District Entomologist

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI operates in over 40 countries and works closely with governments and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems. Initially established to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, CHAI has since expanded its focus to include a range of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. The organization emphasizes sustainable impact and the importance of local leadership in health solutions, ensuring that programs are designed for national scalability and global knowledge sharing. CHAI's diverse team is committed to its mission and values, with a significant presence in the countries where it operates, ensuring that its initiatives are grounded in local contexts and needs.

Job Overview:
The District Entomologist will be a key player in the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, focusing on entomological surveillance and vector control initiatives. This role is crucial for generating actionable evidence that will guide targeted interventions and strengthen integrated vector management practices in the Gadchiroli district. The position requires a strong technical background in vector biology and surveillance, as well as robust fieldwork experience. The District Entomologist will also be responsible for mentoring local teams to enhance their entomological capacity, ensuring that the district can effectively address malaria transmission and control. This role is vital in supporting India's national commitment to eliminate malaria by 2027, particularly in high-burden regions like Gadchiroli, which has been identified as a critical area for intervention.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The District Entomologist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including leading routine surveillance of malaria vectors, particularly Anopheles species, using standardized entomological techniques such as CDC light traps, pyrethrum spray catches, and larval dipping. The role involves ensuring accurate species identification and proper sample preservation for molecular analysis. The District Entomologist will guide data collection and reporting on species composition, density, behavior, and seasonality to inform timely interventions. Additionally, the position will provide technical input into the planning, implementation, and monitoring of vector control strategies, including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) distribution. The role also includes compiling and analyzing entomological surveillance data, maintaining databases, and producing reports. Training and mentoring district staff and community volunteers in vector surveillance and control methodologies is another key responsibility, along with collaborating with various stakeholders for integrated vector control planning and participating in outbreak investigations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Vector Biology, Public Health, Parasitology, or a closely related biological science. A postgraduate degree or diploma in public health, entomology, or epidemiology is preferred. A minimum of 2 years of experience in malaria entomological surveillance or vector control programs is required, along with demonstrated experience in vector species identification and insecticide resistance monitoring. Familiarity with national vector control strategies and WHO entomological methods is essential. Strong technical knowledge of Anopheles mosquito biology and malaria transmission dynamics is necessary, as well as proficiency in field entomological techniques and laboratory diagnostics. Competence in data management and analysis using tools like Excel or Epi Info is also required, along with familiarity with mobile data collection platforms.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Entomology, Vector Biology, Public Health, or Parasitology. A postgraduate degree or diploma in public health, entomology, or epidemiology is preferred, which would provide candidates with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in vector control and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in malaria entomological surveillance or vector control programs. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in vector species identification and insecticide resistance monitoring, which is crucial for effective malaria control strategies. Familiarity with national vector control strategies and WHO entomological methods is also important for this role.

Languages:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Marathi and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local teams, stakeholders, and community members. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a field-based position that will require regular travel to malaria-endemic villages within the Gadchiroli district. The role may involve early morning or night-time field activities, and candidates should be prepared for exposure to varied terrains, weather conditions, and vector habitats. The position is part of a three-year initiative under the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, and the last date to apply for this position is 23rd August 2025.