Nutrition International is seeking an experienced public health and nutrition professional for the position of Project Director, Preconception Nutrition and Care, based in New Delhi, India. The senior leadership role will oversee a major initiative designed to improve women’s nutritional health before pregnancy and strengthen the integration of preconception care into India’s health systems. The project aims to improve maternal and birth outcomes by reaching couples of reproductive age with nutrition interventions, health services and counselling before pregnancy. The Project Director will lead implementation, manage partnerships, oversee financial resources, guide a multidisciplinary team and work closely with national and state governments, donors, research institutions and implementing organisations. The project is scheduled to run from May 2026 to April 2031. The supplied position profile does not specify an application deadline, salary or a direct application link. Interested candidates should consult Nutrition International’s official careers website for the current recruitment status. Nutrition International Project Director Job 2026: Overview Position: Project Director, Preconception Nutrition and Care Organisation: Nutrition International (NI) Location: New Delhi, India Sector: Public health, nutrition, reproductive health and international development Project duration: May 2026–April 2031 Reporting to: Country Director, India Supervisory responsibilities: Three to four direct or associated reporting roles, including technical, programme, monitoring and finance functions Experience required: 10–12 years of relevant professional experience, including at least five years in senior-level project management Education: PhD or MD in nutrition, public health, reproductive health or a related field Travel: Regular national travel to project districts in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra Application deadline: Not specified in the supplied position profile Salary and benefits: Not specified in the supplied profile About the Preconception Nutrition and Care Project The initiative seeks to improve health outcomes by addressing nutritional needs before pregnancy rather than focusing exclusively on maternal health after conception. It aims to help women enter pregnancy healthier and better nourished through appropriate nutrition interventions, health services and counselling for couples of reproductive age. The project adopts a systems-based approach that combines service delivery, evidence generation, learning and government partnerships. It also seeks to generate implementation evidence that can inform national discussions and policies on preconception nutrition and care. The Project Director will be responsible for translating these objectives into effective programmes, supporting government ownership and ensuring that lessons from implementation contribute to stronger health systems. Key Responsibilities 1. Project Leadership and Implementation The Project Director will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of project activities in line with approved objectives, budgets and timelines. Responsibilities include developing annual workplans, monitoring deliverables, managing consultants and service providers, and ensuring quality assurance throughout the project cycle. The role will also involve coordinating with Nutrition International’s state-level teams, regional office and headquarters in Ottawa to ensure effective implementation and alignment with organisational priorities. 2. Government and Partnership Management The successful candidate will build and maintain relationships with national and state government representatives, donors, implementing partners, research institutions and other stakeholders. Key responsibilities include negotiating project priorities, coordinating partner activities, identifying new collaboration opportunities, resolving partnership challenges and strengthening partners’ capacity. The Project Director will also promote government ownership and the integration of project activities into existing health systems to support long-term sustainability. 3. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Evidence Generation The position will oversee monitoring and learning systems to assess project progress, identify challenges and improve programme implementation. Responsibilities include developing monitoring plans, analysing performance data, organising learning reviews, documenting implementation experiences and ensuring that findings inform programme adjustments. The Director will also oversee donor reports, internal reporting and knowledge translation activities to communicate project achievements and lessons. 4. Financial and Grant Management The Project Director will provide financial oversight across the project, including partner budgets, sub-grants, cash-flow projections, expenditure monitoring and variance analysis. The role requires ensuring compliance with Nutrition International’s financial procedures, procurement policies, risk management requirements and donor regulations. Effective collaboration with corporate services teams will be essential to maintain accountability and appropriate use of project resources. 5. Team Leadership and Human Resources The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team and oversee staffing, recruitment, performance management, professional development and consultant engagement. The position requires building a collaborative working environment, mentoring team members, encouraging innovation and promoting organisational values, gender equality, safeguarding and staff well-being. 6. External Representation and Strategic Growth The Director will represent the project in high-level meetings, conferences and policy discussions. The role includes supporting national dialogue on preconception nutrition, communicating project results, maintaining donor relationships and identifying opportunities for additional funding and collaboration. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience. Education: A PhD or MD from a recognised university in nutrition, public health, reproductive health or a related discipline is required. Professional experience: Candidates should have 10–12 years of relevant experience with international NGOs, UN agencies or comparable organisations working in public health, reproductive health or nutrition programmes. At least five years of senior-level project management experience is required. Technical expertise: Applicants should demonstrate strong experience in generating evidence and learning from projects and integrating findings into health systems. Experience managing complex, multisectoral programmes and working with government institutions is important. Financial management: Candidates must have experience with budgeting, financial reporting, resource oversight and compliance with donor requirements. Partnership and donor engagement: Applicants should demonstrate experience building partnerships, coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing donor relationships and aligning partner activities with programme objectives. Leadership and risk management: The role requires experience managing cross-cultural teams, presenting at senior-level meetings, identifying and mitigating risks, and managing complex, time-sensitive challenges. Skills and Language Requirements Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and presentations. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Hindi and/or local languages spoken in the project states is an advantage, and the position profile also identifies understanding Marathi as beneficial. Successful applicants should demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical ability, cultural sensitivity, relationship-building skills, integrity and a strong focus on measurable results. Location and Travel Requirements The position is based in New Delhi, India. Regular travel to project districts in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra is expected. The successful candidate must also be flexible with working hours to accommodate collaboration with colleagues in different time zones. How to Apply Interested candidates should consult Nutrition International’s official recruitment website for the current vacancy announcement and application instructions. Visit the official Nutrition International website. Navigate to the careers or job opportunities section. Search for Project Director, Preconception Nutrition and Care. Review the current vacancy details, eligibility requirements and application deadline. Prepare an updated CV highlighting senior-level public health or nutrition programme management, government partnerships, donor stewardship, financial oversight and team leadership. Submit the application through the official method specified in the vacancy announcement. Applicants should confirm whether recruitment remains open before preparing or submitting their documents. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY How to Strengthen Your Application Candidates should provide concrete examples of leading complex health or nutrition programmes, managing substantial project budgets, negotiating with government stakeholders and translating monitoring data into programme improvements. The CV and supporting application materials should demonstrate measurable achievements, such as improved service delivery, stronger health-system integration, successful donor reporting, effective partner coordination or evidence that influenced policy and practice. Applicants should also emphasise their understanding of gender equality, safeguarding, reproductive health and the nutritional needs of women and couples before pregnancy. Experience working across multiple regions and leading culturally diverse teams will be particularly relevant. This senior position offers an opportunity for an experienced public health leader to shape an important initiative focused on improving preconception nutrition, strengthening health systems and supporting better maternal and birth outcomes in India. 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