Address 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.
About the project
The urban population in India is growing rapidly, and by 2050 it will reach 877 million—almost two-thirds of India’s population. Contrary to the popular notion of easier access to healthcare in urban areas, the health indicators of urban poor are often comparable or worse than their rural counterparts – including immunization, cancer screening, out-of-pocket expenses, etc. While the urban poor are highly susceptible to infectious disease, they also bear the burden of non-communicable diseases due to their dietary practices.
To address this widening gap, the government has launched several programs for strengthening primary health care services in Urban India – National Urban Health Mission, National Health Policy (2017), and Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC). Despite these efforts, there is a need to draw policy and investment focus as well ensure implementation of national programs in the Urban Primary Health Care landscape. PATH is providing Technical Assistance to states for improving access to primary health care services in select urban geographies. Under this goal, PATH will support the selected urban geographies with the following:
Enhance the accessibility of primary health care services through Technical Assistance for implementation of National Urban Health programs and Quality Standards in Health and Wellness Centers. Strengthened capacity, efficiency, and resilience of the Health Systems. Catalyze community engagement for healthcare systems.
PATH is currently hiring for a Senior Program Officer – Health System Strengthening on Third Party Payroll, Randstad
About the position
PATH is seeking Senior Program Officer – HSS (Health System Strengthening) for implementation and rollout of the urban health project in the state of Jharkhand. The SPO – HSS will work with the state and city teams to provide technical assistance and hand-holding support for strengthening Health System Strengthening vertical across intervention geographies.
Responsibilities:
- Support in planning and implementing urban health program activities across intervention states as per the work plan submitted to the donor.
- Work closely with state and city teams to develop, implement, and monitor state-specific project activities including the development of roadmaps, work plans, activities, reports, etc.
- Support M & E team in evaluating the status of implementation of interventions across states to outline systemic and technical barriers and derive strategies by bringing national and global best practices for improving the delivery of healthcare in health facilities.
- Devise strategies and support state teams in liaison with departments of state governments like National Health Mission, Directorate of Health Services, Urban Local Bodies, Municipalities/ Municipal Councils, etc. for convergent efforts in strengthening delivery of facility-based and outreach (including mobile units) services in the catchment area of public health facilities.
- Develop and design state specific continuum of care models by linking primary (with community-based care), secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities for enhanced access to quality healthcare.
- Define and develop special packages/ interventions with a focus on vulnerable groups like urban poor, migrant workers, slum dwellers etc. for improving provision of care and support.
- Work towards integration of National Health Programs at urban HWCs and advocacy with the state government for making provisions for effective delivery of the 12 CPHC packages
- Focus on provision of MCH, FP and TB at urban primary healthcare facilities
- Work closely with various team members of the Technology, Innovation, and System strengthening teams as well as the project teams for the integration and implementation of the given projects in a timely manner.
- Assist the program lead in the coordination and execution of the program partnership and related program work.
- Support the team in coordinating the project management process internally within PATH & external stakeholders.
- Advocate the project teams in cities and states while collaborating between states to guarantee the project's objectives are achieved.
- Undertake other tasks which may be assigned from time to time by the national or state leadership.
- Available to travel to states up to 20-30% of the time.
Required Experience and qualifications:
- BDS/ BAMS/ BHMS/ B.Sc. Nursing is preferred with an essential Master/ PG Diploma in Public Health or Health Management.
- At least 5-7 years of experience in public health sector focusing on planning and implementation of public health programs and research.
- Prior experience working in similar roles, primary healthcare, or urban health settings is desirable.
- Technical knowledge and field experience in planning and implementation of public health programs.
- Experience with INGOs in the health sector and/ or Ministries of Health, government is preferable.
- Familiarity with Indian public Health System, flagship initiatives in health sector and relevant government policies/ strategies particularly NHM, NUHM, Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centers, PM-ABHIM, XV-FC etc.
Skills/ Abilities:
- Self-starter and committed to performing their duties with a high degree of autonomy and independence in line with project goals and objectives.
- Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills in English and Hindi.
- Direct experience of independently liaising with government health functionaries, district level administrators and other development partners.
- Data analysis, data visualization, analytical thinking and strong coordination skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate in a matrix organizational structure.
- Computer proficiency with high level of familiarity with commonly used packages like MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook & Web surfing to search relevant data & documents.
- Ability to handle a variety of assignments under pressure of deadlines.
Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Duration: The position is initially until September 2024 and extended thereafter as per need of the organization and available funding.
PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment.
PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
