District Coordinator

Position Title: District Coordinator TFSI Number of Positions: 4 Project: TB Free Schools Initiative (TFSI) Reports To: Lead Study Coordinator TFSI Contract Duration: 36 months, subject to mutual consent and continued funding and eligibility. Locations: Maharashtra: Pune, Satara Tamil Nadu: Chennai Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur Application Deadline: January 28, 2025 About YRGCARE YRGCARE is a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring that individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and their families live with dignity, while working towards eliminating new infections. Since its inception in 1985 under the Y.R. Gaitonde Medical, Educational, and Research Foundation, YRGCARE has spearheaded impactful public health initiatives by integrating clinical care, outreach services, training, and research to address HIV, TB, and other public health challenges. YRGCARE is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions in resource-constrained settings by leveraging cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices approaches About The Project The TB Free Schools Initiative (TFSI) aims to identify, treat, and prevent tuberculosis (TB) among students aged 6 to 18 years in day schools across India. This programme seeks to reduce TB transmission within schools and communities through: TB awareness campaigns Early detection and prevention strategies Stigma reduction efforts By collaborating with schools, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, the initiative fosters an enabling environment for TB prevention management. Role Overview The District Coordinator will be responsible for implementing, coordinating, and monitoring the TB Free Schools Initiative at the district level. This role involves building relationships with schools and local stakeholders, supervising field staff, and ensuring the initiative's objectives are met. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-driven professional who is passionate about improving public health and education outcomes. Key Responsibilities Program Implementation and Coordination Lead the district-level implementation of the TB Free Schools Initiative. Engage with school administrators, local education authorities, and health officials to bring schools on board for project activities. Sensitise stakeholders, including parents and teachers, about TB prevention and management. Organise Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) and Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings to enhance programme awareness and implementation. Ensure the timely distribution of resources such as educational materials and prevention tools. Establish referral pathways with the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) for advanced diagnostic services like CBNAAT/True NAAT. Supervise and support field staff to uphold professional standards in implementing the project activities. Training and Capacity Building Conduct training sessions on tuberculosis awareness, detection, and prevention for teachers, health coordinators, and other school staff. Facilitate workshops for students and parents to enhance awareness of tuberculosis symptoms and preventive practices. Strengthen local capacity for monitoring and reporting tuberculosis-related issues in schools. Monitoring and Reporting Monitor the programme's progress and ensure compliance with TFSI guidelines. Collect, analyse, and report data on TB awareness, programme activities, and outcomes to the regional programme manager. Identify and address challenges encountered during programme implementation. Submit detailed reports, success stories, and case studies to stakeholders. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy Forge and sustain relationships with district-level education and health departments, NGOs, and community leaders. Promote TB screening and awareness initiatives within school administrations. Collaborate with local authorities to improve access to TB-related healthcare services for students, teachers, and their families. Community Engagement and Stigma Reduction Organise community events to raise awareness about TB and reduce stigma. Encourage open discussions about TB in schools and communities to foster a supportive environment. Required Qualifications And Experience Education Masters degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Education, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience A minimum of 5 to 6 years of professional experience in public health, education, or health promotion, preferably with an emphasis on communicable diseases, such as TB. Proven expertise in programme management at the district level. Experience collaborating with schools, teachers, and community health programmes is highly valued desirable. Skills Strong project management and organisational skills. Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities to engage a diverse range of stakeholders. Proficient in report writing and data analysis. Fluent in English and local languages (Hindi for Uttar Pradesh, Marathi for Maharashtra, Tamil for Tamil Nadu). Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel PowerPoint). Personal Attributes Strong leadership and team coordination skills. A problem-solving mindset with the ability to adapt to challenges. Passionate about public health and enhancing children's educational outcomes. Self-motivated and capable of working independently or as part of a team. How To Apply To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to hrm@yrgcare.org by January 28, 2025. The subject line should be "Application for District CoordinatorTB Free Schools Initiative." Equal Opportunity Statement YRGCARE is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those from traditionally underrepresented communities. Join US Seize this opportunity to make a significant impact on children's lives and contribute to the creation of a TB-free future. Join a team that believes in innovation, evidence-based approaches, and compassion to foster change in public health.,