The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: https://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

CHAI has been working in India since 2004 in partnership with, and under the guidance of, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) both at the central and state levels on an array of high priority initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes. Currently, CHAI works across projects to expand access to quality care and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis-C, tuberculosis, cancer, health financing and immunization. Additionally, CHAI is supporting the government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) on large-scale programs to arrest childhood and maternal mortality due to malnutrition, anemia, diarrhea and pneumonia, and helping increase access to quality Family Planning services.

In India, WJCF seconded a Technical Support Unit (TSU) to NVBDCP since 2020 to a support in health system strengthening by providing analytical and coordination support to national and state officials and partner organizations in the combined effort towards the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis and Visceral Leishmaniasis. In addition, the team also supports NVBDC in other VBD diseases including malaria and has been currently supporting the development of digital tools for malaria surveillance and IRS data monitoring at national level; developing a VBD Search Engine Application to notify real time outbreaks; developing practices for QGIS mapping to locate malaria hotspots and supporting annual costed workplans.

Role 

The WJCF is currently seeking a Microbiologist to support the National Malaria Program in sustaining India’s progress and achieving malaria elimination by providing.

The Microbiologist will lead development of strategies and plans to strengthen public health laboratories under NVBDCP. They will be responsible for capacity development, advocacy for increased investments in laboratory strengthening, developing partnerships at national/state/district levels with government and private sector, and assuring quality control.

Coordinate and assist APLMA (Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance Secretariat) and NVBDCP in planning and conceptualizing a successful SOM (Senior Officials Meeting) in 2022.

• Map laboratory resources, conduct baseline assessments to develop strategies (vis-a-vis malaria and other vector-borne diseases) for strengthen public health laboratories’ infrastructure.
• Review and ensure that appropriate SOPs and guidelines are developed, updated, and implemented for: laboratory techniques; biomedical waste management; and procurement of laboratory equipment and consumable items.
• Support NVBDCP Director and malaria division in developing policy briefs, presentations, etc. advocating for need for improved laboratory infrastructure and capacity in India.
• Assist NVBDCP in establishing National and Regional reference labs for malaria surveillance.
• Liaise with the National office, MoHFW, WHO and other stakeholders for strengthening malaria lab systems and surveillance.
• Organize multi-stakeholder meetings at national, state, and district levels to deliberate action on laboratory strengthening.
• Support capacity building of laboratory technicians and assistants including a) periodically assessing training needs; and b) organizing relevant training programs with support from key stakeholders.
• Make visits to laboratories and recommend improvements.
• Support NVBDCP and State VBDCP to strengthen malaria surveillance and reporting; improve data-driven decision-making and enhance private health sector reporting of malaria and sensitizing private providers on correct diagnostic practices.
• Participate in select epidemic investigations as member of Rapid Response Team.
• Carry out Internal Quality Assurance of laboratories and monitor implementation of External Quality Assurance.
• Perform any other work assigned by the NVBDCP and TSU to strengthen the labs in the regional and state levels.

• MD Microbiology/Pathology with at least 3 years’ work experience of working in medical lab diagnostics or PHD in Microbiology
• Familiarity with the national and international laboratory quality standards, implementation tools and biosafety manuals, familiarity with WHO’s training of microscopists would be desirable.
• Proficiency in standard MS office applications including MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word is essential
• Ability to work in diverse teams and maintain high standards of professional conduct
• Understanding of laboratory capacity needs for malaria detection, surveillance, outbreak response in the Indian context.
• Understanding of the public health labs’ strengthening component under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) in India.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English

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