Public Health Foundation of India

The proposed programme  “Addressing obesity in India through training and health system strengthening”, jointly led by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and the World Obesity Federation (WOF), will advance a systems-based, sustainable solution to obesity in India by empowering the primary healthcare (PHC) cadre particularly Medical Officers at the front line of care.  Leveraging findings from a Mapping the ‘Management and Advocacy for Providers, Patients, and Systems (MAPPS II) “deep dive” in Telangana and Gujarat, the initiative will map evidence, barriers, and enablers within the current health and policy landscape, generating actionable insights for context-specific reform. The study will be undertaken in in Telangana and Gujarat.

The Project Officer will support project implementation through literature reviews, mapping of NP-NCD frameworks, and identification of gaps in obesity management. The role includes assisting with qualitative and quantitative data collection, surveys, training needs assessments, stakeholder coordination, data analysis, and contributing to technical outputs such as policy briefs, white papers, and donor reports.

The position will perform the following tasks:

• Conduct comprehensive and systematic reviews of scientific literature to inform training curriculum.
• Undertake an in-depth review and mapping of existing NP-NCD frameworks and medical curricula to identify obesity-related content, gaps, and opportunities for integration
• Provide rigorous research support across all stages of qualitative and quantitative data collection, ensuring data quality and adherence to ethical standards.
• Support design, administration, and analysis of online surveys targeting health care professionals, policymakers, researchers, advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and individuals with lived experience of obesity and their caregivers.
• Coordinate with national and state-level partners, institutions, and other stakeholders to facilitate survey administration.
• Develop and implement a data analysis and data management plan for the quantitative component of the study.
• Facilitate a Training Needs Assessment with PHC stakeholders
• Plan and manage logistics for project meetings, including Advisory Committee meetings, training sessions, round-table meetings and dissemination workshops in two study states
• Coordinate organization of a National Dissemination Workshop, ensuring effective partner and stakeholder engagement.
• Support both quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Contribute to the drafting of technical outputs such as a White Paper, opinion editorials, briefs, and policy notes.
• Prepare high-quality project reports, progress updates, and documentation required for submission to the funding agency and other stakeholders.
• Travel as required.
• Any other task assigned by the Supervisor pertaining to the above role.

Essential: 

• Master Degree in Public Health or a related discipline.

Desirable:

• PhD in health or allied fields.

Essential:

• Around three years of experience in public health research or programme implementation.
• Prior experience working on public health projects, preferably related to NCDs or health systems.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desirable:

• Around 5 years of experience in conducting Public Health Research

• Strong understanding of research methodology, including data management and analysis.
• Demonstrated skills in quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Experience with online survey tools and platforms.
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with fluency in English.
• Proven writing, editing, and documentation skills.
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.
• Effective Communication skills.
• Good Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in cross cultural teams.
• Ability to plan, conceptualize and organize.

Interested and eligible candidates may send their updated CV to recruit@phfi.org and fill the application form– Application Form- Consultant – Project Officer (PHFI-CNST-2608) – Fill out form. Please mention the exact Position Code (PHFI-CNST-2608) in the email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Last Date of Receipt of Applications:  14 February 2026.

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!