Position: State Program Lead (SPL)
About NLR India: NLR India Foundation (NLRIF) is a non-profit, non-religious, non-governmental organization registered as a public charitable trust as per the Indian Trust Act in 1999. NLR India Foundation is certified for the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in 2004 and received tax exemption under section 80G of IT Act, 1961. In addition, NLR India Foundation is a member of NLR Alliance comprising of NLR International, NLR Brazil and NLR Indonesia. NLR India Foundation, “through its membership of the NLR Alliance, is also a member of the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP)”. We work in eight states, namely, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Vision – An inclusive society free from leprosy, other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) (with skin manifestations), tuberculosis, disabilities, and related challenges.
Values – Openness, Collaborative, Commitment, and Compassion
Location and Reporting:
This position is for Kolkata, West Bengal reporting to Head of Programmes.
Number of vacancies: 01
Job Description:
• The State Programme Lead (SPL) will be in-charge of all the activities of NLR India Foundation (NLRIF) at state unit level and at the districts allotted- technical, programmatic, research, community-based rehabilitation, resource mobilization, and advocacy related activities.
• The SPL will also act as the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) and ILEP Consultant.
• Support the state programme related to leprosy, allied skin NTDs and disabilities. However, will majorly work on leprosy. NLRIF will specifically guide on the role to be played for allied skin NTDs and related disabilities.
• Will serve as the link between the state government and NLRIF.
• Will work in close collaboration with the state and district government officials including the National Health Mission (NHM).
• Collaborate with WHO, ILEP, Association of People with Leprosy (APAL) and other development agencies in the state.
• Assist the state in implementation of state specific strategic and district action plans, based on the national strategic plan on leprosy rolled out by Central Leprosy Division (CLD) in Jan 2023.
• Analyze data and use it for advocacy with the state and district officials.
• Participate in periodic review meetings of districts and state. Also, organize/ attend partners’ meetings.
• Identify specific training needs and participate/ arrange experts to facilitate formal trainings. Also serve as resource person in some trainings.
• Visit priority districts in discussion with state officials and provide need-based support to the district and select sub-district staff including planning, implementation, supportive supervision, case validation, contact tracing, administration of SDR-PEP (Single dose of Rifampicin- post exposure prophylaxis), follow-up of Released from Treatment (RFT) cases etc.
• Advocate with state/ district officials to implement new initiatives.
• Develop need-based supervision checklists and reporting formats.
• Support State Leprosy Officer (SLO)/ District Leprosy Officers (DLOs) in keeping leprosy high on agenda during Health Planning meetings.
• Assist the DLO in ensuring that the district health societies are meeting regularly, that agendas are prepared in advance by the DLO, the sufficient time is provided for discussions, and that adequate (correct and timely) meetings reports/minutes are made and distributed.
• Assist the DLO & Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) for seeking support on leprosy and disabilities from the District Magistrate (DM) and with Mission Director, National Health Mission
(MD-NHM).
• Assist the DLO in spending the available budget effectively.
• Periodic visit to the leprosy colonies and support, implement and supervise the NLRIF activities.
• Periodic meeting with other department heads at state and district level like department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Women & Child Development, Education, Rural development and Housing & Urban Affairs etc.
• Periodic meeting with media for generating awareness on leprosy and support of the affected.
• Travel for around 15 days a month, to prioritized districts and blocks (primarily).
• Periodically report to government, ILEP and NLRIF.
• Support the activities related to resource mobilization.
• Managing guests and visitors, travel, logistic etc.
• Financial management of unit and work-related expenses.
• Any other task assigned by the Supervisor or Chief Executive Officer.
Qualification and Experiences
• MBBS or BDS/BAMS/BHMS/BUMS with postgraduate in public health/ MPH.
• Trained in Physiotherapy will have added advantage.
• Candidates with experience on Leprosy, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Tuberculosis and Disabilities will be preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in health programs working on technical assistance and advocacy roles.
Other essentials/ preferred skills
• Capacity building and training.
• Data analysis, report writing, other documentation.
• Research background.
• Good communication skills, especially inter-personal communication.
• Good written & spoken English, local language of the state of posting.
• Proficient in MS Office package including word, excel and power point.
• Good time management.
• Honesty, integrity and dependability.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply; any such applicant meeting the job requirements will be given priority over others. Females, who full fill the above criteria, will be given preference.
Values and Ethics:
The candidate should have a high level of integrity, accountability, and punctuality and be willing to work beyond working hours. S/he should also demonstrate and be exemplary in portraying NLRI’s values and ethics. The candidate should be a good team player.
Type of Appointment
Contractual appointment with fixed term of 12 months. Renewal thereafter on basis of performance and requirements of project/ NLR India.
Remuneration
Compensation will be based on experience and qualification.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link: https://forms.gle/dZcL5VMaW73YEE7y5 and mention position applied for ‘‘State Program Lead”. Upload your CV by using the link along with your cover letter which explains your track record in development sector and motivation that makes you eligible for this position. Apply for this position at the earliest, we will screen and interview on an ongoing basis. The last application date is 3rd September 2026; in case, we get a suitable candidate early, the position will close before 3rd September 2026.
No telephone queries and clarification will be responded/ answered. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.