Program Officer

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.

Position Summary

PATH seeks a Program Officer to support the implementation of the Hemoglobinopathies project in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar districts of Maharashtra. The Program Officer will coordinate division / district-level activities focusing on screening, early diagnosis, counselling, health promotion, referral linkages, and capacity building for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. This role requires close engagement with district and regional level health authorities, facility staff, and community-level health workers. This is a full-time, contractual position for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Reporting To: State Program officer (Hemoglobinopathies project)
Project: Strengthening Prevention and Management of Hemoglobinopathies with a focus on Thalassemia

Key Responsibilities- Providing technical assistance to the district health administration in planning and executing operational plans for prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management of Thalassemia, aligned with national and state-level guidelines and initiatives.- Assessment of training needs and development of district capacity-building plans for various cadres of healthcare providers including Laboratory Technicians, ANMs, ASHAs, CHOs, Medical Officers, and counselors.- Conducting gap assessments of diagnostic facilities, availability of treatment services and referral. Take follow-up actions to address gaps in supplies, infrastructure, and human resources.- Support in the development of knowledge products, such as standard treatment protocols, training modules, counselling guidelines, IEC materials, and planning templates relevant to Thalassemia prevention and care.- Development, implementation and monitoring of integrated screening of hemoglobinopathies among key population, in a time-bound manner.- Enhancing the uptake of digital tools for reporting under national and state-level hemoglobinopathies programs.- Supporting the establishment of referral linkages for screening, diagnosis and management of hemoglobinopathies.- Coordinating with stakeholders at the district level to promote innovations such as counseling, screening, pre-marital screening programs, and integration into school health programs.- Organizing regular review and progress meetings with block and district health officials to track implementation progress, troubleshoot bottlenecks, and promote interdepartmental coordination.- Preparing and submitting monthly and quarterly progress reports in prescribed formats, including programmatic updates, key indicators, challenges faced, and corrective measures.- Undertaking supportive supervision visits to screening sites, PHCs, CHCs, blood banks, and treatment centers to monitor service delivery quality and provide handholding support to field teams.- Facilitating the formation and regular functioning of Patient Support Groups (PSGs) at appropriate level, including follow-up with registered Thalassemia patients and their caregivers.

Required Skills and Experience- Any medical graduate (MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/BDS) with the Master’s in Public Health or Master’s in Healthcare Management from recognized university.- Minimum 3 years of experience in the field of public health preferably working with district/state governments, in demanding, results-oriented environments in the public sector. Experience of working with a project on sickle cell/blood diseases is desirable.- Deep understanding of the National Health Mission and other related public health programs.- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams.- Strong command of English and local language (Marathi for Maharashtra) is preferred.- Strong communication skills, including the development of compelling presentations with the ability to translate technical content and results in formats suitable for various audiences.

Travel: Up to 60% of field travel within assigned blocks and health facilities.

Objective of the Role

To support community mobilization, facilitate awareness and counselling efforts, and strengthen linkages between community members and public health systems for the prevention, early detection, and management of Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia. The role will contribute to enhancing screening coverage, promoting treatment adherence, and ensuring effective referral and follow-up mechanisms.

Scope of Work / Responsibilities- Capacity building of community health workers on SCD and Thalassemia awareness, Counselling and screening.- Assist in the rollout of community-based screening activities, including planning and mobilizing eligible populations for participation.- Organ