The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to our mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries. We work at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems. 

CHAI was founded in 2002 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic with the goal of dramatically reducing the price of life-saving drugs and increasing access to these medicines in the countries with the highest burden of the disease. Over the following two decades, CHAI has expanded its focus. Today, along with HIV, we work in conjunction with our partners to prevent and treat infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. Our work has also expanded into cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases, and we work to accelerate the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to assistive technology. We are investing in horizontal approaches to strengthen health systems through programs in human resources for health, digital health, and health financing. With each new and innovative program, our strategy is grounded in maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead the solutions, that programs are designed to scale nationally, and learnings are shared globally.  

At CHAI, our people are our greatest asset, and none of this work would be possible without their talent, time, dedication and passion for our mission and values. We are a highly diverse team of enthusiastic individuals across 40 countries with a broad range of skillsets and life experiences. CHAI is deeply grounded in the countries we work in, with majority of our staff based in program countries.

WJCF is an Indian not-for-profit entity, registered under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act 2013, and has an affiliation agreement with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Our mission is to save lives and improve health outcomes in the country by enabling the government and private sector to strengthen and sustain quality health systems. WJCF has partnered with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and state health departments since 2007, providing technical and operational support across key health priorities, including infectious diseases (COVID-19, hepatitis, HIV, TB, vector-borne diseases), non-communicable diseases (cervical cancer, diabetes, sickle cell disease), maternal and child health (anaemia, immunisation, diarrhoea, pneumonia), sexual and reproductive health, health insurance and digital health (AB PM-JAY, ABDM), oxygen and hypoxemia management, safe drinking water, and climate and health.

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About the Project:

India is at a pivotal point in its journey to eliminate malaria. With a national commitment to end malaria by 2027 - three years ahead of the global target under SDG 3.3 - the country must now confront challenges in its high-burden regions. Among these, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra stands out for its persistent transmission and contributes to over half of the state's malaria cases.

Recognizing Gadchiroli's pivotal role, the Government of Maharashtra has launched a comprehensive malaria elimination initiative - Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan. Chaired by the Chief Minister, a Special Task Force comprising multiple non-profit organizations under the leadership of the CEO, Zila Parishad, drives this mission-mode campaign. WJCF has been invited to institute a Program Management Unit (PMU) for a period of three years to manage and coordinate the activities as per the Action Plan and align interventions of partners and research institutes with the Operational Plan for Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli.

The Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli project is a pioneering initiative addressing critical gaps in malaria elimination strategies within high-burden districts, with a special emphasis on community-based interventions and intersectoral coordination. Planned to be implemented across Gadchiroli district over three years, this comprehensive malaria elimination project aims to impact the entire population through an integrated service delivery model that leverages existing health systems, community health workers, and multi-partner collaboration. Marking a significant milestone in Maharashtra's malaria elimination efforts while focusing on evidence-based strategies, the project focuses on strengthening local health systems and implementing innovative vector control measures. Additionally, it incorporates robust monitoring and evaluation components, amplifying its role in advancing malaria elimination in alignment with national health priorities and international best practices.

Position Overview:

The District Entomologist will play a critical role in driving entomological surveillance and vector control initiatives under the Malaria Mukt Gadchiroli Abhiyan. This position will be instrumental in generating actionable evidence, guiding targeted interventions, and strengthening integrated vector management (IVM) practices in the district. The role demands strong technical proficiency in vector biology and surveillance, robust fieldwork experience, and the ability to mentor local teams to build entomological capacity at the district level.

1. Malaria Vector Surveillance

• • Lead routine surveillance of malaria vectors, especially Anopheles species, using standardized entomological techniques:
    • CDC light traps
    • Pyrethrum spray catches
    • Larval dipping and surveys
  • Ensure accurate morphological identification of species and proper preservation of samples for further molecular analysis.
  • Guide data collection and reporting on species composition, density, behavior, and seasonality to inform timely interventions.

2. Vector Control Implementation Support

• • Provide technical input into the planning, implementation, and monitoring of vector control strategies, including:
    • Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS)
    • Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) distribution and durability monitoring
    • Larval Source Management (LSM), where applicable
  • Support microplanning and community mobilization efforts for vector control campaigns.
  • Conduct monitoring and impact evaluation of vector control tools and techniques.

3. Data Management & Analysis

• • Compile, validate, and analyze entomological surveillance data to generate insights.
  • Maintain detailed and updated databases (manual or IHIP) and produce timely monthly and quarterly reports.
  • Utilize GIS tools (if available) to map vector distribution and overlay control intervention data.
  • Present findings during district and block-level review meetings to guide strategic decision-making.

4. Capacity Building & Supervision

• • Train and mentor district staff, entomology technicians, and community volunteers in vector surveillance and control methodologies.
  • Develop and implement SOPs and quality control protocols for field operations.
  • Conduct periodic field supervision, on-the-job mentoring, and refresher training programs to build sustained local capacity.

5. Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• • Collaborate with the District Malaria Officer, Disease Surveillance Officer, Environmental Health Officer, and others for integrated vector control planning.
  • Engage with primary healthcare facilities and CHWs to translate entomological data into localized malaria control strategies.
  • Participate in outbreak investigations and vector control responses during emergencies.
  • Coordinate operational research activities in partnership with institutions such as NIMR, VCRC, and public health departments, including conducting insecticide resistance testing using WHO or CDC protocols.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Vector Biology, Public Health, Parasitology, or a closely related biological science.
• Postgraduate degree/diploma (master’s in public health, Entomology, or Epidemiology) is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in malaria entomological surveillance or vector control programs.
• Demonstrated experience in vector species identification and insecticide resistance monitoring.
• Familiarity with national vector control strategies (e.g., NVBDCP) and WHO entomological methods.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of Anopheles mosquito biology and malaria transmission dynamics.
• Proficiency in field entomological techniques, microscopy, and laboratory diagnostics.
• Experience with WHO surveillance protocols and entomological indicators.
• Competence in data management and analysis using Excel, Epi Info, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with mobile data collection platforms such as ODK or KoboToolbox is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in Marathi and English.
• Ability to manage field teams, work in remote settings, and engage with community stakeholders effectively.

Working Conditions

• This is a field-based position with regular travel to malaria-endemic villages within the district.
• Work may occasionally require early morning or night-time field activities.
• Exposure to varied terrains, weather conditions, and vector habitats is expected.

Last Date to Apply: 23rd August 2025