Wash Officer at World Health Organization (WHO)

Wash Officer at World Health Organization (WHO)

Position: Wash Officer

Location: Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Job Posting: Aug 26, 2024, 5:59:05 PM

Closing Date: Sep 10, 2024, 12:59:00 AM

Purpose of the contract:

For decades, the United Republic of Tanzania has been actively addressing public health emergencies. Throughout this period, the World Health Organization (WCO) has consistently provided support and guidance to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the implementation of preparedness and response measures for various health emergencies including Cholera. In the year 2023, Tanzania experienced several outbreaks of cholera in various regions, whereby as of 31st Dec 2023 there were a total of 1,040 cases and 20 deaths (CFR =1.9 %) reported from the 12 regions of Tanzania Mainland.

Since 1st January 2024 cholera outbreaks have been reported in 20 regions in Tanzania Mainland, where a total of 3,820 cases and 65 deaths (CFR 1.9%) have been reported. Out of 20 regions, Cholera outbreak was declared over in 12 regions. Field assessments and situation reports have indicated weak WASH conditions in some of the affected regions. Evidence supports that strengthening IPC and WASH at healthcare facilities and the community level will prevent and control infection spread, thereby protecting both healthcare workers and the community. WHO has continued providing technical and operational support to MOH and partners in combating the ongoing Cholera response, as well as supporting national efforts in strengthening preparedness and response activities for other events.

Work to be performed

• Recognizing the critical role of IPC/WASH in cholera outbreak containment and preventing the spread of infection, upon reviewing the ongoing efforts by the WHO Incident Management team to support cholera outbreak response in the country, it has been revealed the necessity to further strengthen the WHOs Cholera response efforts.
• The suggested WASH Officer will be assigned to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other partners and contribute to the effectiveness of the country’s Cholera response.

Deliverables

Key Deliverables From This Assignment Will Include:

• Provide technical guidance on tools and procedures for emergency rapid assessment for water, hygiene, sanitation, and waste management and infection control inventory and needs in the health facilities and communities for prevention and response to Cholera and other highly infectious diseases.
• Identify WASH related gaps and propose remedial actions and strategies for cholera prevention and response.
• Provide technical expertise in the adaptation and implementation of WASH guidelines and standards for readiness and response to cholera and other public health emergencies
• Provide technical expertise and when required, onsite support to the health partners on prioritization and implementation of WASH interventions for cholera response.
• Provide technical support to ensure applicability and appropriate implementation of the recommended infection control activities in the health facilities and communities including medical waste management, decontamination, health workers and patient’s protection and safe and dignified burial of infectious bodies.
• Provide technical guidance for the designing, rehabilitation, or construction of cholera treatment units (CTU) and to ensure that WASH, and IPC set up in the CTUs, health facilities are conducted according to WHO Standards.
• Organize and facilitate required training for health workers and community health workers to enhance in country competences and facilitate the compliance with the WASH standards for prevention and control of cholera outbreak
• Follow up and report country progress on health facility and community WASH response activities at national and subnational level in the context of the incident management system.
• Participate in WASH pillar meetings and other government and partners WASH coordination and technical platforms and provide appropriate guidance.
• Prepare and share required technical situation and evaluation reports to ensure appropriate communication with the WASH lead, Incident Manager, and all related technical experts.
• Support designing and implementation of a Monitoring and Evaluation for WASH interventions during the outbreak to measure the performance of the response.
• Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the supervisor.

Specific Requirements

Language:English and Swahili Language is required

Education:

Essential: First university degree in Environmental Health, Engineering, water resources, environmental management, or a field related to humanitarian WASH from an accredited/ recognized institution, with specialization in water and sanitation.

Desirable: Advanced university (Master’s level or above) in public health, water sanitation, and hygiene. Degree or training in computer applications in water and sanitation project design and related database systems.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in the design and implementation of water and sanitation and hygiene or related projects in emergency situations.
• Experience in developing and promoting collaborative actions with government authorities.
• Sound knowledge of WHO mandate and goals, relevant work experience in UN organizations/agencies, international institutions, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or NGOs.
• Skills Demonstrated knowledge of emergency response situations in the field of water and sanitation with proven ability to identify and solve technical problems in difficult circumstances.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with proven ability to elaborate and implement projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to promote cohesive actions and convince officials with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner, and to present information. Knowledge of WHO, the UN System or NGO work in the field of response relief and/or of their practices and procedures as related to the work.

Purpose of the contract:

For decades, the United Republic of Tanzania has been actively addressing public health emergencies. Throughout this period, the World Health Organization (WCO) has consistently provided support and guidance to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the implementation of preparedness and response measures for various health emergencies including Cholera. In the year 2023, Tanzania experienced several outbreaks of cholera in various regions, whereby as of 31st Dec 2023 there were a total of 1,040 cases and 20 deaths (CFR =1.9 %) reported from the 12 regions of Tanzania Mainland.

Since 1st January 2024 cholera outbreaks have been reported in 20 regions in Tanzania Mainland, where a total of 3,820 cases and 65 deaths (CFR 1.9%) have been reported. Out of 20 regions, Cholera outbreak was declared over in 12 regions. Field assessments and situation reports have indicated weak WASH conditions in some of the affected regions. Evidence supports that strengthening IPC and WASH at healthcare facilities and the community level will prevent and control infection spread, thereby protecting both healthcare workers and the community. WHO has continued providing technical and operational support to MOH and partners in combating the ongoing Cholera response, as well as supporting national efforts in strengthening preparedness and response activities for other events.

Work to be performed

Recognizing the critical role of IPC/WASH in cholera outbreak containment and preventing the spread of infection, upon reviewing the ongoing efforts by the WHO Incident Management team to support cholera outbreak response in the country, it has been revealed the necessity to further strengthen the WHOs Cholera response efforts. The suggested WASH Officer will be assigned to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other partners and contribute to the effectiveness of the country’s Cholera response.

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