Block Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization that was founded in 2002 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its mission is to save lives and reduce the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI works at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector in creating and sustaining high-quality health systems. Over the years, CHAI has expanded its focus beyond HIV to include infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. The organization operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of individuals dedicated to improving health outcomes globally. CHAI's approach emphasizes sustainable impact, government leadership, and the sharing of learnings across borders.

Job Overview:
The Block Coordinator position is a critical role within the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan project, aimed at eliminating malaria in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, India. The coordinator will be stationed at the block headquarters and will be responsible for supporting and monitoring malaria elimination activities at both the block and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels. This role requires direct field supervision and coordination with health facilities and frontline workers to ensure the effective implementation of microplans, active surveillance, and community engagement strategies. The Block Coordinator will play a vital role in liaising with various health workers, monitoring stock availability of essential supplies, facilitating data entry and validation, and supporting community-level events. The position is designed for individuals who are field-driven and committed to making a tangible impact in malaria elimination efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Block Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Liaising with PHCs, sub-centres, ASHAs, ANMs, and Malaria Elimination Workers to implement malaria microplans and monitor interventions as per the Action Plan.
• Monitoring stock availability and ensuring the timely distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), diagnostic kits, and treatment drugs across assigned health facilities.
• Facilitating the timely entry and validation of surveillance data in the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and other digital platforms.
• Supporting the organization of community-level events, Gram Sabha sensitizations, and inter-departmental convergence meetings to enhance community engagement.
• Conducting regular field monitoring visits to assess progress, challenges, and provide weekly feedback to the Program Management Unit (PMU).
• Ensuring that Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) alerts from the block are acted upon within designated response times.
• Coordinating with local health officials and community leaders to strengthen malaria elimination efforts.
• Providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to frontline health workers to enhance their effectiveness in malaria control activities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Block Coordinator position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in field-level program implementation, preferably in public health or malaria control programs.
• A working knowledge of public health delivery systems, particularly in tribal areas.
• Data literacy and familiarity with digital/mobile reporting platforms are preferred.
• Experience working with health surveillance platforms such as IHIP or DVDMS is desirable.
• Previous experience in malaria or vector-borne disease control programs is an advantage.
• Strong field supervision and community engagement skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health issues and the specific challenges associated with malaria control and elimination efforts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in field-level program implementation, with a preference for candidates who have worked in public health or malaria control programs. This experience is vital for understanding the operational aspects of health programs and the dynamics of working in community settings.

Languages:
Fluency in Marathi (both speaking and reading) is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The Block Coordinator position is a full-time role based in Gadchiroli, India, and involves daily travel within the block and to hard-to-reach villages. The contract duration is for three years, aligned with the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan project. The role is designed for individuals who are passionate about public health and are committed to making a difference in malaria elimination efforts. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.