The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world”s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world”s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you”re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Working directly under the Nursing officer in Charge, this positions aims to improve infection prevention measures in the health facility setting with proper waste management and strict adherence of IPC protocols, in order to ensure quality of care and safety of patients, caretakers and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of the Hospital and Environmental cleaning team ensuring adequate coverage and man hours are achieved
• Provide on Job mentorship of the hospital and environmental cleaning team
• Based on a given patient-diagnosis, collaborates with the medical team to evaluate the need and support for IPC implementation, if needed, for transmission-based precautions (air, droplet and contact)
• In collaboration with the Hospital Nursing officer in charge, implement transmission-based precautions for air, droplet and contact transmissible diseases when indicated, and monitor adherence
• Provide regular clinical and technical supervision, training and support to the staff on IPC related issues using existing tools such as audits, checklists, or surveillance
• Ensure that organizational aspects in the facility are respected (bed spacing, number of handwashing stations etc…), the correct ‘clean and dirty flows’ inside the healthcare facility and together with Nursing officer in charge and ensure requirements are available in the health facilities
• Participate and coordinate actively in other group/ as Antimicrobial Stewardship and in antimicrobial resistance surveillance
• Improve compliance with aseptic care technique and the correct use of antiseptics, detergent and disinfectants, through training and audits
• Ensure quality, correct and rational use of IPC material and equipment and monitor consumption including cleaning materials and equipment, PPE etc.
• As core member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, make sure the meeting is regular, lively and proactive, facilitating the development and following up the Infection Prevention and Control Action Plan.
• Active in surgical site and Hospital acquired infections updating the Nursing officer in charge of any events
• To oversee the segregation and proper disposal of medical and general waste according to hospital infection prevention and control guidelines.
• Ensure optimal operation of the incinerator, adhering to all SOPS in incineration
• Ensure appropriate solid and Liquid waste management
• Regularly share and discuss timely, accurate and relevant information with communities about; access and eligibility to services, expected staff behavior, and community feedback, safeguarding mechanisms and how to use them
• Promote formal feedback mechanisms to capture, monitor, respond to, and act on feedback and complaints from communities by documenting feedback received from the community through informal interactions, observations, and focus group discussions. Reporting community needs, preferences, and feedback to managers and client responsiveness focal persons
• Convene and participate in monthly IPC meetings developing and tracking the action plans.
• Work closely with the clinical teams in responding to day-to-day IPC concerns

Key skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of hygiene and sanitation practices in healthcare setting.
• Ability to enforce infection prevention protocols and occupational safety measures.
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe environment.

Qualifications and Experience.

• A Diploma in environmental health or public health with 2 years’ experience.
• IPC training and certification.
• Prior experience in Waste management and Hospital infection prevention and control or a similar healthcare facility environment preferred.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.