Director- Programs, Innovation & Impact Full Time

JOB TITLE: Director – Programs, Innovation & Impact DEPT: India Country Program

STATUS: Full-time OFFICE: Orbis India

APPROVED BY: Rishi Raj Borah

Country Director, India Country Program DATE: February 2026

LOCATION

This position will be based in Gurugram with frequent travel to the partner location throughout the country.

Job Summary

The Director – Programs, Innovation & Impact is a key senior leadership role responsible for overseeing Program Operations, Research, Program Technology, and Knowledge Management in the country office. The role works in close collaboration with Program Development to support strategic alignment and program growth. As part of the Senior Management Team (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 Director 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 Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Team, the role ensures data-driven decision-making and measurable impact. The Director – Programs, Innovation & Impact will actively support the Country Director in achieving Orbis’s mission, championing accountability in program implementation, and ensuring that all operational, research, and knowledge management efforts are aligned with organizational priorities. This role is critical in building a cohesive and high-performing program function that advances Orbis’s work in preventing avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

Essential Job Functions / Key Areas Of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership & Program Implementation

• Oversee the effective execution of Program Operations, Research, Program Technology, and Knowledge Management, and work closely with Program Development to ensure alignment with Orbis’s global strategy.
• Support the Country Director in shaping and executing strategic growth plans for the program portfolio.
• Provide strategic input into the design and development of new eye health programs and program proposals, in collaboration with Program Development, ensuring alignment with Orbis’s mission, country strategy, and strategic priorities, and supporting scalable, sustainable, and evidence-based program design.
• Ensure that all programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while maintaining high standards of excellence.

Clinical Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Ensure Orbis’s programs uphold clinical best practices, medical ethics, and patient safety standards in partnership with healthcare institutions.
• Support capacity-building initiatives for eye health professionals, ensuring continued professional development and knowledge exchange.
• Facilitate the integration of new medical technologies, treatment protocols, and surgical innovations within Orbis-supported programs.
• Ensure that program design incorporates clinical input to enhance service delivery models and patient outcomes.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership in strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare institutions, academic organizations, donors, and implementing partners, in coordination with the Program Development and Partnerships function.
• Support the identification and cultivation of strategic partnerships to expand Orbis’s impact and program priorities, working closely with the Program Development and Partnerships function.
• Represent Orbis in select national and regional forums, as appropriate, and support broader stakeholder engagement efforts led by the Program Development and Partnerships function.

Collaboration with MEL for Impact & Learning

• Work closely with the MEL team to ensure that programs are informed by data-driven decision-making and continuous learning.
• Utilize MEL insights to refine program strategies, ensuring effectiveness and scalability.
• Ensure that program teams actively contribute to evaluations, learning reviews, and impact assessments, integrating findings into future program designs.
• Support the timely submission of reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders.

Research, Innovation & Program Technology

• Drive the expansion of Orbis’s research and knowledge management efforts, ensuring that programmatic decisions are guided by evidence and global best practices.
• Lead the integration of digital health and program technology solutions to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and innovation in service delivery.
• Ensure that knowledge management systems effectively capture and disseminate learnings across the organization.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead and mentor a team of professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Provide strategic direction and professional development opportunities to strengthen team capabilities.
• Ensure seamless coordination between program teams and other key functions to drive operational efficiency.

Operational Oversight & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to Orbis’s global operational policies, donor regulations, and compliance frameworks in all program activities.
• Work closely with the finance and operations teams to ensure responsible budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Adapt and provide leadership in a changing environment, ensuring resilience and operational effectiveness.
• Provide technical and strategic support to Orbis’s global program teams and other countryoffices when required.

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Director – Programs, Innovation & Impact will report directly to the Country Director, Orbis India, and will oversee the program team, including specialists in Program Technology and Training. This role requires close collaboration with the Program Development function to ensure strategic alignment, MEL Team to ensure data-driven program implementation and with Clinical services & technology Teams to align program activities with clinical standards & integrating innovative solutions. The Director will also work with the Finance & Operations Teams to ensure efficient program management and adherence to budgets.

Internally, the Director will engage with Orbis Global Teams for alignment on global initiatives and share best practices. Externally, the Director will manage relationships with partner hospitals, government health authorities, and donors to ensure successful program execution and compliance with local regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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 a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in eye care, healthcare, or public health programs, preferably in an NGO, non-profit, or international development setting.
• 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.
• Proven track record in partner management, particularly with clinical stakeholders, medical institutions, government health authorities, global health organizations, and donors.
• Experience in program technology and the integration of innovative healthcare technologies in eye care programs.
• Experience in research, especially in the context of clinical and public health research. The ability to integrate evidence-based findings into program development, clinical practices, and program evaluation is essential.
• Extensive experience in program development, including proposal writing, grant writing, donor reporting, and ensuring that programs meet clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and accountability standards.

Other Skills & Abilities

• Ability to adjust strategies and approaches to meet the changing needs of programs in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical skills for identifying challenges and developing innovative solutions to complex program issues.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams and ensuring alignment toward program success.
• Proven ability to address and resolve conflicts constructively, maintaining a positive, solution-oriented work environment.
• Skilled in engaging diverse stakeholders—donors, government bodies, and partners—with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and developing team members and partners to enhance program delivery and sustainability.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
• Ability to develop long-term, sustainable program strategies that align with organizational objectives and respond to emerging needs.
• Sound judgment in making critical decisions, particularly in high-pressure and complex situations.

Proven experience in managing large-scale country programs from inception to completion and skilled in planning, budgeting, risk management, and ensuring projects meet objectives, timelines, and quality standards.