Job Summary

Vital Strategies is a US-based international public health organization working in more than 70 countries to strengthen public health systems and address leading causes of morbidity and mortality. 

Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a global health initiative of Vital Strategies that since 2017 has worked closely with low- and middle-income country governments, the World Health Organization, academic and other civil society partners to strengthen national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemic threats and build capacity for and implement a core package of interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease. In partnership with the World Health Organization and Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), RTSL has been supporting the implementation of a hypertension control program in 70 government primary health care facilities in five regions and two city administrations since March 2020. In collaboration with implementing partners, RTSL will build upon its healthcare worker training program to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) and make primary health facilities safer against COVID-19 through longitudinal capacity building, supportive supervision, monitoring of key indicators, and data use to guide tailored interventions at the health facility and national levels. 

In Ethiopia, RTSL is launching a new joint initiative of its Preventing Epidemics and Cardiovascular Health (CVH) teams to improve overall infection prevention and control measures, mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and maintain essential hypertension care services in primary health facilities and the community. 

Overall Role:

Reporting to the Clinical Service Director/Deputy Director, the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialist, seconded to the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health, will provide technical assistance to the FMOH in support of a unified, evidence-based strategy and coordinated approach to IPC implementation. The incumbent will work in collaboration with the FMOH, NGOs, multi-lateral and bi-lateral partners, and other organizations to develop and implement national, district, and community level strategies to improve IPC practices in Ethiopia. In addition, the incumbent will monitor and evaluate IPC implementation to meet national and international standards, support quality improvement initiatives, and conduct supportive site supervision visits as needed. In addition, the incumbent will support FMOH coordination for the RTSL initiative and work closely with RTSL’s Ethiopia Hypertension Control Program Manager, Program Coordinator, and FMOH colleagues at the national and regional level to strengthen IPC at primary health facilities. 

Key duties and responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health and working in close collaboration with the RTSL Country Director/Program Coordinator, the incumbent shall:

• Provide technical assistance to the FMOH in support of a unified, evidence-based strategy and coordinated approach to IPC implementation
• Coordinate high-quality, current, evidence-based training on IPC
• Provide mentorship and ongoing capacity building for IPC mentors to ensure appropriate facility monitoring visits are effective and IPC gaps are identified and addressed
• With RTSL program coordinator, IPC mentors, and regional coordinators, conduct periodic quality assurance visits to health facilities
• Synthesize health facility data on IPC and identify existing gaps; work with implementing partners on addressing existing gaps through capacity building, mentorship, and supportive supervision
• Support data use for evidence-based policy and decision making
• Participate in bi-weekly meetings with the FMOH and RTSL teams to ensure coordination of activities and prepare reports

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements:

• Have first degree in medicine, nursing, public health (Health officer) or Environmental health and Master’s degree in Environmental Health or related discipline

Required Experience and skills

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in infection prevention and control of large-scale health and health service delivery and systems strengthening programs
• Experience in leading & coordinating IPC related programs and activities during emergency and outbreak management
• Must possess proven knowledge and skills in IPC, including management and implementation of IPC programs at health facilities
• Ability to provide technical expertise in applying IPC principles to a range of different settings
• Solid knowledge of monitoring and evaluation of infectious disease programs
• Strong organizational and extensive management experience and communication skills including demonstrated ability to work effectively with persons at all levels of the public health system
• Proven ability to multitask on various planning and implementation processes within a high paced work environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with various types of partners including Ministries of Health
• Proficiency in MS Office applications 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV to the following link