OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, at the East and Southern Africa sub-regional level, the incumbent will work with member states and regional partners to support strengthening of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), a component of Emergency preparedness and response. The Technical officer IPC will provide technical support and guidance to the WCOs and MoH for mainstreaming infection prevention and control into health systems planning and strengthening IPC practice with special emphasis on readiness for response to public health emergencies.

Description Of Duties
In order to strengthen IPC implementation in the East and Southern Africa countries, the Technical Officer IPC will undertake the following duties:

• Provide technical guidance to countries to strengthen capacity and readiness in Infection Prevention and Control, with special attention to capacities necessary for prevention and monitoring of nosocomial transmission of infectious diseases, through establishment of strong IPC programmes and plans within the health sector.
• Support and monitor capacity building efforts in infection prevention and control in ESA by WHO, countries and partners, including ensuring appropriate approach and training materials are used for capacity building and mentoring of health workers at national and subnational level.
• Provide technical guidance to the incident management teams at EPR Hub - Nairobi, WCOs, and MoHs and the Regional Partners in the implementation and monitoring of IPC readiness and ensure harmonization and alignment of the different partner tools and contributions.
• Support co-chair the Infection Prevention and Control Sub-Working Group of the Health Partners Group and coordinate their technical guidance and support to countries in ESA countries in this area of work, including ensuring regular, efficient, and effective meetings of the Working Group as well as follow up on meeting action points.
• Share updated guidance on different aspects of infection prevention and control with countries and support the country adaptation process and implementation of the guidance as necessary.
• Continuously assess and monitor infection prevention and control capacities and implementation in member states with special focus on health worker protection and nosocomial infection; and provide guidance and support in filling the identified gaps to enhance readiness and ensure effective response.
• Collate and verify data on reported achievements/progress within the intervention area from multiple sources, and conduct analysis to determine trends, distribution patterns, and effectiveness.
• Keep track of the level of sub-regional and national capacities, using the WHO IPC tools, and ensure progressive improvements towards the requirements for effective emergency response. Prepare regular updates on sub-regional and national IPC preparedness for public health events.
• Participate in and provide technical guidance to the Regional Health Partners Group meeting to ensure that appropriate technical decisions are made and followed through to strengthen the implementation of infection prevention and control.
• Guide and mobilize regional partners to support implementation of the IPC interventions at national and sub-national levels in a sustainable manner, particularly in countries with low capacity and high levels of nosocomial infections among health care workers.
• Perform any other duties, as requested by the functional supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Essential: First level University degree in medicine or medical related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable

• Masters degree in medicine, epidemiology, infectious disease control or public health from an accredited/recognized institute.
• Additional training in infection prevention and control in prevention and control of infectious disease epidemics and pandemics.

Experience

• Essential: At least five years related experience in implementation of public health interventions, control of communicable diseases, and outbreak investigation and response.
• Desirable: Experience working in infection prevention and control in developing countries. Previous experience working in collaboration with and coordination of multiple actors in emergency preparedness and response is desirable. Previous experience in case management and infection prevention and control particularly pertaining to control of infectious disease outbreaks ad pandemics is desirable.

Skills

• Sound knowledge and skills in infection prevention and control, partner coordination, capacity building, secondary data review and analysis, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven ability to multitask across various planning and implementation processes within a highly demanding environment
• Demonstrated knowledge, competency and professional skills on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response with particular attention to application of an all hazard approach in the context of the International Health Regulations
• Critical thinking and analysis skills

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results

Use Of Language Skills

• Essential: Excellent knowledge of English
• Desirable: Knowledge of another UN official language would be an asset