Hari Mohan Nagepalli

Senior public systems and health sector leader with 20+ years of experience designing, strengthening, and scaling complex public programmes and institutional systems across India, working at the intersection of government, philanthropy, multilateral agencies, civil society, and technical institutions. Proven experience translating strategy into implementation through systems strengthening, institutional design, stakeholder mobilisation, operational governance, and multi-sector partnerships to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Brings deep expertise in public systems reform, programme architecture, institutional strengthening, social protection, behavioural and social determinants of wellbeing, health systems transformation, and population-scale programme implementation, with demonstrated success in building partnerships and delivery mechanisms across complex stakeholder environments.

Has led multi-state initiatives involving government systems, UN agencies, donors, research institutions, civil society organisations, and frontline implementation partners to strengthen programme effectiveness and sustainable adoption. Combines strategic thinking with strong execution capability and experience building implementation systems, governance structures, operational frameworks, training ecosystems, and evidence-informed programme approaches. Exposure to mental health systems includes leadership of a USAID-supported COVID mental health initiative, psychosocial systems strengthening, frontline provider wellbeing support, and integration of behavioural and preventive approaches within public health delivery environments.

Known for operating effectively in ambiguity, convening diverse stakeholders, translating policy priorities into delivery systems, and building institutional capability for long-term population impact.

Team Lead – Mental Health Response Initiative (COVID-19) - World Health Partners (USAID-supported) - India

(2021-08 - 2022-03)

Led a USAID-supported multi state initiative focused on addressing mental health challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening programme delivery systems, stakeholder partnerships, implementation processes, and psychosocial support approaches within highly dynamic operating environments.

• Led programme strategy, implementation planning, and operational execution for a mental health response initiative focused on psychosocial wellbeing and system strengthening.
• Developed field-level implementation strategies and operating processes aligned to programme objectives and service delivery realities.
• Strengthened partnerships with government departments, healthcare providers, implementation agencies, and ecosystem stakeholders to support programme delivery and adoption.
• Supervised multidisciplinary teams and implementation systems, ensuring quality delivery, accountability, performance tracking, and donor compliance.
• Oversaw programme budgets, reporting systems, governance processes, and implementation monitoring.
• Helped strengthen approaches to psychosocial wellbeing, provider support, and systems responsiveness during a period of significant public health stress.

Public Systems & Emergency Response Consultant (Multiple Assignments) - UNICEF / UNDP / ADPC – India - India

(2020-01 - 2021-12)

Supported state governments and institutional partners in strengthening resilience systems, implementation frameworks, and service continuity during COVID-related disruption.

• Supported continuity of immunisation and public systems delivery while responding to pandemic-related disruption and workforce pressures.
• Initiated psychological support training pathways with mental health institutions including NIMHANS to support frontline workforce wellbeing and burnout mitigation.
• Developed operational planning frameworks, preparedness systems, and implementation strategies for state-level emergency response systems.
• Worked with senior government stakeholders to contextualise systems solutions in rapidly evolving environments.

Team Leader – Systems Strengthening & Mainstreaming - National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) & UNDP - India

(2008-01 - 2009-03)

Led a large-scale, multi-state systems strengthening initiative focused on institutional coordination, convergence, programme governance, and sustainable service delivery for vulnerable populations.

• Directed implementation of a USD 13 million multi-state programme focused on institutional strengthening, convergence, implementation systems, and public systems adoption.
• Facilitated cross-sector partnerships involving Health, Rural Development, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Development, Tourism, and other public institutions.
• Designed governance systems, implementation frameworks, operational plans, learning tools, and stakeholder coordination mechanisms to improve programme effectiveness.
• Strengthened partnerships across government, development agencies, and civil society to support long-term institutional ownership.

Short-Term Consultant – Health Systems Strengthening - World Bank – India - India

(2023-11 - 2024-06)

Supported systems strengthening efforts through development of implementation frameworks and operational guidance for integrated primary healthcare delivery.

• Developed operational guidelines for the Family Doctors Programme in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen continuity, access, and integration of care within public systems.
• Helped translate strategic priorities into practical implementation frameworks within state health systems.
• Facilitated convergence across programmes and institutions to improve service coordination and delivery effectiveness.
• Supported evidence-informed implementation approaches to strengthen systems adoption and long-term sustainability.

Senior Consultant – Social Protection & Systems Strengthening - UNDP – India - India

(2023-04 - 2023-12)

Supported institutional strengthening and systems capability for implementation of social protection approaches for vulnerable populations.

• Developed learning systems, facilitation guides, and institutional training resources for senior programme leaders and implementation teams.
• Designed a national compendium to improve navigation and uptake of social protection pathways among vulnerable populations.
• Strengthened implementation capacity of programme managers through structured learning systems and cascade approaches.
• Worked closely with national and state institutions to improve programme effectiveness and systems responsiveness.

Public Systems & Research Consultant (Multiple Assignments) - FHI / UNDP – India - India

(2016-01 - 2019-12)

Led and supported evidence generation, systems assessments, and implementation-oriented studies to inform programme strengthening and policy action.

• Developed state-level assessments to strengthen implementation

PhD