Infection Prevention and Control Specialist

Job Title: Infection Prevention and Control Specialist

Reports to: Commissioner Health Services, Clinical Services

Responsible for: Infection Prevention and Control

Job Purpose: The IPC Specialist, Clinical Services and shall serve on full-time basis to provide technical and strategic support on IPC and related issues.

The incumbent shall work with and provide Technical Assistance (TA) and skills transfer to designated MOH IPC FP and also work with other MoH Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Program Managers and technical officers to support MoH, multilateral and bilateral partners, and other organizations to develop and implement national level strategies for improved IPC practices in Uganda.

The incumbent shall provide expertise on the principles and practices of IPC and shall work collaboratively with all partners to find innovative solutions for equitable implementation and application of IPC principles at all levels of Uganda’s decentralized health system.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1) The main objective of the IPC Coordinator shall be to ensure equity in access, availability and utilization of safe and high-quality healthcare for all Ugandans, and protection of the healthcare workforce and patients from dangerous pathogens and infections.

2) Specifically, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:

3) Serve as a Technical Support Officer for the Ministry of Health, Regional Referral Hospitals and District Local Governments and all Development Partners in support of IPC at regional and district level as part of the multisectoral IPC approach.

4) Work with designated MOH IPC FP and relevant stakeholders to Fastrack the development, revision, dissemination and monitor the implementation of National IPC Policy and Implementation Plan

5) Work with technical partners to develop a framework and materials for IPC training, continuing professional education, ongoing mentorship for all IPC FPs, and establishment of a national network of IPC FPs.

6) Develop standardized responses to outbreaks of healthcare associated infections, emerging pathogens, and significant AMR and support research initiatives in this field

7) Provide expertise and technical support to stakeholders in healthcare,including aspects of Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement in IPC;

8) Work with the National IPC committee to support stakeholders and lead the development of national IPC programs, policies, guidelines and standards aligned to the WHO Core Components of IPC programs

9) Liaise and collaboratively work with the national AMR surveillance committee to strengthen AMR surveillance at hospitals and communities

10) Adapt and tailor the standard IPC training package for use in preservice and in service training of various cadres of healthcare workers

11) Work with Pharmacy Department and other stakeholders to improve supply chain management of critical IPC supplies such as PPE and cleaning/disinfection materials

12) Support at central, regional, and district levels to establish and maintain a reporting system for IPC output and outcome indicators and analyze, share, communicate and enhance utilization of IPC data for decision making.

13) Liaise with Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN) in country as well as IPC coordinators in neighboring countries as part of a regional effort to improve IPC domestically and for prevention of disease spread across borders

14) Work collaboratively with the Department of Health Promotion and Communication to design strategies, implementation frameworks, guidelines, standards and protocols for development, revision, dissemination of IEC materials for IPC

15) Perform other tasks as assigned from time to time by the responsible Officer, Commissioner of Clinical Services.

Functional Knowledge and Skills

 Sound knowledge in planning, monitoring and evaluation of health programs, including emergency response (emergency response experience desired but not a requirement)

 Proven skills in working with and forming sustainable partnerships with national and international partners

 Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate cross-cutting scientific/programmatic activities and associated working groups to assure effective and efficient functioning and harmonization.

 Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, organization and guiding actors and groups towards agreed upon goals

 Demonstrated ability to produce results and achieve targets

 Excellent knowledge of computer skills such as MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

 Must possess the sensitivity and maturity to deal appropriately with quality of care issues at national, regional, district and Health Facility levels

 Ability to exercise considerable ingenuity in applying IPC principles to unique and different settings,

 Demonstrated ability to work effectively with persons at all levels of the public
health system

 Strong leadership and management skills

 Strong oral and written communication skills

 Strong problem-solving skills

 Excellent interpersonal skills

 Accountability and responsibility

Required Qualifications:

MBCh.B or its equivalent with a Master’s degree in a clinical discipline, Public Health or any health related discipline

Experience

At least six (6) years of experience, working in the Ugandan health system at regional /national level and three (3) of which should be at a level of Senior Officer.

Proven experience in managing teams and working effectively in a multistakeholder environment including developing and promoting collaborative actions.

Demonstrated experience working with the Uganda Health System including working with National Referral Hospitals, Regional Referral Hospitals; District Hospitals and Local Governments.

Experience in presenting data and/or plans to a variety of audiences including lay persons and technical specialists.

Application procedure

Handwritten applications should be Hand Delivered to the address below between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.

All applications should be submitted not later than February 19th, 2021 to:

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Health Headquarters (At the Reception)
Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Wandegeya
Tel. +256417-712260/+256417-712221

Please include your telephone number and email contacts on the application.

Applicants should attach the following:

a) Recent passport-size photograph.

b) Detailed curriculum Vitae.

c) Certified copies of the academic certificates and transcripts.

d) Two recommendation letters from two of the most recent supervisors/employers.

e) A photocopy of your appointment letter for your most recent position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The list of shortlisted candidates will be displayed on the MOH Noticeboard Salary and Benefits

The position has attractive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Download: Official advert