Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (A Govt. of India Enterprise) Set up by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India Vacancy: DBT BMGF BIRAC, Program Management Unit at BIRAC, New Delhi, India. i. Applications are invited from qualified and experienced professionals for the following positions in the DBT BMGF BIRAC, Program Management Unit at BIRAC, New Delhi, India: Position Code Positions Position Code Positions PM-01 Program Manager (Vacancy 1) PO 01 Program Officer: (Vacancy 1) Grand Challenges HR-01 IT Executive (Vacancy-1) ii. THE DBT BMGF BIRAC Partnership: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) signed an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on mission-directed research and build Grand Challenges India to support health research and innovation. The MoU aims to support initiatives that could dramatically change the health and development landscape in India and other countries facing similar challenges. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) a Public Sector Undertaking of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, and Government of India has been entrusted the responsibility of implementing this activity. BIRAC plays a key role in assisting the Global network of Partners to foster collaborative research to improve Global health and dealing with long term development issues. iii. The Program Management Unit (PMU), is the implementing body to manage the Grand Challenges India program. The partners have laid down the governance and implementation principles that will direct these strategic partnerships. BIRAC works closely with strategic partners to identify and support the scientific and technological opportunities through PMU. The PMU while being responsible for project management is also responsible for developing new areas of joint priority and oversight of various joint projects funded under Grand Challenges India.
1. PM -01: Program Manager i. Position Summary & Responsibilities The Program Manager (PM) will serve in the Program Management Unit chartered under the DBT, BIRAC, and Gates Foundation partnership for Grand Challenges and Mission Directed research in the areas of: Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health, Nutrition, Reproductive Health and more generally, Family Health. Infectious Diseases including expertise in the discovery and translational sciences related to vaccines, drugs and diagnostics Agriculture discovery and translational sciences in both crops and livestock Green Technology and sanitation Reporting to Head (PMU), the PM will have the opportunity to interact and work with thought leaders and leading scientists both in India and internationally; contribute strategic thinking and forwardlooking analysis in relevant areas; communicate progress and setbacks against strategic goals; and importantly create and manage grants/contracts as part of a team. Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: Coordination and administration of all aspects of ongoing programs including planning and implementation. To shape and execute scientific grants and research contracts leading to social innovations in the health and development of underserved populations in India and more generally in service of the developing world. Responsible for all Program Investment and Financial Planning. Working with Legal and Finance to get all necessary Contracts and Agreements ready for the Grand Challenges and other initiatives. Ensure timely execution of all activities. Responsible for organizing all Meetings, Interaction and Advisory Group Discussion including international conferences and workshops. Manage substantial portfolio of complex grants requiring high-level grant management skills. Manage specific investments, and also be an important liaison to DBT and the Gates Foundation. In addition to scientific expertise, the Program Manager must also bring in passion, humility, and critical thinking for the unique problems and the questions relevant to BIRAC s mission. Prepare and implement an effective communication and outreach strategy. To work and communicate with grantees and key stakeholders including members of Technical Advisory Groups, BIRAC, DBT and Gates Foundation staff as well as other potential funding partners for implementation of ongoing programme and identifying new challenges.
To represent BIRAC, and the DBT - Gates Foundation partnership to the external world related to Grand Challenges India initiatives; ii. Qualifications and Experience Essential Ph.D / equivalent in biological sciences with broad and deep knowledge in project management in the areas of health and agricultural sciences. 8-10 years of experience in academic, industry or similar position. Desirable Experience in Project management, monitoring and evaluation, including development of conceptual frameworks, management of monitoring systems, implementation and - supervision of evaluations and reporting of evaluation findings. Experience in technology assessment and matching novel technologies with biomedical or public health applications preferred. Experience in the execution, conduct and/or management of performance based grants, contracts or cooperative agreements. Experience working with the health community and with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Demonstrated outstanding written and oral communication skills in positions requiring communications in a broad and diverse audience on a range of complex technical issues. Strong planning and analytical skills. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Demonstrated capacity and Experience to handle collaboration within an organization and with external partners, as well as a ability to work with efficiency and diplomacy as part of a team effort. Ability to organize/prioritize work and meet deadlines within a fast paced environment with multiple and competing demands. Proactive and flexible nature with reliable follow-through and attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and in a cooperative and collegial fashion. Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally. iii. Age Limit Not more than 45 years as on the date of closing of applications.
2. PO-01 - Program Officer i. Position Summary & Responsibilities The Program Officer (PO) will serve in the Program Management Unit chartered under the DBT, BIRAC, Gates Foundation partnership in Grand Challenges and Mission Directed research in the areas of Agriculture, Nutrition and Health, Birth, Growth and Child Development. Reporting to Mission Director, the PO will have the opportunity to interact and work with thought leaders and leading scientists both in India and internationally; contribute strategic thinking and forward-looking analysis in relevant areas; communicate progress and setbacks against strategic goals; and importantly create and manage grants/contracts as part of a team. Responsibilities of the position include: To shape and execute scientific grants and research contracts leading to social innovations in agriculture and development of underserved populations in India and more generally in service of the developing world. Coordination and technical management of all aspects of an ongoing Grand Challenges Programs in the field of agriculture, nutrition, child / maternal health. Manage specific investments, and will also be an important liaison to DBT and the Gates Foundation. Manage substantial portfolio of complex grants requiring high-level grant management skills, including applying and evaluating milestone-based performance objectives; Responsible for timely execution of programmes and financial management of grant. Serve as a partner and resource person to grantees to facilitate accomplishment of strategic objectives; To serve as a liaison between grantees with key stakeholders including members of Technical Advisory Groups, DBT and Gates Foundation staff as well as other potential funding partners. Synthesize and document results from grants and contracts including preparing briefings and portfolio reviews to leadership; Prepare detailed analytical reports on the project related subjects, interact with experts for project review. Represent BIRAC, and the DBT - Gates Foundation partnership to the external world related to Grand Challenges India initiatives; In addition to scientific expertise, the Program Officer must also bring passion, humility, and critical thinking for the unique problems and the questions relevant to BIRAC s mission. Undertake special projects, as requested.
ii. Qualifications & Experience Essential Postgraduate / Ph.D / equivalent degree in Agriculture / Health/ Biological Science with broad and deep knowledge related to the development of new technologies and tools for new agriculture practices, interventions for improved nutritions, maternal / child health. 3-5 years of experience in academic, industry or similar position. Desirable Experience in technology assessment and matching novel technologies with food security or public health applications. Experience in project monitoring and evaluation, including development of conceptual frameworks, management of monitoring systems, implementation and - supervision of evaluations and reporting of evaluation findings. Experience in the execution, conduct and/or management of performance based grants, contracts or cooperative agreements. Experience working with the community and with governmental and non-governmental organizations on Health and Nutrition programmes. General knowledge of agriculture, child / maternal health and cultural factors in the context of India and the developing world. Demonstrated outstanding written and oral communication skills in positions requiring communications in a broad and diverse audience on a range of complex technical issues. Strong planning and analytical skills. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Demonstrated capacity and initiative to solve problems with energy and positive attitude. Ability to organize/prioritize work and meet deadlines within a fast paced environment with multiple and competing demands. Proactive and flexible nature with reliable follow-through and attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and in a cooperative and collegial fashion. Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally. iii. Age Limit Not more than 40 years as on the date of closing of applications. Salary The salary for all positions will depend on the level to be decided on the basis of qualifications, experience and suitability for the job as recommended by the Selection Committee. The details of levels and remuneration attached to the levels are given in the statement enclosed as Document II. The tenure of appointment will be for two years or co-terminus with the program whichever is earlier. The tenure will be extended based on the performance subject to extension of the project.
The positions are purely temporary and on contract basis initially for a period of two years. Interested Candidate should apply at vacancy.birac@nic.in in the prescribed format enclosed as Document I. 3. HR-01 - IT Executive i. Position Summary & Responsibilities Reporting to the Head (PMU), the IT Executive will be responsible for all IT related matters both Hardware and Software and the website. Should also have software programming skills for development of the online applications. Development of new information technology systems and enhancement to existing automated systems Use standard system methods in the development, enhancement, and maintenance of information technology systems Provide solution and work to resolve of software related problems Participate in the development of documents for service requests. Evaluate requests for information systems hardware, software, or services Implementation and maintenance of computer software Investigation and analysis of computer equipment and related software; supplies management with documentation of advantages and disadvantages. Disseminate detailed descriptions of new or modified hardware/software systems and instructions for their use Assist with the creation and modification of application development, system configuration, system testing, installation, and implementation of system enhancements/upgrades and bug fixes ii. Qualifications& Experience i. B Tech (IT) from a recognized and reputed institute. MBA(Information Management)/ MCA from a recognized and reputed institute will be preferred ii. 2-3 years of work experience in related software programming. Salary The salary for all positions will depend on the level to be decided on the basis of qualifications, experience and suitability for the job as recommended by the Selection Committee. The details of levels and remuneration attached to the levels are given in the statement enclosed as Document II. The tenure of appointment will be for two years or co-terminus with the
program whichever is earlier. The tenure will be extended based on the performance subject to extension of the project. The positions are purely temporary and on contract basis initially for a period of two years. Interested Candidate should apply at vacancy.birac@nic.in in the prescribed format enclosed as Document-I. Last date for Application is February 15, 2016.