Job Opportunity for Project Lead – Quality at PATH in Bhopal

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 diseases, 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 healthcare 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 as ensure implementation of national programs in the Urban Primary Health Care landscape.

PATH is providing Technical Assistance to states to improve access to primary healthcare 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 the 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.

About the position

PATH is seeking the position of Project Lead, Quality for the Urban Health program based at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Key responsibilities include technical support to spearhead the implementation of quality assurance and quality management initiatives in urban health settings across the state.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization of state-specific operational plans for strengthening the quality of Urban Primary Healthcare in facilities across the state.
• Technical and thought leadership in designing, integration, and implementation of quality management activities across the state.
• Engage with state officials and facilitate the development of state-specific action plans for NQAS certification and Kayakalp for health facilities in urban settings.
• Lead the planning and execution of health facility mapping activities for quality certification, as well as the assessment of selected facilities.
• Coordinate and host state and district-level workshops and capacity-building activities focused on NQAS and Kayakalp.
• Offer guidance and direction for creating essential resource materials, job aids, and tools necessary for conducting diverse training and assessments within the scope of NQAS and Kayakalp.
• Create a gap resolution system and a state certification framework for Urban Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHCs) within the state.
• Develop a plan to facilitate and ensure regular assessments through periodic field visits by team members, encompassing approximately 15 days of travel within the state.
• 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 preferred with an essential Masters/ PG Diploma or degree in Public Health/ Epidemiology/ Health Management.
• At least 8-10 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.
• Empaneled external assessors with NHSRC under NQAS will be preferred.
• Technical knowledge and in-depth understanding of quality standards, assessment modalities, and certification of facilities
• 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, and government is preferable.
• Familiarity with the Indian public health system, flagship initiatives in the 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, and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate in a matrix organizational structure.
• Computer proficiency with a high level of familiarity with commonly used packages like MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments under pressure of deadlines. 

Location: Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)

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.