Director Of Lead Exposure
Lead (Pb) exposure is a silent yet devastating global health crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Research from UNICEF and other partners estimates that 1 in 2 children in LMICs have elevated blood lead levels, contributing neurological damage, reduced cognitive development, and a variety of health impacts.
CHAI is launching a new Lead Exposure Program, building on its proven market shaping capabilities and experience partnering with governments to address large-scale and cross-sectoral health challenges. The Director will play a central role in shaping its direction in collaboration with governments, donors and technical partners. Likely program priorities include :
- Market shaping : Accelerating adoption of lead-free substitutes (e.g., paint), shifting demand to reduce lead exposure (e.g., increasing penetration of higher quality batteries), and increasing access to diagnostics and measurement tools.
- Governance & coordination : Supporting governments to develop and execute strategies to address lead exposure at both national and sub-national levels.
- Measurement : Working with partners to collect data and improve surveillance and monitoring systems.
The program scope is actively being refined in partnership with key stakeholders. The Director will lead the program, ensuring strong execution of current activities while helping to define and incubate the long-term priorities for CHAI's global lead exposure work.
The Director of Lead Exposure will lead CHAI's global lead exposure program, driving both program design and execution. They will coordinate across country teams, market shaping initiatives, and global program management. At the same time, they will help shape the long-term vision for this new program, working with governments, donors, and senior leadership to refine its scope, build partnerships, and chart a path for lasting impact.
They will work closely with the Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation and the Vice President of Innovation, alongside colleagues across CHAI's Global Markets, Global Diagnostics, and country teams.
We are seeking a highly motivated, entrepreneurial individual with outstanding problem-solving abilities and communication skills that shares in CHAI's mission and values. The Director must be able to function independently, manage staff, and have a strong commitment to excellence. CHAI also places great value on qualities such as humility, resourcefulness, and tenacity.
The base location is flexible to CHAI program countries, with a strong preference for candidates based in Africa, Europe, or Asia time zones. This role will require roughly 20% percent travel.
Responsibilities
Lead CHAI's global lead exposure program, ensuring strong execution across market shaping and country-level programs (e.g., governance, measurement).Lead donor engagement, proposal development, and program reporting, ensuring timely, high-quality communication and accountability to funders, and mobilizing resources for lead exposure programming.Inform and help shape the long-term vision for this new program, incubating CHAI's role and positioning the organization as a trusted partner in the global lead ecosystem.Design and implement global supply- and demand-side strategies to increase access to safer inputs and reduce lead exposure at scale.Coordinate across multiple CHAI country teams to ensure coherent strategy design and effective implementation.Oversee analyses of market dynamics, cost-effectiveness, and supply chains; negotiate with suppliers to improve affordability and availability of safe products.Build and maintain partnerships with governments, NGOs, multilaterals, suppliers, and other stakeholders to advance the global lead exposure agenda.Support the design and delivery of governance initiatives at country level, working closely with Ministries of Health, Environment, and other agencies.Manage multi-stakeholder projects and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of outputs.Represent CHAI externally with donors, technical partners, and international fora.Mentor, manage, and support staff within a matrixed team.Other responsibilities as needed.Qualifications
Bachelor's degree plus at least 10 years' work experience, or advanced degree plus at least 8 years' work experience, or equivalent work experience.Demonstrated experience in global health, environmental health, or policy / regulatory strengthening in low- and middle-income countries.Exceptional analytical (qualitative and quantitative) and communication (written and verbal) skills.Strong track record of managing complex projects and multi-stakeholder teams in dynamic environments.Experience leading staff and building high-performing teams.Ability to navigate complex government processes and influence decision-making collaboratively.High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.Willingness to travel frequently.Commitment to humility, resourcefulness, tenacity, and CHAI's values.Advantages :
Experience in market shaping, supply chain, or environmental health interventions.Experience in the private sector (strategy consulting, investment banking, pharmaceutical / biotech / diagnostic / chemical industries) or similarly fast-paced, results-oriented environments.Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship management.Experience conducting cost-effectiveness modeling or economic evaluation in a public health or policy context.Experience working remotely with decentralized teams across geographies.Professional fluency in additional languages such as French, Hindi, or Swahili.Experience designing and conducting monitoring, evaluation, and research activities.