Technical Advisor Infection Prevention and Control/ Program lead

Overview:

COVID-19 had catastrophic impact on most vulnerable communities and threatens progress against HIV, TB and Malaria, The GF has provided C19RM Funding to Pakistan to fight against COVID-19 and mitigate its impact on fight against three diseases. C19RM funds provide an opportunity to invest in building up the capabilities of health systems across a range of potential epidemic scenarios, strengthening resilience and preparing for the next pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving and so should C19RM investments in all thematic areas including IPC. Global fund is also supporting implementing countries to re-think how these IPC funds need to be adapted to their emerging needs and encourage reinvesting potentially un-utilized funds to optimize the impact of COVID-19.

Infection prevention & Control (IPC) is part of comprehensive approach to improve health outcomes and has played a decisive role during COVID-19 pandemic.  Inadequate IPC places a significant burden on those affected and is a determinant of poor-quality care delivery and health services disruption, particularly in lower income settings like Pakistan. Strategic investments are still needed to build a strong health system, which includes the culture and infrastructure of IPC in the country to avoid most of the harm and sufferings caused by infectious diseases. As per Joint External Evaluation, Pakistan has Limited capacity in infection Prevention and control program.

Jhpiego Pakistan- An Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University USA, is seeking a position of a “Technical Advisor-IPC” to provide technical assistance to Global Fund’s Principal & Sub-recipients (e.g. Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination (MoNHSR&C), NIH Pakistan and others) that help support PRs and SRs to align themselves with priorities of C19RM re-investments and support efficient implementation of  Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) activities to achieve major improvements in IPC program both at national and provincial level. National Institute of Health is implementing National IPC program funded by The Global Fund. This position will provide high level technical assistance in the implementation of this project along with other initiatives of IPC in the country. This position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan with frequent travels to provinces across Pakistan.

This is a contractual position and is renewable based on availability of funding and scope of work.

Responsibilities:

Technical Advisor- IPC as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide high level strategic support and guidance to Global fund’s Principal Recipients (PRs) and Sub-recipients to ensure that IPC efforts in the country meet national and provincial IPC needs. He/She will be technical expert for Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, National Institute of Health, Provincial health departments in supporting IPC Programs. He/she will also provide technical support to National IPC program being implemented by NIH .  The incumbent will work in close coordination with both in-country and Global Jhpiego team, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) at NIH, Country & Global CDC teams to support IPC activities.

Specific technical roles are as follows:

• Support MOH, CCM at NIH, National IPC Focal points, PRs and SRs to achieve targets, mitigate programmatic bottlenecks and optimise funds allocation and provide timely solutions to ongoing challenges to gain priority IPC goals.
• Provide high level technical assistance to NIH on implementation of National IPC Program
• Lead and manage the Enhancing Global Health Security (EGHS) project funded by US-CDC in Jhpiego Pakistan
• Participate in monthly/quarterly stakeholders’ meetings and provide technical advice to support best infection control practices at National and provincial level.
• Preparing quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports of the project EGHS and submission to donor and US office with help of Assistant Manager M&E
• Gather opinions/feedback through regular meetings and coordination on how C19RM funds aimed at communities are being implemented and provide guidance on efficient utilization of funds.
• Support core group of national IPC leaders in revision/ update of national IPC guidelines, strategic framework, develop target solutions and action Plans to mitigate risk points (where required).
• Help evaluate current IPC process at National/provincial level, identify potential process vulnerabilities and support capacity building of IPC leaders on identified IPC technical areas in all settings.
• Provide technical expertise to establish national healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance protocol and support optimization of priority aspects of IPC Program (e.g. Waste management).
• Develop and maintain close liaison and coordination with MOH, CCM, NTP and other implementing entities including PRs, SRs and SSRs in country to implement C19RM grant.
• Ensure compliance with Global Fund, CDC , Jhpiego and JHU operational policies and regulations.
• Manage team of GHS/GFTA project and act as focal person & overall project lead and reporting to country director
• Any other task assigned by the Supervisor.

Required Qualification:

• A Medical doctor with advance university degree in infectious diseases/microbiology with demonstrated trainings in infection prevention & Control (IPC)
• Specialist International qualification in IPC (e.g. Certificate in Infection Control- CIC) is preferred.

Required Experience:

• At least 9 years’ experience in IPC practice at national and/or international level.
• Demonstrated experience of working in Global fund projects and in depth understanding of C19RM grant/funding mechanism.
• In-depth knowledge of practical aspects of National and provincial IPC priorities, guidelines, strategic framework in post COVID-19 scenario.
• Demonstrated experience of developing IPC strategies, monitoring tools and leading IPC technical working group discussions at national level.
• Demonstrated research experience related to infectious diseases, infection prevention & control.
• Ability to lead teams in technical reports reviews and IPC guidelines and IPC plans developments.
• Strong data analysis and computer skills including command on MS-Word, Excel, Outlook, and SPSS.
• Ability to work independently in a complex environment with multiple tasks and short deadlines.
• Excellent presentation, verbal and written communications skills.
• Willing to travel extensively across Pakistan.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and note that the successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. The position will be closed for further applications once it is successfully filled. We will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.

Jhpiego is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Failure to follow the instructions of applying, your application would be denied.

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

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