Job Title: Community Systems Strengthening (CSS) Officer
Job designation: Community Systems Strengthening (CSS) Officer
Nature of employment: Consultancy Contract
Job Code: SAATHII/GFATM PR HIV/CSSO/0426/692
Project: National Level Project on HIV (Care and Support, Prison and Community Systems Strengthening)
Location: Chandigarh, Punjab
Base Stations: Chandigarh
Date of Issue: 15-04-2026
Closing date: 22-04-2026
Reporting to: Regional Program Specialist - CSS, SAATHII
About SAATHII: Solidarity and Action Against the HIV Infection in India (SAATHII), a registered non-profit organization, was founded with a vision for universal access to healthcare, justice, and social welfare for socio-economically marginalized women and children, communities impacted by the HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics, and groups marginalized on account of their sexuality and/or gender identity in India. Headquartered in Chennai, with six branch offices across the country, SAATHII works towards universal access through information dissemination, networking, operational research, advocacy, training, and other technical assistance.
About the Project: SAATHII has been chosen as one of the principal recipients (PR) of the Global Fund's (GF) HIV programs for 2024-27. The project's overarching goal is to contribute to the national goal of ending AIDS by 2030. SAATHII will assist the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) in meeting the UNAIDS fast track goals of 95-95-95 by expanding its new model for a comprehensive continuum of care, from prevention to treatment, which will include:
1. Strengthening and expanding Care and Support Centre’s (CSC 2.0), including the Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EVTHS).
2. Strengthening and expanding integrated HIV, tuberculosis, STI, syphilis, and viral hepatitis interventions among incarcerated individuals
3. Strengthen community systems and encourage community partners (key and affected population organizations and networks) to be involved in design, implementation, innovation, and monitoring, resulting in increased community ownership and reduced stigma
Community Systems Strengthening (CSS) Component:
Community involvement in the HIV response in India is critical to meeting targets and fulfilling India's commitment to end AIDS by 2030. Community networks and organizations are uniquely positioned to interact with affected communities, respond quickly to their needs and problems, communicate with vulnerable and affected groups, monitor program implementation, and advocate for socio-legal benefits.
SAATHII is engaging closely with PLHIV and key population community groups in the 10 project implementation states, which will include:
1. Build community ownership of the national program and strengthen the capacity of CBOs and Community Champions for advocacy, monitoring, and implementation;
2. Strengthen and sustain an enabling environment through community-led monitoring, policy discussions, and advocacy; and
3. Establish and strengthen networking, coordination, and partnerships among stakeholders, including government departments and civil society organizations.
Roles and Responsibilities of the CSS Officer: The CSS Officer will serve as the overall responsible person for planning, implementation and oversight of CSS activities in their state:
1. Support the State AIDS Control Society (SACS) in ensuring meaningful community participation in the delivery of CSS activities in the state
2. Facilitate selection and training of Community Champions (CCs): Support SACS and DISHA for the selection of Community Champions; coordinate with SACS and DISHA to ensure timely completion of the training of the Community Champions, and prepare the training reports.
3. Coordinate formation and strengthening of Community Resource Groups:
• Support SACS and DISHA in the formation and / or reconstitution of District Community Resource Groups (D-CRG) and State Community Resource Groups (S-CRG)
• Ensure regular functioning and periodic meetings of the D-CRGs and S-CRGs
• Ensure community representation, documentation of proceedings, and follow-up on action points
4. Roll out of Community-Led Monitoring (CLM):
• Support SACS and DISHA in orientation of stakeholders on the CLM tool
• Coordinate with DISHA / DAPCU towards preparing the micro-plans for CLM, facilitate co-creation workshops, and ensure timely report preparation and submission of the co-creation workshops
• Review CLM visit reports and validate the same
5. Strengthen State Level Networks (SLNs):
• Facilitate formation and strengthening of SLNs of Key Populations and PLHIV
• Support SLN board formation, registration, and capacity-building activities
• Assist SLNs in resource mobilization, networking, and advocating for equitable access to quality services for all community members
6. Liaise with SACS, DISHA / DAPCU, SR, and PR teams to ensure smooth coordination, timely reporting, and adherence to project guidelines.
7. Promote community leadership and advocacy to reduce stigma and enhance access to HIV services through structured mechanisms of engagement
8. Carry out any other tasks assigned by the organisation as per requirement
Qualification Requirements:
Preference: Priority will be given to candidates from PLHIV and key population community groups (based on self declaration) who meet the essential requirements,
• Graduate in any stream with at least five years of relevant experience in health or development sector (the required qualification may be relaxed for key population and PLHIV applicants, on a case-to-case basis)
• Understanding of the national HIV program is essential
• Experience of working on HIV projects (prevention, or care, support, and treatment services) (experience of implementing community based / led project will be an added advantage)
• Proven ability at Project / Program Manager level, managing complex projects with tight deadlines and ambitious targets
• Ability to manage multiple partners, and engage with stakeholders from various sectors of government, civil society and communities at state to sub-district levels
• Proven track record of being a successful mentor to individuals, teams, and organizations
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and managing training for participants from key populations and PLHIV community groups
• Familiarity with M&E systems, and experience using M&E data in program management
• Proven experience preparing budgets, and expenditure analysis
• Sound computer skills, including use of Internet, and MS Office™ software
• Proven ability to develop technical report and ensure timely submission to donors and stakeholders
• Good oral and written communication skills in English. The candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills in the local languages spoken in the state they are applying for
• Ability to work independently and as a team player in a complex multicultural environment
• Willingness to be based in the location they are applying for and work from office, and travel extensively to project implementation sites (12-15 days/month), and willingness to work beyond standard hours and / or on holidays based on project requirements
Consultancy payment: The consultancy payment will be commensurate with skills, qualifications, years ‘of experience, and current pay scale.
Application Process:
Instructions to apply:
Mandatory: Applications/ CV’s (In English with a supporting cover letter) should be sent by e-mail to jobs_gfatm2026@saathii.org, and clearly specify the position title and job code.
Mandatory: In addition to above, please complete the mandatory details in the following link –
https://form.jotform.com/261042528642453
Please submit a comprehensive CV in English with a supporting cover letter. Please complete the mandatory details in the following tabular format on the first page of the resume.:
• Name
• Age (as on 1st April, 2026)
• Highest education qualification
• Total work experience in relevant field
• Years of experience in the Global Fund funded projects (if applicable)
• Present organization
• Present designation
• Name of the state you are applying for
• Preferred base station
• Current location
• Permanent address (if different from current location)
• Email ID
• Mobile No
• Gender
• Current monthly Salary (CTC)
• Expected monthly Salary (CTC)
• Notice Period
• Additional information about yourself
SAATHII seeks qualified and experienced applicants who can work in a multicultural environment with diverse teams of people from diverse religious and language backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities. SAATHII provides a secular working environment and does not discriminate based on HIV or health status, religious or community affiliations, gender, or sexual orientation. Qualified applicants who are HIV-affected, women, and/or belonging to sexual/gender minority populations are encouraged to apply.
Email to send applications : jobs_gfatm2026@saathii.org
Job Code must be mentioned in email subject : SAATHII/GFATM PR HIV/CSSO/0426/692
Closing date : 22nd April 2026
Please send your CV and cover letter as attachments. Avoid writing a cover letter in the email body. The position title and job code must be mentioned in the email subject.