Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, primarily 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 by supporting governments and the private sector in creating and sustaining high-quality health systems. Over the years, CHAI has expanded its focus to include a variety of 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 maximizing sustainable impact at scale. CHAI's approach is grounded in ensuring that governments lead the solutions and that programs are designed to be scalable nationally, with learnings 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 strategies aimed at reducing the transmission of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in India. 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 and operational challenges, ensuring that the program remains effective and responsive to the needs of the health system.

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 objectives of the program.

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 VBD 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:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as zoology, biology, environmental science, public health, life sciences, or social work. This advanced degree should be complemented by substantial professional experience in related areas, particularly in government program delivery and vector research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in relevant fields. Candidates should have a strong background in government program delivery, vector research, and public sector advisory roles. Experience working with vector-borne disease programs at the national or state levels is particularly beneficial, as is familiarity with national institutes engaged in VBD research.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require frequent travel (approximately 30-40% of the time). The last date to apply for this position is 23rd March, 202

• The role is based in India and is associated with WJCF, which operates in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.