The Ministry of Health (MOH) has received a grant from the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) Cooperative Agreement (CoAg), a strategic mechanism of the United States Government (USG) to implement activities in line with its mandate in support of the Public health response to HIV/AIDS and other health systems. CDC will be supporting a pool of Human Resources that are expected to lead the implementation of the grant. The staff to be recruited under this grant will be contracted by the MOH. The contracts are for one (1) year renewable subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance of the staff.
Job Title: Infection Prevention and Control Specialist
Work station: Kampala-MOH
Reports to: Commissioner Health Services, Clinical Services

Job Purpose: The IPC Specialist, Clinical Services and shall serve on full-time basis to provide technical and strategic support on IPC and related issues. The incumbent shall work with and provide Technical Assistance (TA) and skills transfer to designated MOH IPC FP and also work with other Moh Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Program Managers and technical officers to support MoH, multilateral and bilateral partners, and other organizations to develop and implement national level strategies for improved IPC practices in Uganda.

The incumbent shall provide expertise on the principles and practices of IPC and shall work collaboratively with all partners to find innovative solutions for equitable implementation and application of IPC principles at all levels of Uganda’s decentralized health system.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• The main objective of the IPC Specialist shall be to ensure equity in access, availability and utilization of safe and high-quality healthcare for all Ugandans, and protection of the healthcare workforce and patients from dangerous pathogens and infections.
• Serve as a Technical Support Officer for the Ministry of Health, Regional Referral Hospitals and District Local Governments and all Development Partners in support of IPC at regional and district level as part of the multisectoral IPC approach.
• Work with designated MOH IPC FP and relevant stakeholders to FastTrack the development, revision, dissemination and monitor the implementation of National IPC Policy and Implementation Plan
• Work with technical partners to develop a framework and materials for IPC training, continuing professional education, ongoing mentorship for all IPC FPs, and establishment of a national network of IPC FPS.
• Develop standardized responses to outbreaks of healthcare associated infections, emerging pathogens, and significant AMR and support research initiatives in this field
• Provide expertise and technical support to stakeholders in healthcare, including aspects of Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement in IPC;
• Work with the National IPC committee to support stakeholders and lead the development of national IPC programs, policies, guidelines and standards aligned to the WHO Core Components of IPC programs
• Liaise and collaboratively work with the national AMR surveillance committee to strengthen AMR surveillance at hospitals and communities
• Adapt and tailor the standard IPC training package for use in pre-service and in-service training of various cadres of healthcare workers
• Work with Pharmacy Department and other stakeholders to improve supply chain management of critical IPC supplies such as PPE and cleaning/ disinfection materials
• Support at central, regional, and district levels to establish and maintain a reporting system for IPC output and outcome indicators and analyze, share, communicate and enhance utilization of IPC data for decision making.
• Liaise with Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN) in country as well as IPC coordinators in neighboring countries as part of a regional effort to improve IPC domestically and for prevention of disease spread across borders
• Work collaboratively with the Department of Health Promotion and Communication to design strategies, implementation frameworks, guidelines, standards and protocols for development, revision, dissemination of IFC materials for IPC
• Perform other tasks as assigned from time to time by the responsible Officer.

Functional Knowledge and skills
• Sound knowledge in planning, monitoring and evaluation of health programs, including emergency response (emergency response experience desired but not a requirement) Proven skills in working with and forming sustainable partnerships with national and international partners
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate cross-cutting scientific/programmatic activities and associated working groups to assure effective and efficient functioning and harmonization.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, organization and guiding actors and groups towards agreed upon goals
• Demonstrated ability to produce results and achieve targets
• Excellent knowledge of computer skills such as MS
• Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Must possess the sensitivity and maturity to deal appropriately with quality of care issues at national, regional, district and Health Facility levels
• Ability to exercise considerable ingenuity in applying IPC principles to unique and different settings
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with persons at all levels of the public health system

Skills
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Accountability and responsibility

Required Qualifications
• Master in Public Health (Infection Control), Master of Medicine, Pathology (Microbiology), Master of Medical Microbiology or any other related field.
• MBChB or Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology/ Science or A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or any other related field.
• PhD candidates in Clinical disciplines will have added advantage.
• Up to date practicing license from the relevant professional bodies like UNMC or UMDP.
• Training in Management and experience in teaching will desirable.

Experience
• Six (6) years of experience, working in the Ugandan health system at regional /national level and three (3) of which should be at a level of Senior Officer.
• Proven experience in managing teams and working effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment including developing and promoting collaborative actions.
• Demonstrated experience working with the Uganda Health System including working with National Referral Hospitals, Regional Referral Hospitals; District Hospitals and Local Governments.
• Experience in presenting data and/or plans to a variety of audiences including lay persons and technical specialists.

Method of Application

Application procedure Handwritten applications should be Hand Delivered to the Central Registry of the MOH Headquarters-Kampala between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday addressed to:
The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Health Headquarters (Central Registry)
Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Wandegeya
Tel. +256417-712260/ +256417-712221

Please include your telephone number and email contacts on the application. Applicants should attach the following:
a) Recent passport-size photograph.
b) Copy of the National Identity Card.
c) Detailed curriculum Vitae.
d) Certified copies of the academic certificates and transcripts.
e) Two recommendation letters from two of the most recent supervisors/employers.
f) A photocopy of your appointment letter for your most recent position.

Deadline for receiving applications is: Friday September 10, 2021; 5:00Pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The list of shortlisted candidates will be displayed on the MOH Noticeboard
Salary and Benefits: The position has attractive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.