The Main Purpose of the position

Responsible for the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities and leads the development & maintenance of an infection control program, according to MSF protocols and standards in order to ensure the quality of care and safety of patients, caretakers and staff. 

Accountabilities

• Participating in the definition of the IPC objectives and in collaboration with the IPC committee, defining, implementing and monitoring the IPC annual plan Based on a Stepwise Infection Prevention and Control Approach (SIPCA) assessment (together with the IPC supervisor)

• Setting up regular monitoring mechanisms for IPC activities, analyzing the results, identifying priorities and proposing solutions when necessary. Establishing, maintaining and improving surveillance systems for health care associated infections in the facility. Participating and contributing in the elaboration of the contingency plan and EPREP regarding the IPC aspects depending on context and possible scenarios

• In collaboration with each service activity manager, ensuring and maintaining the implementation of the standard precautions and transmission-based precautions in health structures in all departments including sterilization, laundry, kitchen, hygiene agents and providing technical supervision and expertise, support, training and guidance to the staff on IPC related issues using existing tools such as audits, checklist, surveillance, etc. and developing training plan and materials as required.

• Setting up mechanisms for the implementation and monitoring of the adherence to additional precautions for air, droplet and contact transmissible diseases when indicated, adapting general guidelines to the health facility realities, putting isolation algorithms in place and ensuring adequate nosocomial outbreak detection and response.

• Ensuring the implementation of correct ‘clean and dirty flows’ inside the health facility. Ensuring that the environmental standards in the facility are respected and together with the Hospital Facilities Manager and WHS Supervisor, that the essential requirements are available in the health structures.

• Guaranteeing compliance to aseptic care techniques and to the correct use of antiseptics, disinfectants and detergents.

• Monitoring and analyzing the consumption and the quality of IPC materials and equipment

• Planning and supervising, with the support of HR department, the associated HR processes (training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, motivation, development and internal communication) of the staff in the project under his/her responsibility, in order to ensure having the appropriate team in terms of size, capabilities and skills.

• In coordination with the project biomedical service supervising the appropriate use of medical devices and anticipating and communicating future needs.

• Reporting any irregularities to the NAM and proposes immediate actions when necessary.

• Producing reports with information and recommendations for the monthly medical reporting.

Note:

IPC standard precautions include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, prevention of accidental exposure to body fluids, safe and appropriate treatment of re-usable medical devices, waste management, cleaning and disinfection of surface and environment, respiratory hygiene and individual hygiene for staff, caretakers and patients IPC essential requirements include water supply, solid waste and waste water treatment/disposal, latrines and shower facilities, dead bodies management, vector control and medical waste management.

MSF Section/ Context Specific Accountabilities

Immediate priorities include:

•  Active supervision to ensure compliance with the recommended IPC procedures & practices

• In collaboration with the NAM, ensure that IPC supplies, (e.g. liquid soap, disinfectants cleaning gloves, waste bins and trash bags) etc are available for MSF supported activities/departments

• Training MoH & MSF medical staff on waste management in various departments of the hospital, (disinfection, waste segregation, collection, transportation, safe disposal)

• Implement the correct use of disinfectants such as Hexanios, Surfanios and chlorine; depending on the need and their availability

• Establish and supervise a cleaning schedule for the ward

• Train MoH & MSF staff on cleaning and disinfection techniques and follow up to be sure they are implemented.

• Train MoH and MSF staff on hand hygiene and ensure there are enough water points for hand hygiene

• Train MoH & MSF staff on proper preparation, conservation and discard of medications

• Supervise the correct use, cleaning and management on medical devices

• Support the nutritional activities by ensuring that therapeutic food is prepared with the proper hygienic standards

• In collaboration with HP Team, train and encourage caretakers to keep the patient’s space clean

  Additional work may include:

• Improving laundry practices

• Evaluation of Food & hygiene/IPC in hospital kitchen and implementation of necessary changes according to results

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

Education: Essential: Nursing, Public Health, Environmental health or midwifery Degree with a valid & renewed license is essential. 

                  Preferable with IPC background experience 

Experience: Minimum 2 years’ experience in IPC related activities 

Previous experience as IPC Supervisor or IPC related activity with MSF or other NGOs for at least 1 year

Experience in OT, Intensive Care Unit is an asset

Languages: English Fluency 

Knowledge: Knowledge of ITFC and pediatrics desirable.

How to Apply

Send your National ID, CV (not more than 3 pages), and cover letter (not more than one page) via email: msfocb-snnpr-konsorecruit@brussels.msf.org or in person to medicins sans frontieres Jinka town (Former Shaleka Pension) or at Karat Town office

Note: Write "Application for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Supervisor" in the subject line of your cover letter