IPC supervisor

The main purpose of the Position

Plan, organize, Implement and supervise, monitor and analyze the results of an infection control program in a project or health facility, according to MSF/MoH protocols, safety and IPC measures, in order to en-sure quality of care and safety of patients, caretakers and staff.

Accountabilities

• Carry out the functions and tasks associated to infection prevention and control (IPC).
• In collaboration with each service activity manager/supervisor, maintain and support the day-to-day implementation of infection prevention and control practices includes standard precautions and risk assessment in health structures in all departments including sterilization, laundry and kitchen.
• Based on a given patient-diagnosis, collaborates with the medical team to evaluate the need and support for IPC implementation, if needed, for transmission-based precautions (air, droplet and con-tact).
• In collaboration with the service supervisor, implement transmission-based precautions for air, droplet and contact transmissible diseases when indicated, and monitor adherence.
• Provide regular clinical and technical supervision, training and support to the staff on IPC related is-sues using existing tools such as audits, checklists, or surveillance.
• Ensure that organizational aspects in the facility are respected (bed spacing, number of handwashing stations etc…), the correct ‘clean and dirty flows’ inside the healthcare facility and together with the Logistics Manager and Water and Sanitation Supervisor, that the essential WatSan requirements are available in the health structures.
• Improve compliance with aseptic care technique and the correct use of antiseptics, detergent and disinfectants, through training and audits.
• Ensure quality, correct and rational use of IPC material and equipment and monitor consumption in-cludes cleaning materials and equipment, PPE, etc.
• As core member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, make sure the meeting is regular, lively and pro-active, facilitating the development and following up the Infection Prevention and Control Action Plan.
• Participate and coordinate actively in other group/ as Antimicrobial Stewardship and Quality of Care.
• Provide effective response in case of epidemics and MDRO alert/outbreak and activation of contingen-cy plan and outbreak response committee.
• Active participation to nursing care regarding IPC aspects.
• Elaborate regular reporting, and meeting minutes to have updated and reliable information about IPC activities.
• Carry out administrative tasks together with HR regarding staff recruitment, training/induction, evalua-tion, potential detection, coaching, development and communication to ensure both level, the sizing and the amount of knowledge required.
• Organize and coordinate the supervision of the team under his/her responsibility and participate in the associated HR processes of evaluation.
• Shares regular feedback/reports to IPC committee and concerned Supervisors, NAM, MAM, MTL, PMR and staff as needed on positive and points to be improved

Note :

• IPC standard precautions include Hand Hygiene, risk assessment at point of care, appropriate patient placement, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), prevention of accidental exposure to body fluids, safe and appropriate treatment of re-usable medical devices, sterilization, aseptic technique, safe handling of laboratory samples, waste, waste management, cleaning and disinfection of surface and environment, safe linen management, respiratory hygiene and individual hygiene for staff, caretakers and patients.
• WatSan essential requirements include water supply, solid waste, medical waste management and water waste treatment/disposal, latrines and shower facilities, dead bodies management, and vector control.
• Transmission-based Precautions (TBP): are the second level of basic infection prevention control and are to be used in addition to standard precautions for patients who may be infected or colonized with certain infectious agents for which additional precautions are needed to prevent infection transmission (contact, droplet, airborne).

MSF Section/Context-Specific Accountabilities

Target Health Centers:
The intervention focuses on Adey Ababa and Jemu Health Centers, which serve 18,082 under-15 children. Key gaps include:

• Healthcare
• WASH
• Referrals: referral systems to Bachuma Primary Hospital.

Operational Strategies:

1. Emergency Preparedness: Train health workers in outbreak response, develop EPREP plans, and strengthen surveillance.
2. Healthcare Delivery: Provide free OPD services, immunization support, and ensure continuous medical supplies.
3. WASH Interventions: Rehabilitate wells, improve water storage, build latrines, and train hygiene committees.
4. Capacity Building: Strengthen local health systems and community resilience for sustainable impact.

Major tasks and responsibilities:

1. Integrated Nursing & IPC Supervision
   • Oversee daily nursing activities while enforcing strict adherence to MSF and Ethiopian national nursing protocols and IPC standards
   • Ensure rational prescription practices through close collaboration with PMR and Pharmacy Supervisor in line with MSF and Ethiopian treatment guidelines
   • Monitor implementation of sterilization protocols and aseptic techniques according to established standards
2. IPC Program Implementation
   • Conduct regular IPC audits using standardized tools to assess compliance with both MSF and Ethiopian health facility requirements
   • Lead the IPC Committee to develop and track corrective action plans
   • Coordinate with WatSan teams to ensure water, sanitation and hygiene standards are maintained per guidelines
3. Capacity Building & Staff Development
   • Organize and deliver training sessions on MSF and Ethiopian IPC protocols and best practices
   • Mentor clinical staff on infection prevention measures and nursing care, and proper therapeutic education approaches
4. Emergency Preparedness & Response
   • Implement outbreak response protocols in accordance with MSF and national epidemic management guidelines
   • Ensure availability and proper use of essential IPC supplies during emergencies
5. Monitoring, Reporting & Quality Improvement
   • Track and report on IPC and nursing indicators using standardized monitoring tools
   • Document and report adverse events through proper channels
   • Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives for patient safety

Education :

• Essential: Nursing or Midwife diploma /bachelor
• Preferable: Certificate or Degree in IPC
• Essential working experience of at least two years in nursing activities related jobs. Desirable working experience in MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries. Experience in IPC and nurse as a manager or supervisor are highly desirable

Experience:

• Essential: Nursing or Midwife diploma /bachelor
• Preferable: Certificate or Degree in IPC
• Essential working experience of at least two years in nursing activities related jobs. Desirable working experience in MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries. Experience in IPC and nurse as a manager or supervisor are highly desirable

Knowledge: 

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel, and internet)

Competencies:

• Results and Quality Orientation L2
• Teamwork and Cooperation L2
• Behavioral Flexibility L2
• Commitment to MSF Principles L2
• Stress Management L3

Language: English and Knowledge of other local Languages is an asset.