental agencies.
- Assist with the creation of proposal teams, and lead, manage and/or respond to proposals.
Basic Requirements
- Master’s degree in public health, social sciences or related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing mid-large scale donor funded Reproductive Health projects in developing and transitioning countries including operations and financial management experience in developing countries.
- Participated in high level strategic visioning and planning.
- Proven record of successful fundraising from diverse public and private sources.
- Strong business development expertise, including proposal writing and negotiation skills.
- Hands-on experience working effectively with local, regional and central-level government authorities.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully fulfilling performance objectives, including the timely implementation and reporting of donor-funded program activities.
- Proven experience working with a variety of donors and the diversity of requirements (regulations and administrative procedures) including USAID, multi-laterals, bi-laterals and US foundations.
- Proven experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating development and intervention activities in the health sector.
- Direct senior staff supervision experience required.
- In-depth knowledge of public and/or private health systems and decentralization of services in one of Pathfinders core program areas.
- Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
- Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relations with senior Government personnel, international organizations, NGO partners, host country governments, and U. S. Government Agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage, motivate, mentor and direct all levels of staff while creating a positive team environment.
- Excellent knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of working in India
- Strong presentation skills including the ability to present results and products to USAID and other key stakeholders.
- Thorough understanding of and ability to analyze financial documents, projections, expenditures and accruals.
- Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Must be fluent in English and Hindi while knowledge of other ethnic languages will be an advantage as well.
- Position requires up to 15% in-county travel depending upon project needs.
- Occasional travel to the US Headquarters may be required.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing mid-large scale donor funded Reproductive Health projects in developing and transitioning countries including operations and financial management experience in developing countries.
- Participated in high level strategic visioning and planning.
- Proven record of successful fundraising from diverse public and private sources.
- Strong business development expertise, including proposal writing and negotiation skills.
- Hands-on experience working effectively with local, regional and central-level government authorities.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully fulfilling performance objectives, including the timely implementation and reporting of donor-funded program activities.
- Proven experience working with a variety of donors and the diversity of requirements (regulations and administrative procedures) including USAID, multi-laterals, bi-laterals and US foundations.
- Proven experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating development and intervention activities in the health sector.
- Direct senior staff supervision experience required.
- In-depth knowledge of public and/or private health systems and decentralization of services in one of Pathfinders core program areas.
- Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
- Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relations with senior Government personnel, international organizations, NGO partners, host country governments, and U. S. Government Agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage, motivate, mentor and direct all levels of staff while creating a positive team environment.
- Excellent knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of working in India
- Strong presentation skills including the ability to present results and products to USAID and other key stakeholders.
- Thorough understanding of and ability to analyze financial documents, projections, expenditures and accruals.
- Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Must be fluent in English and Hindi while knowledge of other ethnic languages will be an advantage as well.
- Position requires up to 15% in-county travel depending upon project needs.
- Occasional travel to the US Headquarters may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing USAID, CDC, SIDA, Packard, and other multi-lateral donor funded activities desirable.
- Knowledge of accounting software helpful.
- Knowledge of accounting software helpful.
Pathfinder International is proud to be an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply: Please visit the Employment Opportunities section of our website at www.pathfinder.org
