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 Program. It will house the Program Management Unit (PMU) that would work as an operational and functional arm to oversee and monitor program implementation.
Post : Mission Director, PMU-BMGF
Position Code : MD-03
No. of Vacancies : 01
Consolidated Remuneration : The consolidated Remuneration for Mission Director shall be Rs.1,50,000/- to Rs.4,20,000/- Lump sum per month depending on the qualifications and experience.
Job Tenure : The appointment shall be under ‘Contract for Service’ initially for a period of three (03) years or Co-terminus with the project, whichever is earlier. The present duration of the project is till July’2027. Renewal of the contract shall depend on the extension of the Project or need for continuance of service, based on satisfactory performance.
Job Description : The Mission Director is a Senior Level position requiring strong leadership. The Mission Director will lead the Mission programme at the Program Management Unit (PMU) and be responsible for effective management (organization, planning, execution and evaluation) of the Programs. He/She will oversee the establishment and management of strategies, build efficient teams, monitor program progress and stakeholder management. Working closely with global and national thought leaders and scientific experts, the Mission Director will have an opportunity to engage with multiple stakeholders (academia, industry, SMEs) and lead a team of Technical Coordinators to enable accomplishment of activities in alignment with the Grand Challenges India mission and vision.
About the Mission : The strategic partnership of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) is being operated through Program Management Unit housed at BIRAC. BIRAC is acting as Implementation Agency for Grand Challenges India Program through Program Management Unit. This collaboration is for mission- directed research to support health research and innovation that could dramatically change the health and development landscape in India and other countries facing similar challenges.
About the Implementation Agency : Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) a Public Sector Undertaking of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India has been entrusted the responsibility of implementing this Program. It houses the Program Management Unit (PMU) and works as an operational and functional arm to oversee and monitor program implementation
Eligibility :
The ideal candidate shall have an experience working in Global Health, strong knowledge of vaccines, biotherapeutics and/or medical devices/diagnostics product development value chain particularly from early stages to clinical development and/or market licensure. He/She will have a track record of strong engagement with partners (likely both private and public-sector partners), and the ability to build and execute strategic plans as well as inspire teams engaged in a wide range of disciplines and technologies
Educational Qualification – PhD/equivalent in life sciences/biological sciences or allied areas;
Duration of experience - at least 19 years & above of experience, including 5 years of management experience, preferably in the Industry with understanding of product development; Relevant experience in development of vaccines, biotherapeutics or medical devices/diagnostics.
Desirable :
• 5 or more years of experience in grant management at leadership role.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for product development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Proven negotiation and issue resolution skills required. Ability to proactively identify and act to resolve project issues, including those related to timing, resources and funding, to prevent delays in project milestones is required
• Excellence in team building skills and organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget
• Experience cultivating partnerships across diverse stakeholders (i.e. potentially across industry collaborations, through governments, or other NGO partnerships) as well as with academia and the start-up ecosystems
• Strong marketing and public relations with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate relationships
• Knowledge of the national and global ecosystem including in-country needs and opportunities
• Ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission- driven, and self-directed
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data- driven program evaluation
Age Limit : Maximum 55 years as on Date of Closing of Application
Key Responsibilities
Research and resource planning :
• Set the vision for and facilitate the development of cross-country research collaboration, thematic deep-dives, and tailored analytical tools to elevate insights into action.
• Ensure research outputs are rigorous, actionable, and scalable, responding to country-specific needs.
• Manage and mentor vertical topic leads, ensuring high-quality execution and strategic alignment to Global Health research vision, partnerships and sphere of influence.
• Facilitate the development of new topic areas and guide the prioritization of team resources, including headcount and budget.
• Develop and operationalize strategies to ensure efficient and timely execution of the program activities.
• Responsible for resource planning for all program investments and ensuring adequate budget provision for smooth implementation of the Program and various components.
Stakeholder and Team Management :
• Capably works with a variety of local, state, and national entities and public and private sector partners across cultural contexts with an ability to adapt style and norms to ensure effective partnership.
• Leveraging and building professional network in global health, development and research circles in order to effectively engage with key stakeholders, research colleagues, advisory groups, and stakeholders.
• Negotiates and mediates complex relationships in a matrixed environment, including an ability to reconcile multiple diverse viewpoints and often to negotiate across internal and external partners.
• Effectively uses informal influence and non-positional leadership to accomplish work, demonstrating the ability to build trust and serve as a team player who motivates and educates other team members and understands the value of interpersonal relationship-building.
• Facilitates, manages, and summarizes divergent points of view to advance the thinking of the group and catalyze innovation.
• Represent the Mission Program to the external world.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to provide regular technical and financial updates.
Financial and Legal Management :
• Working with Legal and Finance teams to ensure compliance of all necessary contracts and agreements;
• Ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial accounting and reporting.
Strategic Communications & Dissemination :
• Lead global outreach efforts, ensuring GCI’s findings are widely accessible via publications, digital tools, and strategic convenings.
• Develop innovative dissemination strategies, including the use of AI-powered tools and policy briefs tailored for decision-makers.
• Partner with leading media outlets, advocacy groups, and multilateral organizations to elevate GCI’s impact.
Risk Management :
• Assessment of probable risks and create solutions to address them;
• Flag issues/bottlenecks raised by GCI-PMU or any stakeholder grievances and escalate to competent authority for corrective action;
• Ensure effective quality assurance and the overall integrity of the program.
Employees of Central / State Govts and or other CPSEs should send a copy of their applications through proper channel in a sealed envelope at below mentioned address:-
Head [Human Resource & Administration]
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
5th Floor, NSIC Business Park
NSIC Bhawan, Okhla Industrial Estate
New Delhi-110020
Last date of submission of application : 22nd August ,2025
Vacancy Ref. No : BIRAC/PMU/VAC/153/July-2025
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