Public Health Foundation of India

Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is collaborating with UNICEF for the project “Boosting demand for routine immunization and reducing zero dose children in 7 districts of Uttar Pradesh”. The project will invest in enhancing Capacity of Front Line Workers(FLWs) through contact sessions in sector meetings or at dedicated training sessions. The capacity building sessions will be capsule based and will be administered in small but regular doses. The contact training session will employ techniques like case based approach and simulations to improve interpersonal communication and counselling skills to address vaccine avoidance behavior. The training content will include technical content as well as content to improve skills to improve behavior transactions. PHFI will conduct 2 contact training sessions per year with FLWs and their supervisors. The capacity building will be continued in sector meetings of FLWs, wherein, the project staff will participate & facilitate sessions once every quarter.

By year 2026, 100% Frontline workers (ASHA, ANM, Anganwadi Workers) will be oriented on interpersonal communication and counselling skills to address vaccine avoidance behavior of caregivers. To track capacity building processes and results, a district scorecard will be created to highlight capacity building intervention activities. Engagement with local influencers will be an important component of project strategy to reduce ZD children and make social norms favorable for RI. The local influencers (religious leaders, local doctors, service providers, teachers, social workers, NSS/NYK students etc.) will be identified and mapped in the social maps. Activities for their capacity building, and subsequent engagement will be designed and periodically conducted. PHFI will also feed the results of social networking exercise, to link the VAB families with local influencers to maximize their impact.

PHFI will reach out to influencers to convince and motivate families displaying VAB. Influencers, contributing to the project success will be regularly identified and their contributions will be recognized in formal and informal platforms. Similarly, PHFI will leverage social network of women groups promoted by State Rural Livelihood Mission and private Microfinance institutions (MFIs) in rural and urban areas to promote vaccination among its members. Our Field workers will participate in village or federation meetings to improve awareness about RI and motivate the members for collective action on RI. Likewise, PHFI will devise local mobilization strategies to galvanize and nudge beneficiaries for vaccination on VHNDs.

The incumbent (herein after to be referred as consultant) will function as CSO Coordinator and will supervise the work Cluster Coordinators. The Position primary function/responsibilities will be to:

• Provide Oversight to the activities of cluster coordinators
• Oversee and mentor Cluster Coordinators in the implementation of program activities, including community mobilization, influencer meetings, religious leaders, local doctors and social mobilization efforts etc. to bring in reduction in Zero Dose Children
• Compile and share qualitative feedback with SMNet officials and District Health Coordinators
• Guide and Assist cluster coordinators and ASHA for social mapping. Build their capacity in using social mapping for effective decision-making.
• Document good practices or any innovation done by CSO team in other project district to mobilize zero dose children.
• Support the District Task Force in developing, implementing, and monitoring district social mobilization plan, including activities for routine immunization.
• Provide direct, qualitative feedback from service providers and community members to CMO and WHO/NPSP on efficacy of social mobilization strategy and promptly report/address rumors, adverse events, and communication- related issues and concerns.
• Coordinate through the District Magistrate with various government departments for mobilizing their support for Routine Immunization.
• Participate and do advocacy at DTFs at the district level.
• In conjunction with the Cluster Coordinator, support Task Force meetings and SMWG meetings at the block level in developing and implementing Block social mobilization plan.
• Promote and monitor block and community level activities for routine immunization in reluctant and underserved communities using a variety of approaches, including:

1. Mobilizing religious leaders, volunteers (especially women) and other informal leaders.
2. Catalyzing network of NGOs, community-based organizations and existing social networks, and educational institutions – especially catering to underserved & minority communities.

• Ensure through CMO that routine immunization services are made available across the district; particularly sub-block high-risk areas, to cover the Zero Dose children.
• Strengthen CCs in programmatic guidance and capacity building of FLWs.
• Provide support to the CCs in conducting monthly cluster meetings with ASHAs (attend at least two cluster meetings at block level).
• Provide support to the CCs in conducting ASHA Sanginis’ training at the block level.
• Supervise and provide feedback to CCs on planned activities, ensuring quality interventions that focus strongly on interpersonal and group communication in resistant/underserved areas.
• Liaise with CMO/DHEIO for timely dissemination of IEC materials for routine immunization.
• Ensure quality implementation of State supported IEC activities (especially miking, group meetings) and other persuasive communication techniques for routine immunization.
• Regularly compile and analyze data from ASHA areas, providing actionable insights to the project team and identifying areas for improvement for Cluster Coordinators.
• Capture human interest stories from the field
• Any other task given by the PC

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Health Administration, Social Sciences, or any related field.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree is preferable.

Essential:

• Around 8-10 years of experience in similar roles, preferably in public health and RI.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with the PRI, Village/ Urban Committees and local systems and policies.

Desirable:

• Experience in vaccine promotion and disease prevention projects.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices.
• Ability to speak local languages.
• He should be having knowledge of VAB and LODOR families.
• Very strong, in interpersonal skill organize and manage the work of cluster coordinators in the two districts listed above.
• Skill to effectively liaise with the senior district officials and other stakeholders.

Preference will be given to candidates residing in or near the specified district in Uttar Pradesh, including Jalaun.

Interested and eligible candidates may send their updated CV to recruit@phfi.org and fill the application form– https://forms.office.com/r/Nn7FHrd3zR . Please mention the exact Position Code (PHFI-CNST-2525) in the email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Last Date of Receipt of Applications:  06 February 2025.

Remarks:

• Candidates are requested to refer PHFI website for position description & process for applying. Please note only those applications will be considered which are received as per instruction written on PHFI website.
• Candidates should have an excellent academic record, good communication skills, a commitment to high quality graduate / post-graduate education.
• Mere eligibility will not entitle any candidate for being called for interview.
• Persons employed in Government/Semi-Government Organization or Educational Institutions in India must apply through proper channel.
• PHFI reserves the right to fill or not to fill any or all available positions.
• The requirements of minimum qualification and/or experience may be relaxed in the case of candidates with outstanding credentials.
• No correspondence will be entertained from candidates regarding any delays, conduct & result of interview and reasons for not being called for interview.
• Please note that Consultancy Fee will commensurate with available skills and fitment of the incumbent as per the selection process.

“PHFI reserves the sole right to alter/modify/cancel the entire selection process or the position or the vacancy or to disqualify any candidature at any stage of the selection process”.

Women are encouraged to apply!