How to apply for Chief Executive Officer

About Fortify Health

Fortify Health is an India-based NGO with an audacious mission: to prevent anaemia at scale across India through wheat flour fortification. They work with over 300 millers in 16 states and are at an inflection point, scaling their evidence-based, cost-effective model to reach hundreds of millions. This is a rare chance to lead a high-impact organization tackling one of the world's leading causes of disability.

About the role

As CEO, you will report to the Board of Trustees and lead a ~100-person remote team, driving the scaling trajectory over the next two years. You will shape strategy, oversee three work streams (Open Market Support, Partnership Support, and likely a third), and represent Fortify Health to government and NGO partners. This role is pivotal in making fortified wheat flour the norm across India.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with the board or leadership team to review scaling progress, engaging with government officials to advocate for fortification policies, and troubleshooting challenges with remote teams across states. You'll balance strategic planning with operational oversight, ensuring that Fortify Health's mission advances efficiently and effectively.

Who Fortify Health is looking for

• Proven executive leadership in the development sector or a related field, with experience managing large, remote teams and reporting to a board.
• Deep understanding of public health, nutrition, or food fortification in India, including government engagement and social safety net programs.
• Track record of scaling programs or organizations, with strong operational and financial acumen.
• Passion for Fortify Health's mission and the ability to inspire and drive change in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in scaling organizations or programs, specifically in the Indian development sector, as Fortify Health is at a critical growth stage.
• Demonstrate familiarity with anaemia, wheat flour fortification, or public health nutrition in India—mention specific initiatives or policies you've engaged with.
• Emphasize your ability to work with government bodies and NGOs, as partnership support is a key work stream.
• Show your comfort with remote leadership and managing distributed teams across India.
• Apply early: applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis before the 16th October 2026 deadline, so submitting sooner increases your chances.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your vision for scaling Fortify Health's impact and making fortified wheat flour the norm in India.", "Specific examples of how you've led organizational growth, including managing remote teams and board relationships.", 'Your experience in government engagement and partnership building in the Indian context.', 'Why you are passionate about tackling anaemia and neural tube defects through fortification.']

Research before applying

• Understand Fortify Health's three work streams: Open Market Support, Partnership Support, and any third stream, and how they interconnect.
• Research the prevalence and impact of anaemia in India, and existing government programs like the National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme.
• Learn about wheat flour fortification standards and regulations in India, including FSSAI guidelines.
• Explore Fortify Health's website, annual reports, and any press coverage to understand their scaling trajectory and recent milestones.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach scaling Fortify Health's operations to reach more states and millers over the next two years?
• Describe your experience working with Indian government agencies and NGOs to mainstream public health initiatives.
• What strategies would you use to ensure cost-neutral fortification adoption among millers in the open market?
• How would you lead a remote team of 100 people across 16 states to maintain high performance and cohesion?
• Discuss a time you navigated a complex stakeholder environment to achieve a public health goal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Lack of specific experience in the Indian development sector or public health—generic leadership experience is not enough.
• Failure to demonstrate understanding of Fortify Health's unique model and mission, or treating it as just another NGO role.
• Underestimating the importance of government engagement and partnership building in this role.