IPC SUPERVISOR (Fixed Term Renewable) at MSF In Borno

Médecins Sans Frontières is a private, international organisation. The organisation is made up mainly of doctors and health sector workers and is also open to all other professions which might help in achieving its aims.

Médecins Sans Frontières provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict. They do so irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political convictions. www.msf.org

The following vacancy is open to RESIDENTS IN NIGERIA.
Location: Maiduguri
Contract Period: definite (Subject to renew after a successful completion of the probation period)

Main Purpose
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 ensure quality of care and safety of patients, caretakers and staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 contact).

• 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 issues 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 includes 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 contingency plan and outbreak response committee.

• Active participation to nursing care regarding IPC aspects.

• Elaborate regular reporting and meeting minutes to provide updated and reliable information about IPC activities.

• Carry out administrative tasks together with HR regarding staff recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, coaching, development, and communication to ensure the level, size, and amount of knowledge required.

• Organize and coordinate the supervision of the team under his/her responsibility and participate in the associated HR evaluation processes.

• Share regular feedback/reports to the IPC committee and concerned supervisors, NAM, MAM, MTL, PMR, and staff as needed on positive points that need improvement.

Note:

• IPC standard precautions include Hand Hygiene, risk assessment at the point of care, appropriate patient placement, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), prevention of accidental exposure to body fluids, safe and adequate 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’s essential requirements include water supply, solid waste, medical waste management, water waste treatment/disposal, latrines and shower facilities, dead body management, and vector control.

• Transmission-based Precautions (TBP) are the second level of essential infection prevention control and are to be used in addition to standard precautions for patients who may be infected or colonized with specific infectious agents for which additional precautions are needed to prevent infection transmission (contact, droplet, airborne).

MSF Context Specific Accountabilities

As an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Supervisor for a paediatric nutritional hospital, you will ensure a safe and healthy environment for vulnerable children, their families, and staff. Your role extends beyond the main hospital to include outreach unit and an Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ATFC), requiring you to adapt IPC strategies to different settings and patient needs.

• Maintain Day-to-Day IPC Practices: Work with department supervisors to ensure the consistent application of standard precautions, including hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, and risk assessments. You will also monitor IPC practices in specific areas like the laundry, kitchen, and sterilization department, ensuring they meet the unique needs of a paediatric facility.

• Supervise and Train Staff: Provide regular supervision, technical guidance, and training to staff on IPC issues. This includes using tools like audits and checklists to improve compliance with aseptic techniques and the correct use of antiseptics and disinfectants.

• Ensure Environmental Safety: Work with the logistics and EH teams to ensure essential requirements are met. This includes proper bed spacing, clear “clean and dirty flows” within each facility, and adequate access to WatSan resources like handwashing stations, safe water, and waste management systems.

• Manage Outbreaks: with the Outbreak management team to respond to potential outbreaks of infectious diseases or multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). You will activate the contingency plan, coordinate with the outbreak response committee, and ensure effective control measures are implemented promptly.

• Support Patient Care: Collaborate closely with the medical team to assess individual patient needs and implement transmission-based precautions (e.g., airborne, droplet, contact) when necessary. You’ll ensure these precautions are followed correctly to prevent the spread of infections.

• Coordinate with the IPC Committee: Serve as a key member of the IPC Committee, facilitating regular meetings to develop, implement, and track progress on the IPC action plan. You will also actively participate in other groups focused on Antimicrobial Stewardship and Quality of Care.

• Manage Resources and Reporting: Monitor the correct and rational use of IPC materials and equipment, including PPE and cleaning supplies. You will also create regular reports and meeting minutes to provide accurate, updated information on IPC activities.

• Provide Feedback and Communication: Regularly share feedback and reports with the IPC Committee, department supervisors, and relevant staff. This includes highlighting areas of success and identifying opportunities for improvement to continuously enhance IPC standards.

Minimum Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education

  • Essential: Nursing or Midwife diploma /bachelor

• Experience

  • Preferable: Certificate or Degree in IPC

    • Preferable: Previous working experience working with MSF or other NGOs

    • Experience in IPC, OT, or Intensive Care Unit is an asset

• Languages

  • English, local language desirable

• Knowledge

  • Essential computer literacy in MS Office packages (Word, Excel, internet, SharePoint, OneDrive)

• Competencies

  • Results driven and quality service orientation

    • Teamwork and Cooperation

    • Behavioural Flexibility

    • Commitment to MSF Principles

    • Stress Management

How To Apply

MSF is an equal opportunity employer, both men and women are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit their application, including cover letter, resume and copy of relevant certificates and NYSC certificate/Exemption Letters using the link below:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

Dead Line: Wednesday 20th August 2025
Please note only short-listed candidates will be notified and invited for interview; MSF Belgium takes this opportunity to thank all potential candidates for their application.

Important:

• Dual Employment is considered gross misconduct and hence not acceptable.

• Applications should be sent through the indicated channel else application will not be entertained.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the next steps.

• MSF reserves the right to cancel any step or whole of the recruitment process at any stage.