District Entomologist

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization established 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. CHAI collaborates with governments and the private sector to create and sustain 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 40 countries and employs a diverse team dedicated to maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead solutions, and sharing learnings globally. In India, CHAI works through the WJCF, a not-for-profit entity that has partnered with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare since 2007 to strengthen health systems across various health priorities.

Job Overview:
The District Entomologist will be a key player in the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, focusing on entomological surveillance and vector control initiatives. This role is crucial for generating actionable evidence that will guide targeted interventions and strengthen integrated vector management practices in the district. The position requires a strong technical background in vector biology and surveillance, as well as robust fieldwork experience. The District Entomologist will also be responsible for mentoring local teams to enhance their entomological capacity, ensuring that the district is well-equipped to tackle malaria effectively. This position is vital in the context of India's commitment to eliminate malaria by 2027, particularly in high-burden regions like Gadchiroli, where persistent transmission poses significant challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The District Entomologist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including leading routine surveillance of malaria vectors, particularly Anopheles species, using standardized entomological techniques such as CDC light traps, pyrethrum spray catches, and larval dipping. The role involves ensuring accurate morphological identification of species and proper preservation of samples for molecular analysis. The District Entomologist will guide data collection and reporting on species composition, density, behavior, and seasonality to inform timely interventions. Additionally, the position will provide technical input into the planning, implementation, and monitoring of vector control strategies, including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) distribution, and Larval Source Management (LSM). The role also includes compiling, validating, and analyzing entomological surveillance data, maintaining detailed databases, and producing timely reports. Training and mentoring district staff and community volunteers in vector surveillance and control methodologies will be essential, as will collaboration with various stakeholders for integrated vector control planning. The District Entomologist will also participate in outbreak investigations and coordinate operational research activities with institutions such as NIMR and VCRC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Vector Biology, Public Health, Parasitology, or a closely related biological science. A postgraduate degree or diploma in public health, entomology, or epidemiology is preferred. A minimum of 2 years of experience in malaria entomological surveillance or vector control programs is required, along with demonstrated experience in vector species identification and insecticide resistance monitoring. Familiarity with national vector control strategies and WHO entomological methods is essential. Strong technical knowledge of Anopheles mosquito biology and malaria transmission dynamics is necessary, as well as proficiency in field entomological techniques, microscopy, and laboratory diagnostics.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Entomology, Vector Biology, Public Health, or Parasitology. A postgraduate degree or diploma in public health, entomology, or epidemiology is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in malaria control and vector management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in malaria entomological surveillance or vector control programs. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in vector species identification and insecticide resistance monitoring, which is critical for effective malaria control strategies. Familiarity with national vector control strategies and WHO entomological methods is also necessary to ensure alignment with established protocols and best practices.

Languages:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Marathi and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local teams, stakeholders, and community members. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a field-based position that will involve regular travel to malaria-endemic villages within the district. The role may occasionally require early morning or night-time field activities, and candidates should be prepared for exposure to varied terrains, weather conditions, and vector habitats. The position is part of a three-year initiative under the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, and the last date to apply for this role is 14th April 2026.