Surveillance Officer - Diarrhea/ARI at International Rescue Committee

Working under the guidance and supervision of Clinical Services Manager the Surveillance Officer will enhance influenza surveillance, collect data, conduct physical examinations, and collect lab specimens for testing for influenza and ensure the specimen are stored and transported as per the standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the hospital’s wards to review the chief complaint of all patients admitted with Severe acuterespiratory illness(SARI) or Diarrheal Illness
• Determine whether any of the presenting patients fit the case definitions for Flu surveillance.
• If the case definitions are met, complete the data collection forms, and collect nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal or Nasal swabs.
• Ensure that supplies are sufficient, and re-order as necessary.
• Work closely with the national surveillance coordinator who will oversee activities at the sentinel sites.
• Work closely with the hospital disease surveillance and infection control teams to detect and prevent/contain any outbreak
• Coordinate implementation of any sub-studies as may be planned by the influenza program
• Work closely with the Ministry of Health to sensitize and coordinate IDSR disease surveillance activities at the hospital
• Assist in monitoring and evaluation activities to document activities and provide quality assurance to improve program service delivery
• Ensure that all relevant records are properly kept and updated
• Monitor and supervise rational use of supplies.
• Maintain equipment in good condition and submit regular inventory reports of the same.
• Conduct regular Continuous Medical Education and On-job trainings to other staff in the unit and the program.
• Attend the hospital staff meetings and the clinical services health meetings.
• Compile and submit weekly updated and accurate HIS reports.
• Carry out other relevant and/or requested duties as may be required by the supervisor

Key Result Areas:

• Surveillance of Acute febrile illness is carried out effectively and efficiently through proper physical examination, laboratory specimen collection and data collection and recording.

Required Qualifications

Diploma in Clinical Medicine or a Diploma in Nursing (KRCHN) or Diploma in Public Health from a recognized institution.

Required Experience & Competencies:

• At least two years experience working in a busy clinical health unit
• Must be registered by the authorizing board (Clinical officers council of Kenya or Nursingcouncil of Kenya)
• Team player and cultural sensitivity is required.
• Ability to work in hardship areas (Previous experience in a Camp setting will be an added advantage).
• Computer literate
• Experience in clinical research will be an added advantage though it’s not a must.
• Evidence of involvement in community health work a plus.

Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply. International allowances are not available for this position. Salary and employee benefits are compliant to the Kenyan NGO Sector.