Job
Description
1. POSITION VACANT: Director-Programs, Innovation & Impact, Orbis India, Gurugram 2. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND : Orbis is an international nonprofit committed to building strong, sustainable eye care systems worldwide, ensuring that quality treatment and prevention are within everyone’s reach. Its vision is a world where everyone can access the eye care they need to thrive. The idea for Orbis took root in the late 1960s with Dr. David Paton, a U.S. ophthalmologist and faculty member at The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins. After witnessing the lack of eye care and ophthalmic training in low-income countries, Dr. Paton, with the support of partners like United Airlines and USAID, transformed a DC-8 aircraft into the world’s first Flying Eye Hospital—a fully functional teaching hospital in the sky. In 1988, it made its first visit to India, conducting training programs in Hyderabad and Delhi. Recognizing the need for sustained investment, Orbis established a permanent presence in India in 2000. Since then, Orbis India has created the world’s largest network of Children’s Eye Centers 33 centers across 17 states making pediatric eye care accessible nationwide. The organization has also expanded its work into corneal blindness and eye banking, refractive error correction, diabetic retinopathy, and quality assurance in eye care services. Through partnerships, clinical training, innovation, and technology, Orbis continues to play a vital role in eliminating avoidable blindness and strengthening the country's eye care systems. For more information visit, http://www.orbis.org 3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director-Programs, Innovation & Impact (DPII) is a key senior leadership role responsible for overseeing Program Operations, Research, Program Development, Program Technology, and Knowledge Management in the country office. As part of the SMT, the role ensures in-country effective strategy execution, program excellence, and alignment with Orbis’s global objectives. A core focus is partner management, fostering strong relationships with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and implementing partners to drive long-term impact. The DPII will lead a team of professionals, ensuring the seamless implementation of initiatives and integrating global innovations in program technology and research. Working closely with the MEL Team, the role ensures data-driven decision-making and measurable impact. The DPII will actively support the Country Director (CD) in achieving mission, championing accountability in program implementation, and ensuring that all operational, research, and knowledge management efforts are aligned with organizational priorities. Key Job Responsibilities: A. Strategic Leadership & Program Implementation: (1) Oversee the effective execution of Program Operations, Research, Program Development, Program Technology, and Knowledge Management, ensuring alignment with Orbis’s global strategy; (2) Support the CD in shaping and executing strategic growth plans for the program portfolio; (3) Lead the design and development of new eye health programs, ensuring they are aligned with Orbis’s mission and strategic priorities. oversee the creation of high-quality program proposals and ensure that all programs are scalable, sustainable, and evidence based; (4) Ensure that all programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. B. Clinical Oversight & Quality Assurance: (1) Ensure Orbis’s programs uphold clinical best practices, medical ethics, and patient safety standards in partnership with healthcare institutions; (2) Support capacity-building initiatives for eye health professionals, ensuring continued professional development and knowledge exchange; (3) Facilitate the integration of new medical technologies, treatment protocols, and surgical innovations within Orbis -supported programs; (4) Ensure that program design incorporates clinical input to enhance service delivery models and patient outcomes. C. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: (1) Foster and manage strong partnerships with government agencies, healthcare institutions, academic organizations, donors, and implementing partners; (2) Identify and cultivate new partnerships to expand Orbis’s impact and presence in the country; (3) Represent Orbis in national and regional forums, contributing to policies and initiatives that strengthen eye health and public health systems. D. Collaboration with MEL for Impact & Learning (1) Work closely with the MEL team to ensure that programs are informed by data-driven decision-making and continuous learning; (2) Utilize MEL insights to refine program strategies, ensuring effectiveness and scalability; (3) Ensure that program teams actively contribute to evaluations, learning reviews, and impact assessments, integrating findings into future program designs; (4) Support the timely submission of reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders. E. Research, Innovation & Program Technology (1) Drive the expansion of Orbis’s research and knowledge management efforts, ensuring that programmatic decisions are guided by evidence and global best practices; (2) Lead the integration of digital health and program technology solutions to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and innovation in service delivery; (3) Ensure that knowledge management systems effectively capture and disseminate learnings across the organization. F. Team Leadership & Capacity Building (1) Lead and mentor a team of professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation; (2) Provide strategic direction and professional development opportunities to strengthen team capabilities; (3) Ensure seamless coordination between program teams and other key functions to drive operational efficiency. G. Operational Oversight & Compliance; (1) Ensure adherence to Orbis’s global operational policies, donor regulations, and compliance frameworks in all program activities; (2) Work closely with the finance and operations teams to ensure responsible budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation; (3) Adapt and provide leadership in a changing environment, ensuring resilience and operational effectiveness; (4) Provide technical and strategic support to global program teams and other country offices whenever required. 4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: Qualifications: Master’s degree in Public Health, International Development, Healthcare Management, or a related field. A clinical background in ophthalmology/ optometry or a healthcare-related discipline, would be an advantage. Experience: (1) Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, with at least five years in a senior leadership role in eye care, healthcare, or public health programs, preferably in an NGO, non-profit, or international development setting; (2) Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, and implementing large-scale health programs, particularly in the eye health sector, with a strong understanding of clinical programs, ophthalmic healthcare, or health systems; (3) Proven record in partner management, particularly with clinical stakeholders, medical institutions, government health authorities, global health organizations, and donors; (4) Experience in program technology and the integration of innovative healthcare technologies in eye care programs; (5) Experience in research, especially in the context of clinical and public health research. Ability to integrate evidence-based findings into program development, clinical practices, and program evaluation is essential; (6) Extensive experience in program development, including proposal writing, grant writing, donor reporting, and ensuring that programs meet clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and accountability standards. Skills And Competencies: (1) Ability to adjust strategies and approaches to meet the changing needs of programs in a dynamic environment; (2) Strong analytical skills for identifying challenges and developing innovative solutions; (3) Exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams and ensuring program success; (4) Proven ability to address and resolve conflicts constructively, maintaining a positive, solution-oriented work environment; (5) Experience in training, mentoring, and developing team members and partners to enhance program delivery and sustainability; (6) Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects; (7) Ability to develop long-term, sustainable program strategies; (8) Proven experience in managing large-scale country programs from inception to completion. 5. COMPENSATION OFFERED: Gross compensation budgeted for the position is attractive. Please note that the offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history. 6. LOCATION: Gurugram 7. REFERENCE: DPII-OI 8. CONTACT INFORMATION: Team SAMS 1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar New Friends Colony, New Delhi Phone: 4081 9900 9. APPLICATION PROCESS: Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications, using the link https://samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/director-programs-innovation-impact-orbis-india-gurugram/118 by or before June 24, 2025. Orbis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of a global organization, Orbis India welcome qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and marginalized communities who are underrepresented in the international NGO sector who reflect the five Orbis values of Accountability, Commitment, Equity, Innovation, and Integrity. Show more Show less
