Terms of Reference (ToR)
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Position Title:
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Operations Associate - Goa Palliative Care Programme
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Location:
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Goa, India
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Duration:
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Full-Time, Initial Contract of 1 Year (with possibility of
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extension)
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Reports To:
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Medical Officer– Palliative Care Services
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1. Organizational Context
The Defeat-NCD India Foundation (DNCD-I) is a not-for-profit charitable organization, registered under section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013). The foundation is set up as the practical response to the widespread call for action on noncommunicable diseases (NCD). The Foundation’s activities focus on assisting low resource countries to scale-up action on NCD through: (i) national capacity building; (ii) community scale-up of NCD services; (iii) affordability and accessibility of essential NCD supplies; and (iv) financing for country-level NCD programming. In achieving its mandate, the Foundation works with governments, multilateral agencies, civil society, academia, philanthropies, and the private sector. The Foundation’s efforts are aimed specifically at SDG 3.4 i.e. the reduction by one-third of premature mortality from NCD through prevention and treatment.
NCD and poverty are strongly inter-connected, and the SDGs also drive the
Foundation's principal values, especially that of equity through aiming to "leave no one behind" and proactively reaching out to the most needy and vulnerable.
2. Position Summary
The Operations Associate is responsible for establishing, managing, and integrating core operational functions for the programme in Goa. This is a hands-on role in a startup environment, requiring adaptability, multitasking, and the ability to build systems while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
The role will involve duties related to administration, human resources, budgets, logistics, procurement, compliance, and stakeholder coordination, while supporting programme delivery in close collaboration with technical team. This role requires a hands-on, flexible, and proactive approach, while coordinating the ongoing operations
3. Reporting Line
The Operations Associate will report to the Medical Officer– Palliative Care Services of the Goa Programme.
4. Key Responsibilities A. Operations & Office Setup
- Operationalize the programme office, including systems, processes, and operating procedures.
- Ensure efficient day-to-day functioning of all administrative and operational activities
- Maintain operational workflows suited to a startup environment
- Support program implementation through effective coordination across functions
B. Project Budget Management
- Support in programme budgeting, financial planning, and expenditure tracking for programme activities
- Ensure proper financial controls, documentation, and monitor budget utilization and provide regular financial updates to HQ
- Support audits and ensure financial compliance with internal and donor requirements
- Support donor reporting requirements in coordination with programme teams
C. Human Resources & Team Management
- Onboard personnel and manage payroll / payment related matters and leave system
- Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture
D. Logistics & Procurement
- Support procurement processes for the programme in line with organizational policies
- Coordinate with the medical team for maintaining supply chain and logistics for Mobile Medical Unit (MMUs) and field activities
- Ensure timely availability of equipment, medical supplies, and operational resources
- Maintain vendor relationships and procurement documentation
E. Stakeholder Coordination
- Liaise with Official of Goa Medical College, government authorities, local partners, and service providers
- Represent operational functions in internal and external meetings
- Support all logistics for activities related to advocacy, learning programme events and training events.
5. Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in arts, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
- 3–5 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in NGO, development and health sector settings.
- Experience in operations management, including finance, HR, logistics, and administration
- Prior experience in startup or program scale-up environments is highly desirable
- Familiarity with health programme delivery or public health systems is an advantage
6. Core Competencies
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in dynamic environments
- Team management skills
- Budgeting and expense forecasting capability
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
- High level of integrity and attention to compliance
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
- Willingness to travel to field locations as required
7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timely and effective establishment of programme office systems and procedures.
- Budget adherence and quality of financial reporting
- Efficiency of procurement and logistics systems
- Compliance with statutory, donor, and internal requirements
- Effectiveness of team management and staff performance
- Quality of stakeholder coordination and operational support to programmes
- Responsiveness and adaptability in a startup environment
8. QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
First degree in commerce, accounting or business administration or equivalent.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of comprehensive experience in the areas of administration, finance, budgeting, accounting and general operations preferably in a similar not-for-profit organization.
- Experience in the above processes in an ERP system.
- Advanced proficiency in the use of MS Excel, including for modelling purposes, as well as experience in the usage of Microsoft Office software packages and handling of web-based management systems is essential.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across the organizations’ entities.
Language requirements:
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Excellent skills in (i) drafting written communications (ii) verbal communication and (iii) making presentations
6. Remuneration (CTC basis): will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Note: The candidate should be eligible to work in India.
9. APPLICATIONS: Send your CV and a motivation letter explaining how you think your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this position to
Deadline for applications: 31 July 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be received and evaluated on a rolling basis and the recruitment process may close early if we have enough suitable applicants. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
10. Terms of Engagement
This is a national position and ONLY citizens of India need to apply. This is a fixedterm contract for 12 months, renewable based on performance and funding availability. This position requires constant travel within the respective countries for fieldwork in remote areas.