Recruitment of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) – COVID 19 Consultant

 

Company Overview:

Palladium develops and delivers solutions that create positive impact for communities, businesses, societies and economies. We transform lives and create enduring value by working with governments, corporations and non-profit organisations. We create positive impact through more than 100 current projects with more than 2000 employees operating in over 90 countries.

Palladium implements the USAID-funded Health Policy Plus (HP+) Project. HP+ strengthens health systems through evidence-informed policies, sustainable health financing, improved governance, and leadership and advocacy toward Sustainable Development Goals. The project aims to improve the enabling environment for equitable and sustainable health services, supplies, and delivery systems. Its efforts emphasize voluntary, rights-based health programs, and strengthening in-country partners’ capacity in policy, advocacy, governance, and finance. To date, HP+ has worked in 46 countries, helped mobilize US$1 billion in additional investments in health services, collaborated with more than 1,140 partner organizations, and contributed to the development, adoption, or strengthening of more than 115 policies, operational strategies, and legal and regulatory frameworks. 

 

Project Overview and Role:

The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic has posed new challenges to already strained health systems worldwide. Governments have had to start prevention, containment and mitigation measures without a complete understanding of viral transmission, epidemiology or effective supportive treatments for COVID-19. The USAID HP+ Activity is supporting developing countries strengthen their health system to respond to COVID-19 emergency. The IPC consultant will be based in the target country and will work with MoH and partners to improve IPC measures related to COVID-19.

 

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

In collaboration with Ministry of Health (MoH), local partners and HP+ Activity, the consultant will undertake the following activities to strengthen case management in target countries in relation to COVID-19 Pandemic:

  • Provide specialized advice and expertise in reviewing existing MoH infection prevention guidelines and incorporate COVID-19 related measures considering the internationally recommended standards.
  • Technically support development of job aides, training materials, information sheets on COVID-19 related infection prevention and control.
  • Provide advice, education and support to frontline health workers in select health facilities caring for COVID 19 patients.
  • Provide advice to health facilities designated for COVID-19 patients on IPC requirements and if possible, to other health facilities operating in hot spots.
  • Support development of basic IPC measures for home care for cases of COVID-19 quarantined at home.
  • Provide advice on the procurement of IPC equipment and supplies.
  • Provide training to frontline health workers at health facility as well as community level on infection prevention and control.
  • Review IPC data on regular bases in collaboration with local partners (Hospitals, health facilities, community level teams etc) and ensure compliance with standards using improvement methods.
  • Support health facilities in developing infection prevention and control annual plan.
  • Support development of tools on IPC for patients, families and communities and conduct training and orientation on how to implement and use these tools.
  • Develop basic tools for monitoring COVID-19 related IPC indicators and data collection tools.
  • Activate IPC committees in communities and health facilities with training, tools, measurement packages, job aides.
  • Coaching IPC coordinators on leadership role in driving reliable practices.

 

Required Qualifications:

A clinical degree (Medical Doctor, nurse or equivalent) is required with minimum of 2 years’ clinical experience.

  • At least two years’ experience in infection prevention and control in health sector preferably hospitals.
  • Ability to translate and adapt international guidelines into local context. In dept understanding of the country’s health system.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with senior MoH officials at national and subnational levels.
  • A diploma or certificate in Infection prevention and control preferred.
  • Basic computer literacy in using (Word, Excel, Power point)
  • Ability to work alone and in teams and have strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Able to travel to different sites within country based on need.
  • Must currently reside in target country (El Salvador, Guatemala)
  • Spanish fluency required (preference given to native speakers); English skills desirable

 

Duration:

  • 120 days spread over 9 months

Duty Station:

  • El Salvador, Guatemala (1 person in each country)

Selection Criteria:

  • Relevant Education – 30% weighting
  • Relevant Experience – 60% weighting
  • Cost – 10% weighting

Submission Details:

To submit your application, please email the following documentation to [email protected]

  • Resume
  • Proof of Education
  • Desired daily rate

Apply here