Director, Community Health Programs, SVYM

Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM); Saraguru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) is looking for a Director for Community Health Programs based in Saraguru, Karnataka. This senior position requires leadership in strategic public health initiatives aimed at tribal and rural health, implementation oversight, and partnership development.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in public health program management and a relevant medical degree, with strong skills in program implementation, monitoring, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in program management within public health.
• Experience working in rural and tribal health settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and operationalization of health initiatives.
• Oversee implementation of community health programs.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation systems.

Skills

Leadership and strategic thinking

Public health program management

Monitoring & evaluation systems

Networking and stakeholder management

Excellent communication skills

Education

MBBS/BDS/BAMS with MPH or MD in Community Medicine

Job description

Director, Community Health Programs, SVYM

Position Summary: SVYM is seeking a senior public health leader to serve as Director – Community Health Initiatives, based at Saragur. The role involves strategic leadership, program design, implementation oversight, partnership development, advocacy, and institutional strengthening of tribal and rural health initiatives in the region. The candidate will lead multidisciplinary public health programs aligned with community needs, government priorities, and organizational vision, while strengthening human and social capital among rural and tribal populations. This position requires relocation to Saragur and extensive engagement with communities, government systems, donors, and development partners.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the CEO, SVYM.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• MBBS/BDS/BAMS with MPH or MD in Community Medicine (MBBS with MD Community Medicine desirable).

Experience & Training

• Minimum 5 years of experience in program management within public health at regional or state level.
• Demonstrated experience working in rural and/or tribal health settings.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
• Expertise in public health program management and implementation.
• Experience in monitoring & evaluation systems and impact measurement.
• Working knowledge of budgeting and finance in public health programs.
• Strong networking, advocacy, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with government systems and community institutions.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and team management skills.
• Commitment to equity, community empowerment, and rural development.
• Candidate must be willing to relocate to Saragur, Mysuru district.
• Willingness to travel for supportive supervision of program implementation across Mysuru, Madikeri, Chamarajanagar and Hassan districts.

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Lead the design, operationalization, and scale-up of tribal and rural health initiatives in H.D. Kote Taluk and surrounding geographies.
• Develop integrated public health strategies aligned with SDGs, National Health Mission priorities, and tribal health needs.
• Provide strategic direction to RMNCH+A, NCD, HIV, TB, nutrition, mental health, and other community health programs.
• Strengthen community-based and preventive healthcare models in collaboration with government systems and local stakeholders.

Program Management & Implementation

• Oversee end-to-end implementation of community health programs, ensuring quality, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
• Supervise multidisciplinary program teams and ensure effective coordination across field operations.
• Ensure robust planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, and review mechanisms.
• Facilitate evidence-based program improvements through data-driven decision-making.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Establish and strengthen M&E systems for program tracking, outcome measurement, and impact assessment.
• Lead development of indicators, dashboards, review frameworks, and documentation systems.
• Promote implementation research, learning processes, and dissemination of best practices.
• Build strong working relationships with district, state, and national government stakeholders.
• Represent SVYM in policy forums, technical consultations, and public health platforms.
• Facilitate convergence with line departments, local governance institutions, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
• Advocate for tribal and rural health priorities at community, district, and state levels.

Resource Mobilization & Partnerships

• Support fundraising efforts through development of concept notes, grant proposals, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.
• Build collaborations with CSR partners, foundations, academic institutions, and technical agencies.
• Contribute to sustainability planning and institutional growth.

Administration & Institutional Strengthening

• Provide administrative and operational oversight for the Saragur Resource Centre.
• Ensure effective systems for human resources, finance coordination, compliance, logistics, and infrastructure management.
• Strengthen organizational processes and team capacity.

Performance & Reporting Framework

• Regular reviews: fortnightly with Program Managers, monthly with CEO.
• Activity reporting: monthly on relevant format.