Block Coordinator

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, focusing on creating and sustaining high-quality health systems at the invitation of governments. Initially established to combat 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 at scale, ensuring that solutions are government-led and designed for national implementation, while also sharing learnings globally. CHAI values its diverse team, which is comprised of individuals with various skill sets and life experiences, and is primarily based in the countries where it operates. WJCF, an Indian not-for-profit entity affiliated with CHAI, has been working since 2007 to improve health outcomes in India by partnering with the government and private sector to strengthen health systems.

Job Overview:
The Block Coordinator position is crucial for the successful implementation of the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, a project aimed at eliminating malaria in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The coordinator will be stationed at the block headquarters and will play a vital role in supporting and monitoring malaria elimination activities at both the block and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels. The primary objective of this role is to ensure effective execution of microplans, active surveillance, and community engagement strategies. This will involve direct field supervision and coordination with health facilities and frontline workers to ensure that malaria control measures are implemented effectively. The Block Coordinator will be responsible for liaising with various health workers, monitoring stock availability of essential supplies, facilitating data entry and validation, and supporting community-level events. This position requires a proactive approach to fieldwork and a commitment to improving health outcomes in the community.

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 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 and challenges, providing 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.

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, especially in tribal areas.
• Data literacy and familiarity with digital/mobile reporting platforms is 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 to qualify for the Block Coordinator position. This educational background is essential as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding public health issues and implementing health programs effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in field-level program implementation, ideally within the public health sector or specifically in malaria control programs. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the challenges faced in the field, particularly in high-burden areas.

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. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse populations in the region.

Additional Notes:
The Block Coordinator position is a full-time role based in Gadchiroli, India, and is part of a three-year initiative under the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan. The role requires daily travel within the block and to hard-to-reach villages, emphasizing the need for flexibility and a strong commitment to fieldwork. The position is focused on community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders, including health officials and community leaders, to ensure the successful implementation of malaria elimination strategies.