Glady Eswararaj

Project Manager , International Non Profit, Corporate (IT)

Tamilnadu, India

Senior Program & Project Management Leader with 20+ years of experience driving large-scale health, governance, and development initiatives with WHO, government bodies, and international organization like Unilever. Adept at leading multi-sectoral teams, coordinating stakeholders across state, national and global, and ensuring successful delivery of high-impact public health, education, governance

Contact Glady Eswararaj
Area of Expertise:
  • Administration, HR, Management, Accounting/Finance
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Director, CEO, COP, President
  • Private Sector, Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child
Professional Experience:

Over the course of more than 20 years, I have developed a rich and diverse professional career that spans international organizations, government programs, and corporate program management offices. My experience is characterized by a consistent focus on governance, data-driven decision-making, and program delivery that has directly contributed to public health outcomes, organizational efficiency, and global-scale program success.
My career began with the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Government of India, where I worked from 1999 to 2021 across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Over this 22-year tenure, I played a central role in planning, coordinating, and executing multiple large-scale public health programs. I managed immunization campaigns, including the Polio Eradication Initiative, Measles-Rubella Eradication campaigns, and Routine Immunization programs, working closely with central and state governments to achieve ambitious national health targets. I was also actively involved in COVID-19 pandemic response, where I contributed to vaccination rollout, logistics coordination, dashboard development, and disaster management.
My responsibilities at WHO extended far beyond program delivery. I served as a bridge between government officials, healthcare workers, and international stakeholders, ensuring smooth collaboration, timely communication, and the integration of local challenges into broader program strategies. I designed and maintained real-time monitoring dashboards, which provided central authorities with accurate, actionable data. This strengthened governance and improved accountability at multiple levels of program execution.
Throughout my tenure, I received multiple awards and recognitions, including honors from the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments for immunization and flood relief services, as well as recognition from the WHO and Government of India for contributions to the successful eradication of polio. These acknowledgements reflect the tangible impact of my work in safeguarding community health and building resilient public health systems.
In 2021, I transitioned into a corporate role with Unilever (via RGP) as part of their PMO Tech Support team, where I worked remotely until 2025. In this role, I delivered governance, change management, and program oversight for global digital and data initiatives. I was responsible for ensuring data foundation readiness across multiple markets, aligning with the organization’s Azure Data Lake strategy and governance frameworks. I collaborated with product owners, data SMEs, and cross-functional teams to deliver datasets supporting global customer development initiatives.
A key contribution during this time was the design and implementation of Power BI dashboards to track delivery KPIs, risks, and cost controls, enabling leadership to make informed decisions. I also implemented structured risk management and escalation processes, reducing delivery risks across international markets. My ability to blend governance, compliance, and technology ensured that projects were delivered on time while meeting quality and security standards.
Together, these experiences—spanning over 21 years in public health program leadership and 4 years in global corporate governance—have given me a unique combination of field-level execution skills and international program management expertise. I bring proven strengths in stakeholder engagement, risk management, program governance, and data-driven decision-making, all of which are directly applicable to NGO and government leadership roles.
My professional journey demonstrates not only technical expertise and managerial capability but also a long-standing commitment to public service, community development, and international collaboration. With this background, I am well-prepared to lead high-impact initiatives that require accountability, innovation, and measurable social outcomes.

Education:

My educational and training background reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning, combining advanced academic achievements with professional trainings and specialized workshops. This progression has equipped me with a unique mix of strategic, managerial, and technical expertise, enabling me to lead large-scale projects in NGOs, government, and international organizations with both depth and versatility.
The pinnacle of my academic journey is my Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Commerce completed in 2020 at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU), Tirunelveli, where I was awarded a High Commendation. My doctoral research, in the topic “Patients’ Perception towards the Health Services Provided by the Hospitals in Tirunelveli District” enhanced my analytical and critical thinking skills, particularly in governance, policy evaluation, and data-driven decision-making. This advanced qualification has enabled me to design frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and impact in program delivery.
Building on this, I pursued an MBA in Finance at Madurai Kamaraj University, completed in 2006. This degree strengthened my financial acumen, strategic management, and leadership capabilities. It taught me to balance fiscal responsibility with organizational effectiveness, a skill I have applied in managing budgets, resources, and multi-sectoral teams.
Earlier in my career, I obtained a Master of Commerce (M.Com) from Sadakathulla Appa College, MSU, in 1999. This degree deepened my knowledge of accounting, economics, and corporate finance, laying the groundwork for understanding the financial underpinnings of governance and development programs. Prior to that, I had completed a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from St. John’s College, MSU, in 1997, which provided a strong foundation in business principles, commerce, and accounting practices.
To complement my academic qualifications, I earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) from MSU in 2001, achieving First Class. This program introduced me to IT systems, database management, and digital applications—skills that became vital in program data management, reporting, and governance systems in later years.
In addition to degrees, I have completed professional certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals in Simplilearn and Safety Certificate from WHO. These certifications sharpened my expertise in program governance, risk management, and digital platforms, ensuring alignment with international standards and modern technological trends.
Equally significant is my ongoing participation in trainings and workshops, which have consistently enhanced my practical knowledge. I have undergone multiple programs in project administration, budgeting, decision-making, and government guidelines, including training sessions in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Goa. Technical skill development has included Power BI training, Azure fundamentals workshops, and data governance frameworks, equipping me with hands-on expertise in digital reporting and analytics. I have also completed several refresher trainings in finance, GSM guidelines, fleet management, and policy updates, ensuring my skills remain relevant and adaptable.
This structured progression—from advanced academic degrees to practical certifications and continuous workshops—has given me a rare balance of scholarship, leadership, and hands-on program management. It reflects not only my adaptability but also my preparedness to take on senior leadership roles in NGOs, government, and international agencies, where evidence-based governance, accountability, and sustainable impact are essential

Affiliations and Achievements:

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive numerous recognitions and build affiliations that reflect my contributions to public health, governance, and program management at both national and international levels. One of the most significant areas of recognition has been in the field of public health. My 22-year association with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India led to multiple acknowledgements for service. I was awarded the Polio Eradication Award jointly by WHO and the Government of India for my contributions to one of the most successful health campaigns in history. Additionally, I received the Indradhanush/MR Award from the Tamil Nadu Government, recognizing my role in measles-rubella eradication and immunization campaigns. The Kerala Government honored me with the Best Service Award for my contributions during flood relief operations and for exceptional service in immunization initiatives. These awards underscore my long-standing commitment to protecting public health and strengthening governance at the state and national levels.
Beyond recognition, I have developed strong professional affiliations and collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders. Over the years, I have worked closely with state governments, local health departments, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure successful program delivery. My work has consistently required building trust, aligning diverse teams, and navigating the complexities of government structures. At Unilever, I extended this collaborative approach to the corporate environment, contributing to global, cross-functional teams managing data governance and multi-market program readiness. These affiliations demonstrate my ability to work seamlessly across public, private, and international platforms.
My contributions also extend to capacity building and community engagement. Recognizing that sustainable programs require empowered teams, I have designed and delivered training workshops for government officials, frontline health workers, and administrative staff. These workshops covered areas such as program administration, budgeting, HR and finance processes, data management, and reporting systems. I also supported community-level awareness programs for immunization drives, COVID-19 vaccination, and disaster response initiatives, ensuring that beneficiaries understood and trusted the programs being implemented. These activities reinforced the importance of community participation and local ownership in achieving long-term impact.
Another significant achievement has been in the area of data governance and accountability. I developed and maintained real-time monitoring dashboards that improved transparency and decision-making for central and state authorities. These tools helped reduce errors, enhance reporting efficiency, and ensure that program outcomes could be tracked with accuracy. At Unilever, I replicated these successes by designing Power BI dashboards that provided global leadership with visibility on risks, costs, and delivery progress, ensuring compliance and structured escalation. These contributions highlight my ability to merge governance frameworks with digital solutions for stronger program outcomes.
Together, these affiliations and achievements reflect a career defined by service, impact, and collaboration. They showcase my ability to not only manage programs effectively but also to inspire teams, build partnerships, and deliver sustainable outcomes that improve lives and strengthen governance systems.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities

Years of Experience:

More than 20 years

Highest Qualification:

Doctorate

Languages:

English, Tamil

Nationality:

Indian

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