IPC MNH Officer (2)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior IPC MNCH Advisor, the IPC MNH Officer will support the implementation of the MCGL BEVD Project, which aims to strengthen Rwanda's capacity for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), outbreak readiness, and preparedness for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEVD) through Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services.

The Officer will be embedded within selected health facilities and will serve as a focal point for strengthening and sustaining IPC practices across selected districts, hospitals, and their catchment areas. The role will provide capacity-building, mentorship, and on-site technical assistance to healthcare workers, with the goal of ensuring health facilities are prepared to prevent and manage BEVD outbreaks, including potential resurgence or importation while ensuring continuity of MNCH services.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous on-site mentorship and coaching to IPC focal persons, healthcare providers MNH team, and facility leadership on evidence-based IPC practices tailored to BEVD outbreaks risk.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of IPC workplans aligned with national guidelines and MCGL project objectives.
• Conduct routine facility assessments using standardized tools (e.g., IPC/WASH HERO CAPE checklist, IPCAF), and support facilities in analyzing findings and implementing corrective actions.
• Reviews IPC measures implemented by supported health facilities, coaches and advises health providers on how to strengthen infection prevention, as part of ongoing capacity strengthening efforts.
• Develop and enforce infection prevention and control protocols, policies, and guidelines in compliance with national and international standards.
• Strengthen triage, screening, and isolation procedures, ensuring safe patient flow and adherence to protocols in MNH services.
• Promote hand hygiene compliance and environmental cleaning standards, supporting behavior change through practical demonstrations and supportive supervision.
• Collaborate with facility IPC committees and district-level teams to coordinate IPC-related planning, monitoring, and training activities.
• Reviews training needs, and based on findings, and together with facility-based trainers, conduct training in IPC for staff at district hospitals, health centers and health posts in districts of appointment to improve infection prevention and control measures.
• Support preparedness for outbreak response, including supply readiness, staff training in PPE use, and simulation exercises for BEVD outbreaks scenarios.
• Ensure continuous coaching, mentorship on MNH services within supported districts (Hospitals and HCs).
• Ensure the DBM are regular strengthening their capacity to provide MNH services.
• Support in coordination of project-led procurement and distribution of basic IPC equipment and commodities to health facilities, in collaboration with district hospitals, health centers and posts in the districts of appointment.
• Work closely with the district health officers and hospital leaderships to advocate and share all IPC issues that may impact the community wellbeing.
• Document and share success stories, lessons learned, and performance reports, contributing to project learning and continuous improvement.
• Ensure integration of IPC measures into routine services and public health emergency response plans.
• Participate in joint supervision visits, reviews, and coordination meetings with the Ministry of Health, RBC, PHEOC and other stakeholders.

Reporting

• Document IPC/MNH activities and assist with identification of best practices at district and community levels.
• Document and report progress on IPC and MNH measures in districts of appointment.
• Document successes, lessons learned and challenges in implementation as well as reports of project activities and results to the project and donor, including routine monthly reports and other reporting requirements as requested, in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with data use & M&E officer to ensure that the learnings from the project implementation are being tracked and information analysed to inform the changes being brought in the project.
• Support program data analysis and interpretation, and use findings to plan interventions accordingly in supported activities.

Representation in Technical Meetings/Discussions

• Represent MCGL BEVD project/Jhpiego in relevant meetings organized by supported Districts.
• Participate in technical meetings with MOH/RBC and other partner meetings as may be requested from time to time.
• Present updates on IPC/MNH in internal technical meetings or as may be requested by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, midwifery, Public Health, or related health field. Having Master's degree will be an advantage.
• Formal training or certification in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is highly desirable.
• Formal training or certification in EmONC, HMS, HBB, ENC, National neonatal protocol and any other maternal newborn intervention is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 to 6 years of clinical or public health experience, with 3 years directly related to IPC implementation or mentoring in healthcare settings.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills with the ability to build trust and capacity among facility staff.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data collection/reporting tools.
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda; French is an added advantage.
• Willingness to be based at the health facility and travel within the appointed districts/hospitals catchment areas as needed.

Key Competencies

• Technical expertise in IPC and outbreak preparedness.
• Capacity-building and adult learning techniques.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Commitment to quality improvement and health security.