Environmental Health Specialist ~ Paradaise Today

Environmental Health Specialist

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a prominent international organization working in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression.

The International Rescue Committee is in discussions to run a 24 (40)-bed, Ebola Isolation Unit in Bo, Sierra Leone. The Unit will be a high-capacity, isolated unit which will require the oversight of 87 staff including 7 international staff, over a period of 3 months. Given the magnitude of the need, the plan is to set up the Unit immediately. Staff safety is an absolute priority and strict adherence to infection control procedures with be undertaken to protect staff. Given the tedious nature of the work, personal protective equipment which must be worn at all times in the heat and need for strict adherence to infection control protocols, staff will have ample rest time.

SCOPE OF WORK/RESPONSABILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the EH Coordinator, the Environmental Health Specialist will lead the hygiene, sanitation and waste management operations in the IU and in any other Case Management Unit that IRC could potentially open further. The responsibilities include:

Ensuring correct strict process and protocols for overall water, hygiene, sanitation and waste management at the IUs.
Ensure hygiene and sanitation facilities meet standards; lead on upgrading facilities as needed
The hiring and training of EH national staff in SL
Setup of waste management facilities
Implementing and oversight of strict protocols with the EH team for infection prevention and control and waste management
This position will enter the wet area of the IU
Staff Supervision & Development
Directly supervise EH local staff at the IU ( 37-40 people )
Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
Overall responsible for staff work plans, work and vacation-resting schedules, and staff training/development activities
Grant Monitoring & Reporting
Development/ maintenance of effective and efficient oversight, support, quality control and reporting systems and processes.
Ensure regular field monitoring and modifications as required.
Contributing to IRC and donor reports as per set schedules (monthly, quarterly and annually) on grant activities, indicators and achievements are produced in quality.
Other
Consistently and proactively monitor/assess the safety and security of the team; promptly reporting concerns or incidents to EH Coordinator and/or IRC management and liaising with community leaders and other external parties as required to maintain/enhance the security environment for IRC programs
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs
Professional Standards
All IRC staff are required to adhere to THE IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies.

REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will have an environmental health background and experience on water and sanitation for health facilities such as cholera treatment centers and disease-specific treatment units. "Highly desired criteria" include previous work in an isolation centre, highly contagious area or Level 4 biosafety area, experience working on viral hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola, Lassa, Marburg, etc.) and knowledge of infection control and prevention.

Bachelor or equivalent in Civil, Environmental Engineering or Public Health (MPH) degrees, with Water and Sanitation specialization preferred.
Minimum of 3 years related program management experience in a development setting; direct services experience and previous work in Environmental Health/WASH programming preferred.
Experience in Africa essential, preferably in West Africa and experience in Sierra Leone a strong advantage
Excellent understanding of EH issues in emergency situations and knowledge of emergency standards (Sphere)
Strong leadership, management, planning, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills;
Ability to live and work in stressful and insecure environment;
Excellent initiator, able to manage multiple tasks.
Able to work under pressure and good at timely decision making.
Competent in Microsoft Office, Word and Excel
Knowledge and/or experience in conflict management, protection, or other related field;
Excellent professional approach and strong team building skills.