Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) is an indigenous NGO established under nongovernmental organization act No 24 of 2002 in 2011. THPS works in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Community Development Gender Elderly and Special Groups; Regional Administration and Local Governments (PORALG), Ministry of Health in Zanzibar and Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) with a goal of ensuring accessible high-quality health care services to all Tanzanians; through strengthening of health systems for quality health services.

THPS therefore is seeking competent, experienced, dynamic and qualified candidates to fill the positions listed below

Position title: Infection Prevention and Control Program Officer

Reports to: Associate Director, Facility Services

Location: Dar es Salaam with 50% travel to Pwani, Kigoma and Shinyanga

Project: Afya Hatua (CDC/PEPFAR)

Scope of the role: 

The incumbent will work with CDC, other IPs and the Health Quality Assurance Unit (HQAU) of the MOH to review, refine and finalize the MoH developed IPC tools for all HF level settings including secondary and primary, develop protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This process will also involve comparing the national IPC monitoring tool within the national DHIS 2 with the PEPFAR SIMS CEE indicators and adapting as needed including critical elements required by PEPFAR to ensure that basic site safety/IPC standards are in place and adhered to in accordance to national IPC guidelines include Human Resources, IPC SOPs, incorporation of supply chain for IPC supplies and implement occupational health and safety. Once finalized and approved, S/He will work with the MoH to coordinate and support dissemination.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the HQAU of MOH to develop tools and a monitoring system facilitate implementation and monitoring sustainable IPC activities at HFs. S/He will also coordinate the engagement of other PEPFAR supported IPs.
• Provide support and coordination to the HQAU of the MoH in dissemination through training of HCWs and PEPFAR IPs staff as national TOTs from all regions
• Provide and facilitate systematic monitoring of IPC by the different PEPFAR supported IPs at supported HFs using the tools.
• Work with CDC, other IPs and the HQAU of the MOH to review, refine and finalize the IPC tools for all HF level settings.
• Coordinate PEPFAR IPs input in reviewing the new system prior to incorporating in the new SIMS guide to allow concentrated visits (IPC CEE only) and self-assessments by partners.
• Work with MOH and other PEPFAR IPs to disseminate IPC guidelines, assessment standards, SOPs and IPC M&E tools through training of TOTs, training of HCPs, supportive supervision and mentorship to all PEPFAR supported regions, districts and HFs.
• Liaise with the TB and IPC coordinators to supervise and implement IPC in supported HFs.
• Collaborate with the HQAU at MOH and other IPs implementing IPC to conduct regular IPC TWG meetings.
• Represent THPS in the national IPC meeting.
• Implement other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree in health science or equivalent from a recognized university.
• A medical or nursing degree with further specialization in infection prevention and control is an asset
• At least two years of experience working in IPC services/programs
• A demonstrable knowledge of standard and disease-specific IPC, a multi-modal approach to IPC, and WHO core IPC component is required
• Clear understanding of IPC in the context of global health security, emergency preparedness, and response is also required
• Demonstrable knowledge of infection control practices implemented at within Tanzanian health system.
• Experience in preparing and facilitating training for healthcare providers
• Familiar with of Tanzania health systems delivery, and working with MoH relevant departments is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (ability to work within GoT systems); as a member of a team and working independently.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical documents 

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send their application cover letter one-page maximum and CV four pages maximum to recruitment@thps.or.tz by October 28, 2022 with a subject line of ‘Position’ example Infection Prevention and Control Program Officer’. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please do not attach any certificates at this stage.  

THPS is an equal opportunity employer; women, people living with HIV/AIDS and people living with disability are encouraged to apply.