Program Specialist

JOB Code \- CEL/002 

Program Specialist – Community Empowerment Lab (CEL) 

Do you envision an organization beyond rigid structures and hierarchy – as a living, breathing system where people, learning, and energy flow purposefully? 

Community Empowerment Lab (CEL) is an evidence\-to\-scale institution working at the forefront of maternal, newborn, and child health across India and the Global South. We unite rigorous science and human experience to co\-create and scale health system and community solutions. CEL is where science and compassion converge to spark a movement—one mother,  one newborn, one community at a time. 

At CEL, we are sparking a movement where science and compassion come together to build a thriving world. 

With CEL’s bold vision for sector\-leading implementation and scale, we invite a Program Specialist to propel our program strategy, execution, and growth at the highest standards of professional excellence. 

The Role 

As Program Specialist, you will work closely with the Director – Program Systems to drive CEL’s portfolio of high\-impact programs, translating visionary strategies into action. You will contribute to managing multi\-site implementation, lead operational innovation, and coordinate diverse teams to ensure that research protocols are diligently adhered to and evidence is systematically transformed into sustainable solutions. Your expertise will guide CEL’s partnerships, systems, and culture, integrating continuous improvement, adaptive management, and a results\-driven ethos throughout our work. You will represent CEL to donors,  policymakers, and collaborators, and uphold our commitment to compassion, rigour, and equity. 

Your work will include: 

• Work closely with the Director of Program Systems to oversee the design, planning, and execution of large\-scale implementation programs aligned with CEL’s research agenda and institutional goals. 

• Lead strategic program development, including proposal writing, donor relations,  budget management, and compliance. 

• Direct and support program managers, field teams, and partners to achieve milestones,  deliverables, and measurable impact. 

• Ensure compliance of the research teams' robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for adaptive management and program optimization. 

• Foster effective collaboration with government, academic, NGO, and community partners to scale innovations and strengthen systems. 

• Build and maintain high\-performance teams, providing mentorship, capacity strengthening, and leadership development.

• Communicate program results and lessons learned to key stakeholders through reports, presentations, and publications. 

• Advance CEL’s reputation as a leader in the field through visibility, networking, and advocacy. 

Education/ Experience

• You hold an advanced degree (MPH, MHA, MBA, or equivalent) in public health, health systems, or a related field. 

• You have proven experience directing complex, multi\-faceted programs in public health or development sectors, preferably in low\-resource settings. 

• You excel at building operational frameworks, managing budgets and teams, and establishing systems for program excellence. 

• You are highly skilled in donor engagement, strategic partnership development, and grant administration. 

• You’re an adaptable problem solver, committed to innovation, learning, and impact at scale. 

• You possess advanced leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 

• You are energised by mission\-driven work and passionate about advancing health and equity for mothers, newborns, and communities. 

Join us at CEL—where program leadership transforms research into action, and action into impact. 

Location 

Anywhere in Uttar Pradesh (India). 

Application Procedure: 

If you find this opportunity aligns with your skills and passion, we welcome you to apply by following these steps: 

• Last Date to Apply will be 15 December 2025. 
  




• Fill in the form; it is mandatory. No candidature will be accepted if the form is not filled.
  




• Please share your CV with a covering letter and a short note on how your ideas and experience best position you to nurture human thriving within a mission\-driven organization. 
  




• Attach your updated resume with a recent photograph. 
  




• We kindly request that you include your current and expected salary details, along with your anticipated start date, in your cover letter.