AVP/VP - Mother and Child Nutrition

Arthan is hiring experienced leaders for key roles in collaboration with our partner organization. We are looking for AVP/VP-level candidates to strengthen their portfolio of work around mother and child nutrition. The programme integrates cash transfers and social and behaviour change (SBC) interventions to improve nutritional outcomes. The role requires close collaboration with the Government of India, state governments, and other key stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Strategy and Planning and Execution

• Led the development of execution strategies for the maternal and child nutrition programme, focusing on integrating cash transfers and SBC interventions.
• Align the programme strategy with national and state government priorities, leveraging existing cash transfer schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).
• Design evidence-based approaches for implementing social and behavioural change interventions tailored to diverse cultural and demographic contexts.
• Ensure a strong focus on gender equity, community participation, and sustainability in the design and delivery.
• Lead the implementation of the planned interventions with a diverse team focusing on timeliness and quality.
• Track, document, and communicate progress and insights/learnings.
• Use data-driven insights to refine programme strategies

Government Engagement and Partnership Management

• Work collaboratively with relevant ministries (e.g., Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) at the national level.
• Provide need-based technical support to the state governments to adapt and scale Cash+ programmes that align with regional needs.
• Build strategic partnerships with other stakeholders to foster consolidation and amplification of the mother and child nutrition strategy.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Provide technical mentorship and build team capacity for effectively delivering programme objectives.
• Represent the programme at national and international forums, sharing knowledge and steering a case for why investing in maternal and child nutrition is important.

Educational Background:

Master's degree or higher in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender or a related field.

Work Experience:

• 10-15 years of experience in maternal and child health or nutrition programmes, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.
• Prior experience in designing and/or implementing cash transfers and SBC interventions
• Proven track record of engaging with national and state governments, especially in India, to strengthen public health and nutrition systems.

Technical Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of government programmes like PMMVY, ICDS, JSY, and other relevant schemes.
• Familiarity with global best practices in cash transfers and SBC for nutrition improvement.
• Strong understanding of gender dynamics and social determinants of health and nutrition in the Indian context.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated capacity to lead complex, multi-stakeholder programmes at scale.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong data interpretation skills, academic content decoding, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Communication and Negotiation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to engage and persuade diverse stakeholders.
• Team Building: Ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.