Epidemic Surveillance/Infection Prevention and Control Officer (4 positions)

The Epidemic Surveillance/Infection Prevention and Control (ES/IPC) Officer will work under direct supervision of the Zonal Manager and receive technical guidance and support from the Senior GHS Specialist, to build capacity of health care providers in project-supported hospitals and health centers in infection prevention and control, including disease/epidemic surveillance, and ensuring the IPC standards are met. The incumbent will work with zonal technical staff to increase overall infection prevention and control capacity, particularly the integration of epidemic surveillance, disease outbreak response, prevention, and preparedness within the broader project IPC framework.

Key functions

The Epidemic Surveillance/Infection Prevention and Control (ES/IPC) Officer is responsible for the following functions:

Epidemic Surveillance:

The ES/IPC Officer will:

• Perform the role of Surveillance Technical Advisor by providing technical assistance to the health facilities and district surveillance teams for both IBS and EBS;
• Assist in the timely compilation and reporting of surveillance data for the overall surveillance and response while pushing for data quality;
• In support of the national level, the ES/IPC Officer will provide mentorship and training to the Ministry Health Facilities IDSR focal persons and Data Managers who are responsible for producing official situation reports and data analyses for operational decision-making;
• Support in implementation of systems for continuous surveillance of infectious diseases, including monitoring trends, outbreaks, and emerging infections;
• Coordinate with local health departments and other agencies to share surveillance data and collaborate on outbreak investigations, including supporting lookouts and community members in sharing information using all EBS methods and their channels;
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerable populations and areas of concern for targeted interventions.

Capacity building/training - IPC:

• Develop and enforce infection prevention and control policies, procedures, and guidelines in compliance with national and international standards;
• Conduct infection control audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions;
• Works in collaboration with other project zonal staff and health facilities to build capacity of supported hospitals, health centers and posts in infection prevention and control;
• Ensure the IPC standards practice and their sustainability, by also suggesting innovative measures and practices to improve a quality service delivery relative to standard IPC guidelines;
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, sterilization, disinfection, and personal protective equipment usage;
• Provides guidance and skills development in the integration of epidemics prevention as part of the overall project infection control and prevention framework;
• Assesses and analyze IPC capacities and practices in hospitals, health centers and posts in project-supported districts/health facilities, and recommends improvements;
• Reviews IPC measures implemented by supported health facilities, coaches and advises health providers on how to strengthen infection prevention, including use of personal protective equipment where necessary, as part of ongoing capacity strengthening efforts;
• Reviews training needs, and based on findings, and together with facility-based trainers, conduct training in IPC for staff at district hospitals and health centers in project supported-districts to improve infection prevention and control measures;
• Ensures integration of general IPC measures into routine RMNCAH/malaria activities project- supported health facilities; and
• Manages any other emerging activities related to IPC at project-supported health facilities, in coordination with facility management.

Quality Improvement: 

• Continuously assess and improve epidemic surveillance and infection prevention processes through quality improvement initiatives;
• Implement best practices and evidence-based interventions to enhance the effectiveness of surveillance and infection control efforts.

Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting: 

• Support in coordination of project-led procurement and distribution of basic IPC equipment and commodities to health facilities, in collaboration with district hospitals, health centers and posts in the project-supported districts;
• Coordinates with the other project staff to integrate IPC into routine RMNCAH/Malaria activities;
• Work closely with the district health officers and hospital leaderships to advocate and share all IPC issues that may impact the community wellbeing;
• Closely monitors progress of IPC activities in supported hospitals and health centers and supports facility IPC focal points, IPC committees, C/EHOs and/or champions to address identified gaps;
• Document and report progress on IPC measures in project-supported districts to Senior GHS Specialist; and
• Performs other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Representation in technical meetings/discussions: 

• Represent USAID Tubeho project/Jhpiego in relevant meetings organized by supported Districts
• Participate in technical meetings with MOH/RBC and other partner meetings as may be requested from time to time.
• Present updates on ES/IPC in internal quarterly technical meetings or as may be requested by supervisor.

• At least Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Sciences, Laboratory Technology or in Clinical Medicine or in Public Health
• Strong requirement of Valid and current license to practice from relevant bodies (Rwanda Council of Nurses and Midwives (NCNM) or Rwanda Allied Health Professions Council (RAHPC).
• Additional trainings related to Epidemic surveillance and Infection prevention and control (IPC),
• Experience as a trainer in IPC and surveillance
• Minimum of 5-6 years of relevant experience in implementation of health-related activities and programs.
• Ability to cultivate strong collaboration with other team members and key stakeholders
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop technical capacity in national programs and technical staff
• Skilled in Epidemic surveillance, M&E and at least two or more of the following technical areas: strengthening service delivery programs, training, pre-service education, performance and quality improvement
• Experience in working with senior MOH/RBC officials and dignitaries, executives of NGOs, FBOs, CBOs, the for-profit business community and senior members of the donor community
• Demonstrated in-depth understanding of Rwandan healthcare system, particularly the public health system
• Experience in living and working in Rwanda preferred
• Language requirement: (Fluent) speaking/reading English, French and Kinyarwanda is preferred
• Familiarity with USAID or other USG regulations, compliance and reporting procedures and systems
• Ability to travel 50-60% of working time

Application submission deadline: 19^th November 2024.

Only Rwandans are elegible to apply.

Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Please apply at www.jhpiego.org/careers  (icims.com)

Applicants must submit a single document for upload to include: cover letter, resume, and references.

For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org

Note: The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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