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 has a diverse team of enthusiastic individuals committed to improving health systems. The organization initially focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but 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. CHAI collaborates with governments and the private sector to create sustainable health solutions and maximize impact at scale, ensuring that programs are designed to be nationally scalable and that learnings are shared globally.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer position at WJCF involves providing technical and operational support to the Entomology Support Unit within the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). The role is crucial in strengthening the entomological capacity of NCVBDC, which is essential for effective vector control and disease elimination efforts. The Program Officer will be responsible for governance of entomological zones, staff training, monitoring interventions, and ensuring that the agenda for strengthening entomological capacity is prioritized at both national and state levels. This position requires a proactive approach to addressing bureaucratic challenges and ensuring effective communication and coordination among various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: assisting in drafting government orders, bulletins, and advisories from NCVBDC to states and districts; coordinating meetings and events with stakeholders; supporting capacity-building initiatives such as training for state-level entomologists and community workers; facilitating field visits and program reviews; documenting program progress through reports and presentations; tracking disease outbreaks and monitoring vector populations; analyzing data to inform control strategies; contributing to the implementation of vector control measures; and undertaking periodic visits to states and districts to identify challenges and address gaps. The role may also involve other responsibilities as needed to support the overall mission of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in zoology, biology, environmental science, public health, life sciences, social work, or related fields, along with a minimum of 8 years of professional experience. Professional experience should include government program delivery, vector research, and public sector advisory roles. Previous experience working with vector-borne disease programs at national or state levels, or with national institutes engaged in VBD research, is highly advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required, along with the ability to work independently in high-pressure environments and adapt to new challenges.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in relevant fields such as zoology, biology, environmental science, public health, life sciences, or social work is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of vector-borne diseases and the necessary interventions to combat them effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in relevant fields. Candidates should have experience in government program delivery, vector research, and public sector advisory roles. Previous involvement with vector-borne disease programs at either the national or state levels is particularly beneficial, as it provides insight into the operational and strategic challenges faced in this area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required for effective interaction with stakeholders and documentation of program activities. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require frequent travel, approximately 30-40% of the time. The role is focused on program management within the context of public health and vector control, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and community workers. The last date to apply for this position is 6th February 2026.