District Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges.

PATH is seeking a District Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases _on _Third Party Payroll (Randstad)._

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF): Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic neglected tropical disease associated with a huge proportion of morbidity and disability leading to disfigurement and social stigma, prevalent across multiple states in the country. Uttar Pradesh is one of the high endemic states having 51 Out of 75 districts of Central and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, that are endemic for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). Apart from Mass Drug Administration (MDA), that is being conducted in most of the endemic districts. MMDP (morbidity management and disability prevention) which is an integral component of elimination efforts are being undertaken in the state.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL): Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting the poor and marginalized in the community, that is endemic to four states in India, having a country elimination goal. Uttar Pradesh is one of those endemic states where PATH has been providing strategic technical assistance for VL elimination efforts in the state, focused on the eastern region of UP state, where the diseases has high incidence and prevalence.

Key strategies for Kala-Azar elimination are based on:

- Early diagnosis and complete treatment
- Integrated vector management, including Indoor Residual Spray (IRS)

PATH, with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) is providing technical support for Elimination of VL and LF in Uttar Pradesh, in coordination with other development partners in the state. PATH provides strategic technical support at multiple levels including state and division. district, block and villages, through an integrated NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) field team, supporting the state government to achieve and sustain VL and LF elimination.

Key role and responsibilities: This position will provide technical support to 2 or more districts as per the program requirements. Coordination and Implementation support to the district and sub-district health functionaries for achieving their target of LF & VL Elimination through:

- Report to the supervisor (Program Officer), while providing overall technical assistance to the district VBD program officers of assigned district, for implementing activities for LF and VL elimination, at the district and sub-district level.
- Responsible for advocacy in their respective redefined implementation units, through strategic engagement of the district and block level VBD officials, to implement high quality MDA campaigns.
- Technical support in capacity building of district and block level VBD officers and health workers in components of ELF and EVL - Night Blood Survey, MDA, MMDP, LF Disease surveillance, Active Case Detection for VL, Indoor Residual Spraying etc.
- Supportive supervision and monitoring of different components of LF and VL programs (MDA, MMDP, NBS, Pre-TAS, TAS, Entomological surveillance, ACD, IRS etc.).
- Planning, coordination and technical support in organizing Mph (Night Blood Survey) and LF disease surveillance camps with the help of Filaria Control Units at block headquarters in the districts.
- Planning, coordination and technical support in ACD for VL & PKDL in affected villages/blocks. Follow -up of suspected VL/PKDL cases for early diagnosis and complete treatment.
- Coordination with Medical Colleges in coordination with WHO counterparts, in their respective district for Post MDA assessment. Sharing feedback with concerned authorities.
- Planning coordination for conducting district workshops for sensitization of Medical Health practitioners for timely reporting of suspected VL, PKDL and LF diseases /cases.
- Review of analyzed data to identify areas of concern and share with concerned officials.
- In addition, any other project related activities in UP, required and assigned by the reporting manager.

**Required Skills**:
Education and Experience:

- Graduation in any stream.
- Minimum 3 years of experience of working in the health sector.
- Experience of working with state government, NGO/CBO will be preferable.
- Working knowledge of computer (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
- Good interpersonal and communication skills

Functional Competencies:

- Technical Knowledge
- Good knowledge and understanding of the NTD, programs for elimination of NTDs especially Lymphatic Filariasis and Visceral Leishmaniasis.
- Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, and report on work.
- Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Skills in facilitation and coordination, entrepreneur