India Associate Country Director

Company Description

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Job Description

PLEASE NOTE: This will be an international position, based in Delhi, India, and employed by Harvard Global Research Support Center, India - an affiliate of Harvard University or by another affiliate of Harvard University.

The India Associate Country Director serves as the senior representative of the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute (Mittal Institute) in India, with responsibility for advancing the Institute’s mission, strengthening Harvard’s visibility and engagement in India, and ensuring the effective operation of the Institute’s India office. This role combines strategic partnership development with administrative, financial, and programmatic oversight, and requires a seasoned professional with demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

The India Associate Country Director works under the Mittal Institute’s Executive Director to oversee the operations of the India office, foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional excellence, and advance the Institute’s vision and strategy for India and the region. The role entails close collaboration with the Institute’s Director of Business Operations and Finance, as well as with faculty, staff, students, and institutional partners across Harvard and India.

The Associate Country Director also supervises local staff and consultants to ensure that the Institute’s programs and operations in India are executed with excellence, accountability, and measurable impact. The specific job duties, reporting responsibilities, and performance expectations shall include, but not limited to:

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Presence

• Strengthen the Institute’s strategic presence in the region, by advancing initiatives that expand its influence, resources, and long-term institutional footprint.
• Advance the Institute’s fundraising efforts in India by cultivating relationships with current and prospective donors. Deepen engagement with philanthropic partners to enhance resources and sustain the Institute’s long-term growth and impact.
• Enhance the Institute’s profile and expand its work through partnerships, events, and outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with Harvard faculty, alumni, and Indian academic and professional institutions to expand networks and institutional presence.
• Maintain and deepen existing partnerships while identifying and cultivating opportunities for new collaborations.

Administrative, HR, Financial and Grant Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the operations of the India office. Oversee budget management, financial transactions, audits, and financial reporting in close coordination with Harvard Global International and Cambridge headquarters office.
• Provide high-level oversight of grant-funded projects, ensuring effective administration and compliance with institutional, donor throughout the pre- and post-award lifecycle.
• Partner with principal investigators, awardees, donors, sub - grantee organizations and institutional collaborators to advance project objectives and outcomes.
• Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and compliance with Harvard University and local labor regulations.
• Supervise and support in-region staff and consultants, promoting alignment with the Institute’s mission and institutional policies.
• Collaborate closely with the Mittal Institute's Director of Business Operations and Finance to ensure transparent, accurate, and efficient operational processes.

Events and Communication Oversight

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of academic and public programs to advance the Institute’s mission in India.
• Oversee the coordination of events, workshops, and programs in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and institutional partners to ensure high-quality program design and delivery.
• Oversee event logistics, including budgeting, contracts, and vendor coordination, ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
• Develop and contribute program highlights, news, and impact stories for dissemination through newsletters, website, and other communications channels.
• Ensure all communications, reports, and public-facing materials reflect the Institute’s mission, brand, and professional standards.
• Partner with the Cambridge-based Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach to conceptualize and deliver major Institute-wide workshops and conferences.

Fellowship Program Oversight

• Manage the lifecycle and strategic impact of Mittal Institute’s fellowship programs in India.
• Lead outreach and promotion to attract a diverse and distinguished pool of scholars, artists, and practitioners from South Asia.
• Oversee the full fellowship process, including application management, faculty engagement, and selection coordination.
• Direct onboarding, orientation, and integration of fellows and visiting scholars into the Institute and Harvard community.
• Cultivate and maintain alumni networks to strengthen relationships and amplify the long-term impact of fellowship programs.

Faculty and Student Support

• Facilitate impactful Harvard engagement and collaboration in India. Support collaborative initiatives to advance faculty research and expand opportunities for engagement.
• Serve as a key resource for graduate students pursuing research, internships, or academic projects, offering strategic guidance, support and access to networks.
• Ensure faculty and student activities align with Harvard’s academic standards, institutional policies, and the Institute’s strategic priorities.

Working Conditions:

• The position is based in New Delhi, and local on-site work is a condition of continued employment.
• This role will require regular evening calls to coordinate with the Executive Director and other colleagues in the U.S.
• Travel within India is expected. Occasional travel to Harvard’s campus in Boston/Cambridge may also be required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience involving oversight of complex operations or organizations.
• Doctoral or master’s degree preferred, with a preference for a doctoral degree.
• Demonstrated strong ability to build trust-based partnerships with academic, NGOs, government, and philanthropic stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience, including staff supervision, mentoring, and driving team accountability.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate complex relationships, manage conflict with discretion, and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Demonstrated success in proposal development, donor stewardship, and cultivating institutional and individual supporters.
• Strategic thinker who can align programs, operations, and resources with broader organizational goals.
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal capabilities, with clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Strong customer service orientation and resourcefulness in navigating internal academic processes.
• Ability to operate independently with excellent judgment, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proactive approach to improving systems, workflows, and operational efficiency.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and a high level of comfort adopting and managing new technologies.

Additional Information

• 
  Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:

Harvard Global Research Support Centre India offers a Benefits Package that includes life, medical, and accident insurance.

NOTE: This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

This is a hybrid position. Schedule will be determined in conjunction with your supervisor.

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Compensation Information

The compensation for this position will be paid out in the local monetary equivalent. Additional details about the salary range will be provided by the hiring team throughout the hiring process.

Sponsorship Information

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country in which this position is located to be considered for employment.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.