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Dipankar Bhattacharya
A development sector expert constantly turning numbers into narratives!
Professional Background
Dipankar Bhattacharya is a highly accomplished professional with over 23 years of extensive experience in research, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and advisory roles across diverse sectors. His career has been marked by a commitment to improving health and wellbeing, particularly in areas such as maternal and newborn health, family planning and nutrition, infectious diseases including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as poverty alleviation and livelihood development. In addition to these sectors, he has also made significant contributions to water and sanitation initiatives, gender empowerment, and more.
Dipankar's extensive experience includes providing invaluable technical assistance to various flagship programs of the Government of India, such as the National Health Mission (NHM), which encompasses both the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). His work further extends to national priority programs like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP). His contributions in these capacities reflect his commitment to public health and development initiatives aimed at benefiting vulnerable populations.
His impressive career is complemented by a strong track record of working with donor-funded projects administered by multi- and bilateral agencies including the World Bank, USAID, and DFID, as well as esteemed philanthropic organizations such as the Gates Foundation, Packard Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation. Furthermore, he has partnered with various national and international NGOs, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in different organizational contexts.
Dipankar excels in a variety of core areas, including monitoring and tracking system implementation, process and impact evaluations, project planning, reviews, audits, and pro bono technical support, especially within the realm of health projects. His innovative use of a logical framework approach and expertise in quasi-experimental and mixed-methods design further enhance the impact of the projects he is involved with. Additionally, he has been actively engaged in policy reviews and knowledge management, alongside documenting best practices that advance the field of public health and development.
Education and Achievements
Dipankar studied at the prestigious International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), an institution renowned for providing specialized training in the field of population research and public health. This foundation has equipped him with indispensable knowledge and skills, which have been instrumental throughout his career. His education complements his hands-on experience and practical acumen, giving him a distinct edge in implementing effective programs and strategies.
Throughout his career, Dipankar has held various senior roles across organizations that highlight his leadership capabilities and expertise. Currently, he serves as the Lead for Knowledge Management, Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation at the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), where he drives significant initiatives to enhance tuberculosis control efforts globally. Prior to this, he contributed as a Knowledge Catalyst at Swasti, and as an Independent Consultant to numerous national and international NGOs and M&E consultancy organizations.
His former roles include Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor at Save the Children International, where his contributions ensured impactful programming in child protection and education sectors. At Sambodhi Research and Communications Pvt. Ltd., he served as the Sr. Vice President, specializing in research and advisory services that foster evidence-based decision-making. He also worked with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as the Manager of Strategy & Operations, showcasing his strategic oversight capabilities.
As a Consultant for renowned institutions including The World Bank and Mott MacDonald India, Dipankar played a pivotal role in shaping research and evaluation frameworks that influence public policy and programmatic efforts. His tenure as the National Manager - Research, M&E at the Technical Support Group of the National AIDS Control Organisation, Government of India, further illustrates his commitment to improving health outcomes among populations affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally, his experience as a Technical Specialist at the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) and as a Research Officer at FHI 360 highlights his expertise in gender-focused research and program implementation.
Overall, his work with Nielsen as a Sr. Client Service Executive also reflects his broad-based experience in consumer research, establishing him as a well-rounded expert who understands the intersection of health, behavior, and demographic factors.
Notable Achievements
Dipankar's career is distinguished by significant milestones and contributions that have shaped public health strategies both nationally and internationally. His achievements speak volumes about his dedication to evidence-based practices and his ability to build collaborative partnerships across sectors.
His engagement with diverse stakeholders including responsible businesses, multilaterals, philanthropists, foundations, impact investors, corporate social responsibility teams, nonprofits, academics, and government agencies has allowed him to create synergies that lead to impactful health interventions. Dipankar’s unmatched skills in social research, employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques, provide a unique advantage to the projects he undertakes.
In conclusion, Dipankar Bhattacharya embodies a blend of extensive practical experience, advanced educational background, and a deep-seated commitment to improving health and wellbeing across populations. His ongoing dedication to research, monitoring, and evaluation continues to inspire and drive impactful initiatives, making him a valuable asset in the field of public health and development.
