Sr. Program Manager - Communicable diseases

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Position:	Sr. Program Manager - Communicable diseases
Project/Unit	Communicable diseases
Reports to:	Program Director - Communicable Disease
Location:	Any District of Bihar and Jharkhand
Project Duration:	Till March 2027

About the Organization

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) are serious public health problems on the Indian subcontinent, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The Government of India (GOI) has launched elimination initiatives for both diseases with the goal of reducing annual incidence to below threshold levels at the sub-district (block) level.

Piramal Foundation, with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), provides strategic leadership and on-ground implementation for the Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) elimination programs in Bihar and Jharkhand. Complementing this, Mubadala’s funding strengthens efforts toward LF elimination across both states. These initiatives are carried out in close collaboration with the respective State Government departments and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP).

This project contributes to the Government's comprehensive initiative to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from Bihar and Jharkhand.

Job Description

The Sr. Program Manager - Communicable Diseases provides strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of LF and VL interventions across an assigned cluster of 5 to 6 districts in Bihar / Jharkhand. The role is responsible for mentoring district Program Leads/Senior Program Leads, ensuring quality execution of key interventions, strengthening convergence with government departments, and institutionalizing data-driven decision-making and learning across all districts.

The SPM will also provide strategic inputs to the State Communicable Disease team in designing effective strategies for eliminating the targeted diseases. This includes recommending improvements to existing approaches and proposing new initiatives based on emerging requirements from the field.

Job Responsibilities

Program Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development of district cluster operational plans aligned with state strategy and government guidelines for LF and VL elimination
• Ensure that workplans, result trackers, and budgets are coherent across districts and reflect realistic implementation capacities
• Provide strategic inputs to ensure alignment of field operations with national guidelines and program objectives

District Support and Performance Management

• Mentor Program Leads/Senior Program Leads to effectively plan, implement, and review all LF and VL activities in their districts
• Facilitate regular multi-district review meetings to track key performance indicators, identify systemic gaps, and drive evidence-based corrective actions
• Provide structured feedback and on-site mentoring visits across districts, particularly during critical operations (House-to-House surveys, IRS campaigns, MDA rounds, and Active Case Detection)
• Support district teams in analysis, data visualization, and report preparation to strengthen evidence-based decision-making

Convergence and Government Engagement

• Facilitate coordination with senior state and district officials (District Magistrate, Civil Surgeon, DVBDCO, State NVBDCP) to ensure administrative and operational support for elimination goals
• Act as the key liaison between the LF/VL program and line departments (Education, Panchayati Raj, JEEViKA, Women & Child Development, Urban Development) to identify and leverage convergence opportunities
• Support the issuance of government orders and formal communications that institutionalize key program processes and strengthen ownership at district and block levels

Thematic Leadership and Knowledge Management

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of activities aligned with assigned thematic areas (e.g., MDA quality assurance, IRS effectiveness, MMDP outcomes, surveillance systems)
• Develop and disseminate standardized tools, training modules, job aids, and reference materials to ensure consistent implementation across districts
• Document case studies, best practices, and lessons learned, and facilitate cross-learning between districts to promote innovation
• Support innovation by introducing context-specific solutions that have demonstrated effectiveness and scaling potential

Data, Evidence, and Innovation

• Mentor district teams in data analysis and visualization to support timely, evidence-based decision-making and course corrections
• Promote adoption of innovative, field-tested solutions and support their integration into routine district plans where effective
• Analyze programmatic data to assess performance against indicators, identify gaps, and inform strategic decisions

Field Supervision and Documentation

• Undertake frequent field visits to endemic districts to conduct on-the-spot review of Kala-azar and LF elimination activities and on-ground problem-solving
• Conduct supportive supervision during major operational phases (House-to-House surveys, IRS campaigns, MDA rounds, Active Case Detection)
• Ensure systematic documentation of district progress, challenges, success stories, and best practices for organizational learning and external dissemination

Other Responsibilities

• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the Program Director or CTM from time to time.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

Essential

• Master's degree in Science, Social Work, Social Science, or Public Health
• Minimum 5 - 7 years of documented health program experience, including significant experience in program management
• Demonstrated experience of implementing interventions in resource-limited settings

Preferred

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing large, multi-level field teams across multiple districts
• Documented experience collaborating with government health programs and engaging senior government officials
• Experience in disease elimination or infectious disease control programs
• Familiarity with NVBDCP systems, government health delivery structures, or state-level program coordination

Skills & Competencies

• Program Management: Proven ability to analyze complex program issues, develop strategic plans, innovate solutions, and build the capacity of diverse teams
• Leadership & Influence: Strong ability to mobilize and influence government program staff across multiple districts and levels
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to prioritize issues requiring immediate attention and take timely, contextually appropriate action
• Mobility & Field Orientation: Willingness and ability to travel extensively to districts, blocks, and villages to gather first-hand information and provide on-ground support
• Communication: Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills to engage diverse stakeholders
• Learning & Adaptability: Demonstrated learning agility, proactiveness, and openness to new technologies and evidence-based innovations
• Team Management: Ability to manage and motivate diverse teams while respecting and valuing diversity
• Local Knowledge: Excellent working knowledge of Hindi and familiarity with local context and sensitivities
• Accountability: Strong orientation to results, performance management, and organizational accountability

Application Process:

Candidates interested in the role are requested to follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Submit your application by filling out the Microsoft form using the link below:
  🔗 Application form link – https://forms.office.com/r/Dt90Lfc8sE
• Step 2: Email your updated resume (in Word or PDF format) to:
  📩 recruitments@gandhifellowship.org
• Step 3: Please ensure that the Subject line of your Email reads: Sr Program Manager- Communicable disease Jharkhand OR / Sr Program Manager- Communicable disease- Bihar

Note: All the above steps are mandatory for your application to be considered

📅 Last Date to Apply: 7^th January 2026

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