VUFO NGO Resource Centre
IPC/HAI Senior Specialist
POSITION TITLE: IPC/HAI Senior Specialist
STATUS: Full time, Exempt
LOCATION: Hanoi, Vietnam
LANGUAGE: English and Vietnamese
Position Description
Background
Recruitment for the IPC/HAI Senior Specialist is now open. Interested candidates are requested to submit their application ONLY at the link: https://globalhealth-aphl.icims.com/jobs/1249/senior-specialist%2c-ipc-hai-%28hanoi%2c-vietnam%29/job.
The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) senior specialist will support the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) in meeting the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) goals and address the challenges presented by HAI (including hospital and laboratory settings). APHL work is conducted through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working closely with both the Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP) and the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (DGHT) in supporting CDC Vietnam.
MD or PhD or Master in Nursing, Master in Life Sciences, or Master in Public Health is required for this position. The candidate will possess a doctoral or master’s degree and serve as a technical advisor or programming expert (depending on the qualification and experience) to advance implementation of IPC/HAI activities on behalf of APHL, and in collaboration with CDC Vietnam. The candidate will serve as a full-time contracted employee to APHL through September 29, 2021, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of funds. APHL Headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland and this is a field position located in Hanoi.
APHL (www.APHL.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally.
Scope
APHL is seeking a Senior Specialist with experience in healthcare IPC or HAI and has experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating health programs and coordinating with government and international agencies and other implementing partners. The scope of work will primarily focus on supporting GHSA activities with an emphasis on IPC/HAI activities. This individual will liaise with CDC, MOH, laboratory and healthcare personnel and other collaborating partners in Vietnam. The individual will have a strong understanding of healthcare settings, in Vietnam with relevant experience. The candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance in the design, implementation, and monitoring of strategies to strengthen IPC best practices and HAI surveillance
- Assist CDC and MOH to develop training materials for IPC/HAI and update and modify existing materials and methods such as lesson plans, work plans, guidelines, and other materials
- Assist with the training of personnel in HAI surveillance and monitoring of IPC implementation
- Assist CDC and MOH, as appropriate, with the development and dissemination of national policies and guidelines for HAI surveillance and IPC
- Support the development, approval and national dissemination of information, education and communication materials on HAI surveillance and IPC
- Support implementation and expansion of HAI surveillance systems and IPC quality improvement projects, as appropriate
- Promote the use of data from HAI surveillance system to inform HAI policies at the national and hospital level
- Review and synthesize existing assessments including Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports, and other assessment reports to identify activities for to improve and strengthen IPC efforts
- Provide program management oversight, coordination, and development for all APHL HAI/IPC activities
- Coordinates, plans, and otherwise facilitates the meetings between CDC, MOH and other stakeholders
- Actively participates in regularly scheduled and periodic meetings and coordination calls, including those with subject matter experts at CDC Atlanta
- Participate in writing publications, reports, briefings and/or other written and oral strategic and scientific communications to highlight accomplishments/progress of activities
- Represent APHL at national, regional, and global meetings (as appropriate)
- Other duties as requested
Knowledge & Skills
- Public health and clinical leadership, subject-matter expertise in IPC/HAI, evidence-based and results-oriented analysis, advocacy, and capacity building
- Consistent and clear communication with MOH and all other stakeholders
- Knowledge of HAI surveillance systems and IPC best practices
- Knowledge of current IPC/HAI activities and programs in Vietnam
- Familiarity of GHSA and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and strategies being used in Vietnam and/or elsewhere to support GHSA and emerging infectious diseases
- Synthesize information and translate into action
- Strong verbal communication and presentation skills required (English and Vietnamese)
Abilities
Ability to maintain an approachable attitude, act consistently and provide realistic advice in the context of resources. Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with partners and stakeholders with varying priorities. Ability to work with stakeholders to prioritize the needs and guide the planning and implementation process.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- A graduate scientific degree
- Minimum 4 years of experience in healthcare setting
- Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating health programs
- Experience developing and implementing trainings and providing necessary mentorship
- Knowledge of IPC or HAI methods Experience engaging with stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and across multiple partners
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Excellent work record that shows self-motivation and independent work
- Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Ability to travel within Vietnam to work for short-term (1-3 week) assignments at facilities that may be outside commuting distance to home
- Bilingual - fluent in written and spoken English and Vietnamese
Preferred
- PhD or MD with prior experience in IPC or HAI is preferred
- Knowledge and experience within public health programs in Vietnam
- Experience working with US Government grants and programs preferred
The duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this position description to meet the needs of its programs.
How to Apply
Please use the link below to complete the application in English.
Submissions will be reviewed by APHL. Staff selections will be made based on the applications received, relevant experience and demonstration of ability to work in dynamic settings.
APHL is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.