Working Title: Program Officer – Climate and Health

Internal Title: Program Officer II

Location: New Delhi

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 health challenges.

PATH’s work on Climate Change and Health:

Climate Change is the single biggest challenge facing humanity, and its effects on human health is bound to exacerbate in the coming decades. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause an estimated 250,000 additional deaths per year and a loss of $2-4 billion every year (WHO). The climate crisis threatens to undo the last fifty years of progress in global health and can severely jeopardize the realization of universal health coverage (UHC). Robust and climate resilient health systems are the primary line of defense against climate related shocks and stressors.

As part of expanding the work on health systems strengthening and to address the need to enhance health systems resilience, PATH is building a portfolio on climate change and human health. PATH has been forging strategic alliances globally and is part of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. We have also started engaging with the Commonwealth Secretariat to advance global action on climate change and its impact on human health. Some of the work that we have carried out so far in this area in South Asia include:

Leading the solarization of Medical Oxygen Plants installed as part of respiratory care support to the Government Children Hospital, Gundlupet, Karnataka.
Provided health sector inputs including the development of climate and health vulnerability index for Maharashtra state action plan on climate change.
Providing support to states in the operationalization of activities under the state action plans on climate change and health.

Launched Climate X Health innovations challenge to scout for innovations and solutions that can help build climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems. Through this challenge, 60 applications were received from around nine countries from across the world under themes including decarbonization of health facilities, community engagement, capacity building, risk adaptation, etc.

PATH along with partners are working towards building a comprehensive roadmap to incorporate promising solutions in health systems in India and other countries.
PATH is also actively engaging with the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) and various state governments in developing and operationalizing health adaptation plans on climate change. PATH is looking towards expanding its portfolio by actively scouting for opportunities, build new project areas, forge strategic partnerships, and provide technical expertise to partner governments.

About the Position:

PATH is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, and a result oriented professional as Program Officer – Climate and Health. The Program Officer should have relevant experience in handling projects and assignments looking at the impact of climate change on health. The Program Officer will work closely with Lead – Health Systems to build PATH’s climate change and health portfolio, scout for opportunities, develop new work areas, and forge internal and external partnerships. Key responsibilities include:

Responsibilities:

Provide technical expertise and stewardship in developing the climate change and health portfolio for PATH South Asia.
Work closely with the Lead – Health Systems and PATH South Asia’s senior leadership team to develop new work areas in climate change and health.
Act as the point person for climate change and health and represent South Asia team at PATH global’s working group discussions on climate change and health.
Develop work plans on climate change and health for PATH South Asia.
Support country teams under PATH South Asia hub in developing their country specific action plans and strategies.
Maintain rapport with PATH’s existing partners and take proactive measures to develop new partnerships with organizations and entities working in the field of climate change and health.
Work closely with PATH’s strategy and business development teams to scout for new opportunities in the area of climate change and health.
Develop proposals, and concept notes for new funding opportunities for climate change and health.
Develop and maintain repository of learning resources, knowledge materials, and scientific publications related to climate change and health.
Write policy briefs, white papers, articles etc. on climate change and health.
Liaise with officials of National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in providing technical support for areas agreed as per the terms of collaboration between PATH and NCDC.
Work closely with PATH state teams in providing support to the respective state governments in operationalizing activities under the state action plans on climate change and health.
Provide support in conducting trainings and capacity building sessions for state and district officials, medical officers, and community health officers on climate sensitive diseases.
Support in conducting vulnerability assessments and developing health adaptation plans for climate sensitive diseases for select states.
Provide technical support in developing communication materials, training modules, and learning resources for climate sensitive diseases.
Represent PATH South Asia in conferences, and seminars related to climate change, sustainability, and environmental health.
Represent PATH at national and state-level meetings involving government and development partners.
Frequent travel to the state and districts as per the project requirements.
Undertake other tasks which may be assigned from time to time by the Lead-Health Systems and the national leadership.

Required Experience

Master’s degree in public health/Environmental Sciences/Development Studies/Climate Change.
Persons with background in health sciences with focus in climate change will be preferred.
At least 5-7 years of experience working in the field of development/public health, out of which at least two years of experience working in climate change adaptation/mitigation/resilience.
Ability to develop networks and forge partnerships. Prior experience in engaging and interacting with governmental agencies and sectors, and networking with other key stakeholders from the environmental and developmental space.
Good understanding of science related to climate change adaptation and mitigation including existing international and national frameworks, guidelines, and policies.
Excellent writing skills, with proficiency in developing technical and programmatic documents.
Experience in developing knowledge products, learning resources and engaging in research related to climate adaptation and/or mitigation initiatives.
Familiarity with public health systems and relevant government policies/strategies particularly National Health Mission for countries across South Asia.
Ability to multi-task and work with a diverse team.
Strong communication and presentation skills in English and Hindi.
Ability to work and coordinate with a diverse technical team.

To apply for this job please visit path.silkroad.com.