Program Officer – Urban Health, Nagpur

PATH; India; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

PATH is seeking a Program Officer (Urban Health) in India to lead technical efforts in planning and implementing disease surveillance activities at the city level. This role includes supervising the program coordinator and delivering key outputs related to urban health and surveillance.

The ideal candidate will have a public health background and experience in urban healthcare systems, preferably in Maharashtra. This position is funded until March 2027, with employment contingent on funding availability.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional experience in urban primary healthcare and disease surveillance.
• Experience in Maharashtra or comparable settings is preferred.
• Familiarity with the Indian public health system and relevant government policies.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and monitoring of urban surveillance activities.
• Conduct GIS-based mapping and spatial analysis of surveillance data.
• Facilitate city-specific City Action Plans for surveillance strengthening.

Skills

Urban primary healthcare

Disease surveillance

Public health programme implementation

GIS-based mapping

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/BVSc with a master’s in public health (MPH)

Job description

Overview

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

India’s urban population is growing rapidly, and by 2050 it will reach 877 million—nearly two‑thirds of the country’s population. The concentration of people in urban and peri‑urban settings, coupled with environmental pressures and evolving disease patterns, demands robust surveillance systems capable of early detection and rapid response. PATH is working to strengthen urban and peri‑urban disease surveillance, with a particular focus on strengthening surveillance in peri‑urban areas for the early detection of outbreaks and timely initiation of response.

Position

PATH is recruiting a Program Officer (Urban Health) to provide technical leadership for the planning, implementation, and quality assurance of surveillance strengthening activities at the city level (including peri‑urban areas). The Program Officer will oversee technical implementation, supervise the Program Coordinator, and support the City Lead in delivering key technical outputs related to urban surveillance, GIS, IHIP strengthening, and City Action Plans in convergence with NUHM, ULBs, and city‑level health systems.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Bihar Municipal Corporation (health team), MSU staff, and CPMU to support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of urban and peri‑urban surveillance strengthening activities in Nagpur in alignment with state and national surveillance priorities.
• Support GIS‑based mapping and spatial analysis of surveillance data, including disease hotspot identification, facility mapping, catchment area delineation, identify grey zones in peri‑urban areas, and connect with MSU/DSUs.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of City Action Plans (CAPs) for surveillance strengthening, ensuring city‑specific priorities are reflected and action items tracked.
• Facilitate facility‑level IHIP reporting and provide technical guidance to improve surveillance performance.
• Conduct supply chain assessments at designated facilities using standardised tools (including emergency procurement), stockpiling, and warehousing practices.
• Plan and facilitate upskilling and technical hand‑holding initiatives on IHIP operations, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and related topics for facility‑level health functionaries.
• Conduct supportive supervision visits to intervention facilities, document findings, provide on‑site corrective guidance, and follow up on action points.
• Facilitate convergence and coordination between surveillance activities and NUHM, ULBs, and other city‑level systems and departments to ensure integrated programme delivery.
• Support the City Lead in translating programme strategy into actionable field plans and ensure day‑to‑day execution against agreed timelines and quality benchmarks.
• Ensure implementation of all city‑level activities as per approved timelines and budgets under the project activity plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor for the smooth functioning of the programme and achievement of project goals.

Qualifications

• MBBS/ BDS/ BAMS/ BHMS/ BVSc with a master’s in public health (MPH), Epidemiology, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) / Health Management.
• 3‑5 years of professional experience in urban primary healthcare, disease surveillance, public health programme implementation, or health systems strengthening.
• Experience of working in Maharashtra or comparable urban and peri‑urban settings is preferred.
• Familiarity with the Indian public health system, key stakeholders, and relevant government policies and strategies, particularly NHM, NUHM, Ayushman Bharat, and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
• Experience of working with INGOs, state/district surveillance units, or government health programmes will be an added advantage.
• Must have legal authorization to work in India.

Note: This position is funded till March 2027. Employment after the project period is subject to the availability of funds.