Program Officer – Communicable Disease

Position:

Program Officer – Communicable Disease

Grade/Level

0

Project/Unit

To Support LF+VL Elimination in Jharkhand

Reports to:

PL/SPL - Communicable Disease

Location:

Any Block of Jharkhand

Project Background:

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are two serious public health problems on the Indian subcontinent, causing high morbidity and mortality. The governments in the region have launched elimination initiative for both these diseases. The Govt of India (GOI) goal is to eliminate LF and VL, i.e. Reduce annual incidence of the disease to less than threshold levels at the sub district (block) level.

Piramal Foundation, through generous funding from BMGF, is providing strategic leadership and on-ground implementation support to the overall VL and LF elimination program in Jharkhand in close partnership with respective departments of State Government and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP).

This project aims to contribute to the Government's comprehensive initiative to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from the states of Jharkhand.

The key strategies for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) are: Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP). The key strategies for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala Azar is Early Case identification & complete treatment and Indoor Residual Spray in all villages reporting any VL cases in last 3 years. 

The strategic goal and primary outcome of the project is to support the Government of Jharkhand to attain sustainable elimination of LF and LF in the two states.

Job Summary

The Program Officer-Communicable Disease is responsible for implementing disease control activities at the block level, including Night Blood Surveys/TAS, Mass Drug Administration (MDA), morbidity management, LF case listings, and supporting IRS, Active Case Detection (ACD), and VL data management. The role emphasizes capacity building, data analysis, reporting, and organizing program reviews and communication campaigns.

The Program Officer-CD works at the grassroots level to strengthen block, Gram Panchayat, and village-level resources, leveraging data for supervision and fostering collaboration with NGOs, youth groups, PRI members, SHGs, and local media to establish community-led forums for eliminating VL and LF. Coordination with block officials, including the Block Development Officer(BDO), MOIC, BPRO, BEO, BPM JEEVIKA, BCM, BHM, CHOs. KTS/VBDS is critical for successful program execution. Regular travel is required for monitoring and community engagement. The role also focuses on enabling LF-free Panchayats and promoting Jan Andolan through stakeholder mobilization and community-driven efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Oversee activities such as Night Blood Surveys (NBS), Mass Drug Administration (MDA), morbidity management, and LF case listing.
• Provide supportive supervision vector control initiatives, including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Active Case Detection (ACD).
• Facilitate hydrocele surgery camps and ensure follow-up care for LF patients.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with block-level officials (MOIC, BDO, VBDS, BPRO, BEO) to streamline program activities and share updates.
• Engage with local stakeholders such as Panchayats, NGOs, PRI members, SHGs, youth groups, and media to raise awareness and drive participation.
• Promote cross-sector collaboration with ICDS and JEEVIKA for enhanced program outcomes.
• Collaborate with Municipal Commissioner and City Manager: Work closely with the Municipal Commissioner and City Manager to ensure the successful implementation of MDA, NBS, and MMDP activities within urban areas

Data Management & Reporting

• Use data-driven insights for program monitoring and decision-making, ensuring accurate updates in KAMIS and IHIP.
• Maintain line lists for kala-azar, lymphedema, and hydrocele cases.
• Prepare daily reports during MDA and periodic updates on program progress.
• Monitor field activities, addressing gaps and making real-time course corrections.

Capacity Building

• Train frontline workers (FLWs) such as ANM, ASHA facilitators, CHO, ASHA workers, VBDS, and malaria inspectors.
• stakeholders such as Panchayats members, NGOs, students, teachers, SHGs, youth groups, and media

Community Mobilization

• Create and strengthen community-led forums to promote participation in VL and LF elimination.
• Address myths, concerns, and barriers through campaigns and local influencers.

Resource Management

• Ensure availability of test kits, medicines, and logistics for uninterrupted program execution.
• Oversee financial processes, including expenditure tracking and submission of utilization certificates.

Supervision & Review

• Conduct supportive supervision during key activities such as MDA, IRS, and house to house case search, ACD
• Regularly travel (90% of the time) for field implementation and monitoring.
• Participate in review meetings to address challenges and propose actionable solutions. 

Documentation & Program Support

• Document progress, challenges, and success stories to inform future strategies.
• Provide additional support for Piramal Foundation initiatives as needed.

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Qualification & Experience

Essential:

Graduate in any discipline  

Preferred:

Experience in working with Public health programs and dealing with government officials.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to identify problem areas, analyze, plan, innovate and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and skills
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize Government program staff
• Demonstrated ability and judgement to identify programmatic issues that require immediate attention, prioritize and take appropriate and timely action
• Ability to travel extensively to block and villages and gather first-hand information from community
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated learning agility, pro-activeness and openness to embrace new technologies at work
• Ability to function effectively as a team member and respect diversity in a team
• Excellent knowledge of local language & Hindi
• Accountability and Managing Performance