Program Officer for University Engagement

Jhpiego is an international, non-profit health organization and an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, dedicated to improving the health of women and families in developing countries. For over 50 years, it has focused on providing high-quality, low-cost health care solutions, training health workers, and strengthening health systems. Jhpiego has been working in India since the 1980s in close partnership with national and state governments. With deep technical expertise and strong on-the-ground execution, Jhpiego helps design, test, and scale practical solutions and innovations that fit real-world systems across 11 thematic domains (Maternal and Newborn Health, Reproductive Health, Nutrition, Immunization, Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Human Resources for Health, TB and Infectious Diseases, Global Health Security, Women's Cancers, Non-Communicable Diseases, Digital Health).

Jhpiego supported by the Gates Foundation is supporting the Department of Health, Government of Bihar in the Nursing reforms under the Mission Unnayan program. This program is closely aligned to the Government’s visionary health sector reforms related to Bihar’s Saat Nischays (III).

This initiative represents a mutually reinforcing approach to strengthening the education system, thereby linking improvements in the service delivery with strengthening health systems and the workforce. The program is supporting the Health University in the state in strengthening and optimizing the structures and functions for standardized management and work towards building sustainable education system and healthcare workforce resilience.

Given the scale and strategic importance of this initiative, there is a need to support the Health University for its operationalization to create a robust training ecosystem. The position will be responsible for providing support for developing an enabling Nursing education ecosystem for the state of Bihar. The position will report to the Program Officer – Policy, Patna.

The purpose of this position is to support the Bihar University of Health Sciences, Bihar to streamline the Nursing education through strengthening the processes and examination system in nursing education/ trainings. This position aims to support the roll out Competency based Nursing education and examination by the Indian Nursing Council in the state of Bihar.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the focal point for coordination with university leadership, faculty and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with university officials and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular meetings, consultations, and communication between the university and Jhpiego.
• Support in the development and implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), partnership agreements, and collaborative initiatives.
• Coordinate the planning and systematic roll out of the BSc Nursing curriculum in the state of Bihar.
• Support in developing detailed work plans, academic calendar, and implementation schedules for the University.
• Ensure timely delivery of project milestones and adherence to the program objectives.
• Support integration of program activities within the university’s system and academic structure.
• Organize workshops and training programs for faculty development in collaboration with the University.
• Coordinate logistics, resource persons, participant management, and training materials in collaboration with the University.
• Support curriculum enhancement and skill-building initiatives aligned with project goals.
• Track progress of activities against approved work plans and indicators.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, and documentation of program activities.
• Prepare periodic progress reports, meeting minutes, success stories, and presentations.

Perform other activities, as assigned by the supervisor to achieve organizational goal.

Qualifications & Experience

• Masters’ degree in Nursing is preferable, Public Health, Social Sciences, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 - 3 years of experience in program coordination, Nursing education, Nursing academic implementation, or development sector projects.
• Experience working with universities, Nursing institutions, government institutions, or healthcare organizations is preferred.
• Strong understanding of public health systems and the higher education landscape in India.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical understanding of Nursing Education, Health University system, and nursing education reforms.
• Effective stakeholder engagement, communication, and project management skills.
• Strong planning, coordination, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently.
• Strong documentation and presentation skills.