IPC/WASH Officers - NOA (multiple Duty Station)

Organizational Context

South Sudan faces significant public health challenges due to overlapping emergencies like outbreaks, displacement, and disrupted health services. The WHO aims to strengthen county-level capacity for readiness and response, particularly for threats like the Bundibugyo Virus Disease. This role is embedded within a county-level multidisciplinary team to enhance coordination, assess and address IPC/WASH gaps, and support rapid response efforts.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide essential technical and operational support at the county level for infection prevention and control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) readiness and response activities. The incumbent will focus on strengthening IPC/WASH measures within health facilities and communities, with an immediate emphasis on preparedness for the Bundibugyo Virus Disease. This involves ensuring safe patient flow, proper waste management, effective environmental cleaning, and adequate health worker protection. The role is critical for translating national guidelines into practical, on-the-ground actions to mitigate the risk of disease transmission and protect public health in a challenging environment.

Responsibilities

The County IPC/WASH Officer will lead the development and implementation of county-level IPC/WASH action plans aligned with national strategies. Responsibilities include strengthening county incident management structures, conducting readiness assessments in health facilities and other sites, and identifying/addressing critical IPC/WASH gaps. The role involves guiding facilities on safe patient flow, isolation procedures, and environmental controls. Training and mentoring health workers on standard and transmission-based precautions, including proper PPE use, is a key duty. The officer will also assess and ensure functionality of WASH infrastructure, monitor essential commodity stocks, support occupational health and safety for staff, and participate in rapid response missions. Data collection, reporting, and coordination with various health teams and partners are integral to the role.

Work Experience

Requires at least two years of relevant professional experience in IPC, WASH, clinical services, environmental health, outbreak response, or health-facility quality improvement. Experience in assessing health facilities, implementing IPC/WASH actions, training health workers, and working with government health authorities and partners is essential. Experience in viral hemorrhagic fever preparedness, working in complex humanitarian settings, or with international health organizations is desirable.

Skills

• Technical knowledge of IPC and WASH in healthcare and emergency settings. • Ability to translate technical standards into practical actions. • Training, coaching, and supervision skills. • Planning, coordination, and problem-solving abilities. • Strong communication and report-writing skills. • Ability to work under pressure and in difficult field environments. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. • Experience with digital data collection tools.

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