WASH Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The WASH Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultant position is crucial in addressing the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which poses a significant risk to Rwanda. The consultant will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies and partners to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and IPC systems. The role involves enhancing community preparedness, scaling up WASH services, and ensuring the continuity of essential services. The consultant will work closely with national and sub-national stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that prevent and respond to potential outbreaks, ensuring that the health systems are robust and capable of managing public health emergencies effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and support to the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre in strengthening WASH and IPC systems.
• Collaborate with government agencies and partners to enhance community-based preparedness for EVD.
• Assess current WASH and IPC practices in healthcare facilities and recommend improvements.
• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions for healthcare workers on IPC measures.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of WASH and IPC interventions, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
• Prepare reports on the progress of WASH and IPC initiatives and present findings to stakeholders.
• Facilitate coordination meetings with relevant partners to align efforts and share best practices.
• Support the development of communication strategies to raise awareness about WASH and IPC among communities.

Required Qualifications:

• A university degree (Bachelor's or higher) in Public Health, Environmental Health, WASH, Engineering, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• At least eight years of experience in the WASH sector, particularly in public health emergencies such as Ebola or similar outbreak responses.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and multi-cultural settings and teams.
• Previous experience with UNICEF in similar assignments is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor's or higher) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Environmental Health, WASH, Engineering, or Epidemiology. Advanced degrees or specialized training in these areas will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in the WASH sector, with a strong emphasis on public health emergencies. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar contexts, demonstrating their ability to manage and respond to health crises effectively. Experience in collaborating with government agencies and international organizations is also essential.

Languages:
Strong communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda (both spoken and written) are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the communities served.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is approximately 4.47 months, with an office-based working arrangement that includes travel. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from individuals with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.