Program Officer

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 focuses on creating and sustaining high-quality health systems by working closely with governments and the private sector. Initially established to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, CHAI has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as 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 that learnings are shared globally. CHAI values its diverse team, which is comprised of individuals with a broad range of skills and experiences, and is committed to investing in innovative health programs that strengthen health systems.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer will serve as a key field-level lead responsible for coordinating and supporting the implementation of malaria elimination activities under the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan. This role requires close collaboration with public health officials, frontline workers, and community stakeholders to ensure the effective rollout of microplans, timely distribution of diagnostics and treatment, and data-driven decision-making through surveillance platforms like IHIP. The officer will engage in regular field monitoring, facilitate interdepartmental convergence, mobilize community engagement, and ensure rapid response to outbreak alerts. As part of the Program Management Unit (PMU), the Program Officer will play a critical role in translating the district’s malaria elimination strategy into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with the operational plan, and strengthening local systems for sustained impact. The position demands a committed and resourceful individual who can support the implementation of the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, reporting directly to the Program Manager. The ideal candidate will possess a postgraduate degree in public health or related fields, have 3–5 years of relevant experience, and demonstrate strong familiarity with vector-borne disease programs and tribal health systems. Fluency in Marathi and local residency are essential, along with strong interpersonal skills and a community-first mindset.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Program Manager in planning, executing, and monitoring project activities across blocks.
• Facilitate and support the district in the implementation of entomological surveillance and vector control and prevention activities.
• Coordinate with district and block health officials to ensure timely implementation of surveillance, training, LLIN distribution, IRS monitoring, and vector control activities.
• Support capacity-building initiatives, including training of ASHAs, ANMs, MOs, RT workers, and community influencers.
• Assist in documentation, data collation, and preparation of program reports, success stories, and meeting briefs.
• Facilitate field visits, program reviews, and cross-departmental coordination, ensuring continuous programmatic feedback loops.

Required Qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree in Public Health, Health Management, entomology, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in public health or community-based programs.
• Familiarity with vector-borne disease (VBD) programs, community health systems, and tribal health issues.
• Proficient in MS Office tools and field data reporting.
• Preferred: Candidate should preferably be a local resident of Gadchiroli or a neighboring district. Fluency in Marathi (speaking, reading, writing) is mandatory. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a community-first attitude are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a postgraduate degree in Public Health, Health Management, entomology, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health initiatives and the specific challenges associated with vector-borne diseases and community health systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in public health or community-based programs. This experience should ideally include familiarity with vector-borne disease programs and an understanding of tribal health systems, which are critical for effectively addressing the health challenges faced by the communities in Gadchiroli.

Languages:
Fluency in Marathi is mandatory for this position, encompassing speaking, reading, and writing skills. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. While not mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local population.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is part of a three-year project aimed at malaria elimination in Gadchiroli. The role is critical for the success of the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan and involves significant fieldwork and community engagement. The ideal candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of improving health outcomes and saving lives in the region. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.