Job Opportunity for State Program Assistant at PATH in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

**Job Title:** State Program Assistant (Andhra Pradesh), Rice Fortification

**Job Location:** Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

**About PATH:**

PATH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving health equity.  With over 40 years of experience, PATH develops and scales innovative solutions to pressing health challenges through multisector partnerships and expertise in various fields, including science, economics, and advocacy.  PATH’s rice fortification project in India aims to improve the health and productivity of millions by addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies through government safety net programs.

**Job Summary:**

PATH seeks a State Program Assistant to support the Government of Andhra Pradesh in implementing rice fortification within the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS).  This role, under the supervision of a Technical Assistant and the National Team, will involve technical and operational assistance, including advocacy, partner management, capacity building, monitoring, and reporting.

**Responsibilities:**

* Lead the design and implementation of rice fortification strategies within the PDS, including marketing initiatives to increase consumer uptake.

* Secure necessary government approvals and facilitate program deliverables.

* Monitor project activities through field visits and meetings, analyze progress reports, and prepare project briefs.

* Implement training and capacity-building programs for stakeholders on rice fortification, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

* Expand fortified rice production through blending, supporting the installation of blending and extrusion systems.

* Assess and identify suitable blending and validation equipment for small and medium-sized rice mills and warehouses.

* Support the state department in empaneling NABL laboratories for fortified rice testing and ensuring QA/QC protocols adhere to FSSAI guidelines.

* Develop case studies to disseminate best practices and engage stakeholders across the supply and distribution chain.

* Lead the development and maintenance of the M&E system, supporting data compilation, gap identification, and corrective action planning.

* Conduct stock assessments of fortified rice and fortified rice kernels (FRKs) using the management information system (MIS).

* Support evaluation studies and formative research.

* Disseminate and support the development of social and behavior change (SBC) materials, training modules, and monitoring tools in regional languages.

* Collaborate with R&D partners to optimize formulation, equipment, and manufacturing processes.

* Report on program progress, trainings, workshops, and meetings.

* Foster inter-departmental coordination within the State Technical Support Unit (TSU).

**Required Skills and Experience:**

* Master’s degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field.

* Five or more years of relevant experience in public health or nutrition.

* Demonstrated experience working in Indian manufacturing environments and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

* Proven experience in project management and engagement with state-level, multi-sectoral departments.  Experience with state government departments (WCD, MDM, and PDS) is highly desirable.

* Demonstrated experience implementing Food Safety and Quality Control Systems (HACCP & GMPs).

* Experience working with food-based products and/or agricultural commodities.  Rice industry experience, including rice milling and food extrusion processes, is highly desirable.

* Excellent report writing skills and proficiency in MS Office and statistical analysis software.

* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build stakeholder relationships.

* Creative and analytical problem-solving skills, teamwork, innovation, and the ability to report on project success criteria.

* Understanding of market and consumer perspectives on staple food products and eating habits.

* Experience managing complex technical projects, including managing technical partners.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of Telugu is highly preferred.

* Experience working with Government of India officials is desirable.

* Ability to travel up to 50% annually (primarily within the state, with occasional travel to New Delhi).

* Legal authorization to work in India.