Environmental Health Engineer Officer

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 25 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies. 

The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting refugees and vulnerable host communities. IRC Uganda has it country office in Kampala and regional offices in Amudat, Imvepi, Isingiro, Kitgum, Kyegegwa, Lamwo, Moroto and Yumbe. The current program portfolio includes health, protection and rule of law, women’s protection and empowerment, and economic recovery and development programming. Since June 2019, IRC Uganda has been implementing an ECHO-funded, IRC-led Ebola virus disease (EVD) preparedness project in Kyegegwa, Kasese and Kagadi districts, as part of a consortium with Medical Teams International (MTI).

The International Rescue Committee in Uganda is currently constructing triages/Isolation units, rehabilitating/constructing water supply and water storage, sanitation, hygiene and waste management infrastructure in health facilities and providing infection prevention and control (IPC) training and supplies in Kyegegwa, Kagadi and Kasese as part of EVD Preparedness program.

SCOPE OF WORK

With support from the EH Manager – TTA, oversee the day to day management of the IPC/WASH aspects of EVD preparedness program according to international standards and national guidelines.

Under the direct supervision of the EH Manager – TTA with close coordination with the Health Consortium Coordinator , the EH Engineer Officer will provide technical oversight in the implementation of WASH/IPC related activities with more focus on infrastructure designs and construction, supervision and capacity building on water quality, hygiene, sanitation and waste management activities in the triages/ isolation units in partnership with the consortium staff members responsible for supervision of patient management.

Key responsibilities include:

Program

• Conduct assessments on the status of Environmental Health/WASH infrastructure and IPC practices, identify IPC-related risks, barriers to safe practices and priorities in IRC targeted health facilities.

• Preparescopes of work, designs, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, work schedules, construction supervisionand technical reviewsforrehabilitation and construction of Environmental Health/WASH infrastructure (water supply, sanitation, healthcare waste management, pre-triage facilities, triage and isolation facilities) at health supported by IRC as part of EVD preparedness activities Participate in contract design, tendering and contractor performance as required for the implementation of interventions

• Support design and planning of activities geared towards reducing risky IPC practices, with reference to both physical and behavioral aspects at targeted IRC supported health facilities.
• Ensure correct strict processes and IPC protocols for overall water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management at the triages and isolation facilities are adhered to at all times by staff.
• Support development of requisite and appropriate IPC SOPs from time-to-time when and where required during implementation taking into account changing context and existing practices
• Ensure that all the necessary resources are in place to deliver on the IPC/WASH activities (staff, logistics, supplies etc.)
• Ensure accurate management of the IPC/WASH program budget to ensure that activities are delivered in a timely and cost-efficient way.
• Monitor program budgets to ensure that relevant activities are being implemented in accordance with agreed budgets
• Prepare procurement plans and work with supply chain team to ensure timely procurement of all necessary supplies.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Manage and provide leadership to the IPC/WASH teams, contributing to their capacity building and career development including through on-the-job training.

Coordination

• When needed represent IRC in all IPC/WASH Coordination forums in the IRC program areas when called upon. Act as IRC’s focal point for the EVD preparedness forums for IPC/WASH component, participating in the meetings and other workshops.
• When needed support EH Manager with community liaison through working with Consortium partners, local Government health institutions and Facility heads on EH/WASH related issues as well as other agencies operational in IRC operational areas regularly to ensure coordination and effective implementation of activities.

• Excellent understanding of Environmental Health/WASHissues in emergency situations/contexts and knowledge of emergency standards (Sphere) in health care settings
• Robust leadership, management, planning, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills;
• Excellent initiator, able to manage multiple tasks.
• Able to work under pressure and good at timely decision making.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, and CAD of Infrastructures (ACAD, ArchiCAD etc.)
• Excellent professional approach and strong team building skills.