Officer, Infection Control and Prevention

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Established to provide humanitarian assistance and support in times of crisis, the IFRC operates under the guiding principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The organization is committed to delivering effective humanitarian action through its Strategy 2030, which emphasizes response, resilience, and respect. The IFRC has its headquarters in Geneva and maintains five regional offices across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. The IFRC is currently responding to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on community engagement, surveillance, and infection control to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Job Overview:
The Officer, Infection Control and Prevention, plays a crucial role within the Red Cross and Red Crescent health team, focusing on ensuring compliance with infection prevention and control protocols. This position is vital for maintaining a high level of biosecurity within the operations related to the Ebola outbreak, particularly in Bunia and Beni. The officer will be responsible for implementing and monitoring infection control measures across various operational activities, including Safe and Dignified Burials, ambulance services, and healthcare facilities. The role requires collaboration with various teams to integrate infection prevention measures into all operational activities, ensuring that healthcare access is maintained while minimizing the risk of disease transmission. The officer will also be involved in training and capacity building for staff and volunteers, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the challenges posed by the outbreak effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Officer will lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures across all high-risk operational activities. This includes developing and disseminating IPC policies, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with health standards. The officer will establish monitoring and audit systems, analyze findings, and prepare technical reports to identify priorities for action. They will also oversee occupational health measures for staff and volunteers, including health screenings and exposure management. Training and capacity building will be a significant part of the role, with the officer responsible for organizing IPC training sessions and ensuring that all operational teams are well-prepared. Collaboration with various teams is essential to ensure that IPC measures are effectively integrated into all activities, and the officer will represent the organization in IPC coordination meetings and technical working groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree or training in tropical medicine, infectious disease control, or humanitarian aid. A medical degree or other health-related degree is required, with postgraduate training in public health preferred. The role demands a strong understanding of infection prevention protocols and the ability to implement these measures effectively in various settings. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of adult learning principles and training material development is also essential, along with flexibility in responding to changing needs and workloads.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in tropical medicine, infectious disease control, or a related field. A medical degree or other health-related degree is essential, and candidates with postgraduate training in public health will be preferred. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of infection control and the public health implications of the Ebola outbreak.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of experience in healthcare is required, with previous work in infection prevention and control being highly preferred. Practical experience responding to outbreaks, particularly in resource-limited settings, is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively in challenging environments and be familiar with the operational demands of healthcare delivery during infectious disease outbreaks.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is mandatory for this position. A good command of another IFRC official language, such as Spanish or Arabic, is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is crucial for collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders in the humanitarian context.

Additional Notes:
This recruitment is for two local staff positions based in Beni and Bunia. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preferred locality in their application. The positions are full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging and dynamic environment, responding to the urgent needs posed by the Ebola outbreak. The IFRC offers a supportive work environment and is committed to the professional development of its staff.