Bangladesh: National Consultant (SSA) – Infection Prevention & Control

Objectives:

WHO Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response team provides technical advice to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) departments, laboratories and hospitals responsible for epidemiological or clinical risk assessment, disease surveillance, and infection prevention and control in order to strengthen Bangladesh's core capacities to prevent, detect and respond to emerging infectious disease threats, such as Acute watery diarrhea, avian influenza, pandemic influenza, Hemorrhagic fevers and other outbreak prone diseases. WHO will continue the support to MOHWF toward meeting the core surveillance and response capacity requirements of the IHR (2005).

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of WHO Medical Officer – Senior Epidemiologist and the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to Bangladesh and in support to the National Health Policies and Programme, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:

1. Provide support to the implementation of Infection Prevention and Control activity, ensuring adherence to core standards, and WHO recommendations on infection prevention and control
2. Develop tools for assessing IPC capacities and practices in hospitals and health care facilities, conduct the assessments and identify needs for further assessment based on this revision.
3. Review training needs, and based on this assessment, conduct training in IPC for staff at district hospitals, and health facilities according to the review of IPC measures. Within this process, ensure that training and supervision systems are in place for all staff and contractors working within the health facility and that those systems are regularly monitored
4. Review the strategy and programme on prevention of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings. Ensure a process for monitoring and reviewing the progress of the programme and production of an annual report.
5. Outline elements of a National Infection and Control Strategy in regards to measures pertaining to enhancement of Standard Precautions mainly for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and identify activities that can be rapidly implemented.
6. Interpret and advise on national Infection Prevention and Control policy, to be practicable within the local situation.
7. Provide guidance on immediate IPC policies, resources, equipment and training needed for central, division and district level hospitals in order to ensure adequate preparations for response for outbreak.
8. Introduce, maintain and approve infection prevention and control policies and guidelines that promote a quality patient experience.
9. Ensure IPC elements are properly observed and monitored in the Weekly Epidemiological Monitor.
10. Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for measuring progress of implementation of activities related to epidemic and pandemic diseases.

Required qualifications:

Educational Qualification

Essential

· University degree in medicine or in other health sciences.

Desirable

· Masters level degree in public health or epidemiology is an advantage.

• Post-graduate training in health management information system, clinical / operational research on communicable diseases, or epidemiological surveillance is an advantage.

Experience:

Essential

· Minimum of 5 years' experience in Public Health or epidemiology.

Desirable

· International experience in epidemiology, or public health. Experience working with United Nations system.

Functional Knowledge and Skills

· Ability to interact with and advise Ministry of Health counterparts on technical areas related to communicable disease control;

· Broad knowledge of principles, practices, methodology and techniques in public health/epidemiology;

· Knowledge of the principles of field epidemiological investigations for communicable diseases, surveys, and programme monitoring and evaluation;

· Ability to develop plans and proposals;

· Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct;

Competencies:

· Communicating in a credible and effective way

· Producing results

· Knowing and managing yourself

· Moving forward in a changing environment

· Fostering integration and teamwork

Languages:

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential

Applicants should submit a brief resume of their relevant experience and other qualifications together with 2 sets of completed Personal History Form (PHF), Screening Questions, copies of educational certificate and give reasons for being suitable of the post.

A Personal History Form and detailed vacancy notice can be downloaded from **http://www.searo.who.int/bangladesh/about/employment/en/.

Applicants are advised to send their applications by courier/registered mail to**:**

The WHO Representative, House No. CWN (A) 16, Road No.48, Gulshan # 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh.

Please send a soft copy of PHF to sebanregistry@who.int.

A written test using computer and an interview will be held only for qualifying candidates.

"WHO is committed to workforce diversity and qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply"*.*

We regret that due to large volume of applications normally received, applications cannot be acknowledged individually. This vacancy is open to Bangladeshi Nationals only\*.*“*Any attempt to unduly influence on WHO’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant***.”