Consultant to support the ACIPC in developing Dental IPC guidelines based on findings of the National Dental Assessment

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices are essential for ensuring patient safety, preventing healthcare-associated infections, and promoting best practices among healthcare providers. Aligning with this goal, the USAID Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services (MTaPS) program has recently conducted a national assessment of IPC practices, with a particular focus on dental settings. This assessment has identified several gaps and challenges that must be addressed to achieve optimal IPC standards.

In response to these findings and a formal request from the MOH’s Infection Prevention and Control Department, MTaPS is initiating an activity to update the IPC policies and procedures manual for PHC centers, which was originally developed in 2009. The updated manual will incorporate the latest IPC best practices, guidelines and international standards, tailored to the Jordan context, including gaps and challenges found in the latest assessment, with a dedicated section for the unique IPC requirements of dental settings, in addition to other PHC departments. This update will contribute to improving IPC practices across all PHC centers, ensuring they meet current standards and best practices.

MTaPS is hiring a consultant to assist in revising the manual and updating the required sections in coordination with the MOH counterparts, ensuring it aligns with the most recent evidence-based practices and addresses the identified gaps and challenges.

The consultant will be supervised by, and report to the IPC/AMR Senior Technical Advisor (STA) at MTaPS Jordan. The consultant will liaise with the acting country project director, other country team members, relevant MTaPS headquarters, and regional technical staff, and will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other national stakeholders.

Description of Services to be provided:

1. Review the last IPC Policies and Procedures Manual for PHC: The consultant will review the last published national IPC guidelines, policies, and procedures for PHC and the most up-to-date international guidelines and standards.

2. Review the National IPC Assessment in Dental Settings Findings: The consultant will review the results and analysis of the national IPC dental assessment conducted by MTaPS in the public and private sectors, gaining an understanding of the specific challenges and areas for improvement in dental settings.

3. Engage with Stakeholder: Engage with key stakeholders, including the MOH’s Infection Prevention and Control Department, primary healthcare professionals, maternal and child health experts, dental healthcare professionals, Advisory Committee for IPC, public health officials, and regulatory bodies, to gather input and perspectives on IPC priorities and requirements for PHC settings.

4. Facilitate the technical working group (TWG) meetings: Act as a facilitator for the TWG meetings to ensure productive discussions and outcomes, keep the group focused on achieving its goals, and document the processes, challenges, decisions, and recommendations.

5. Develop the PHC IPC Policies and Procedures Manual: Develop an updated version of the comprehensive IPC policies and procedures manual for PHC settings based on evidence-based practices, international standards, and stakeholder input. The manual should include clear policies, procedures, and protocols for preventing, managing and reducing infections in PHC settings. 6. Alignment and Compliance: Ensure that the IPC manual aligns with relevant national regulations, international standards, and best practices in IPC, including guidance on implementation strategies and compliance monitoring mechanisms.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) or a related field.

• At least 7 years working in IPC, preferably in primary healthcare settings with the government or private sector in Jordan.

• In-depth knowledge of national and international IPC manuals, standards, policies, and best practices.

• Ability to prepare training materials and presentations, including elearning.

• Strong understanding of primary healthcare center settings, workflows, patient care processes, and risk factors for Health care associated infections.

• Prior experience working with international organizations or USAID funded projects preferred.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders effectively, especially with government representatives.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft and Google suites of products.

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.

• Proven ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable recommendations.

• Ability to organize the work under minimal supervision.

• Experience in manual development, including the ability to produce clear, evidence-based policies, procedures, protocols, reports, SOPS and other technical document.

MSH is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.