Program Officer

Job Description

About the Project:

India is at a pivotal point in its journey to eliminate malaria. With a national commitment to end malaria by 2027 - three years ahead of the global target under SDG 3.3 - the country must now confront challenges in its high-burden regions. Among these, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra stands out for its persistent transmission and contributes to over half of the state’s malaria cases.

Recognizing Gadchiroli’s pivotal role, the Government of Maharashtra has launched a comprehensive malaria elimination initiative - Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan. Chaired by the Chief Minister, a Special Task Force comprising multiple non-profit organizations under the leadership of the CEO, Zila Parishad, drives this mission-mode campaign. WJCF has been invited to institute a Program Management Unit (PMU) for a period of three years to manage and coordinate the activities as per the Action Plan and align interventions of partners and research institutes with the Operational Plan for Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli.

The Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli project is a pioneering initiative addressing critical gaps in malaria elimination strategies within high-burden districts, with a special emphasis on community-based interventions and intersectoral coordination. Planned to be implemented across Gadchiroli district over three years, this comprehensive malaria elimination project aims to impact the entire population through an integrated service delivery model that leverages existing health systems, community health workers, and multi-partner collaboration. Marking a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s malaria elimination efforts while focusing on evidence-based strategies, the project focuses on strengthening local health systems and implementing innovative vector control measures. Additionally, it incorporates robust monitoring and evaluation components, amplifying its role in advancing malaria elimination in alignment with national health priorities and international best practices.

Position Summary:

The Program Officer will be a key field-level lead responsible for coordinating and supporting the implementation of malaria elimination activities under the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan. Working closely with public health officials, frontline workers, and community stakeholders, the officer will ensure effective rollout of microplans, timely distribution of diagnostics and treatment, and data-driven decision-making through surveillance platforms like IHIP. The role involves regular field monitoring, facilitating interdepartmental convergence, mobilizing community engagement, and ensuring rapid response to outbreak alerts. As part of the Program Management Unit (PMU), the Programme Officer will play a critical role in translating the district’s malaria elimination strategy into action, ensuring alignment with the operational plan, and strengthening local systems for sustained impact.

WJCF is seeking a committed and resourceful Programme Officer to support the implementation of the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan, reporting to the Program Manager. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree in public health or related fields, 3–5 years of relevant experience, and strong familiarity with vector-borne disease programs and tribal health systems. Fluency in Marathi and local residency are essential. The role demands strong interpersonal skills, field experience, and a community-first mindset, with high value placed on responsibility, tenacity, and work ethics.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Manager in planning, executing, and monitoring project activities across blocks.
• Facilitate and support the district in implementation of entomological surveillance and vector control and prevention activities.
• Coordinate with district and block health officials to facilitate timely implementation of surveillance, training, LLIN distribution, IRS monitoring and vector control activities.
• Support capacity-building initiatives including training of ASHAs, ANMs, MOs, RT workers, and community influencers.
• Assist in documentation, data collation, and preparation of program reports, success stories, and meeting briefs.
• Facilitate field visits, program reviews, and cross-departmental coordination, ensuring continuous programmatic feedback loops.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Public Health, Health Management, entomology or equivalent.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in public health or community-based programs.
• Familiarity with VBD programs, community health systems, and tribal health issues.
• Proficient in MS Office tools and field data reporting.

Preferred:

• Candidate should preferably be a local resident of Gadchiroli or neighbouring district.
• Fluency in Marathi (speaking, reading, writing) is mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a community-first attitude.

Last Date to Apply: 5th December, 2025