INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL (IPC) LEAD NURSE (H/F) – 6 months Assignment

Phénicia Conseil, an international and multicultural executive search Group also specializing in healthcare recruitment, is seeking an experienced:

INTERIM INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL (IPC) LEAD NURSE (H/F)

6-Month International Assignment |Djibouti, East Africa

For a major private healthcare project involving the opening of a new acute-care hospital built to international standards.

This strategic assignment offers a unique opportunity to lead the implementation of a comprehensive IPC programme from pre-opening through the first months of operation, ensuring that international patient safety and quality standards are effectively embedded from day one.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer, you will be responsible for operationalizing the hospital’s Infection Prevention & Control framework and establishing sustainable IPC practices, surveillance systems, staff competencies, and governance structures.

Working closely with executive leadership and multidisciplinary teams, you will support hospital readiness, lead IPC activities during the opening phase, and contribute to accreditation preparedness aligned with international standards such as JCI.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the hospital-wide IPC programme.
• Finalize IPC policies, procedures, SOPs, audits, and reporting systems.
• Develop and deliver IPC training, induction, and competency programmes.
• Implement HAI surveillance, hand hygiene, PPE, environmental cleaning, and isolation protocols.
• Conduct audits and monitor compliance across clinical and support services.
• Advise leadership on infection prevention risks and mitigation strategies.
• Support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in collaboration with clinical teams.
• Lead outbreak preparedness, investigation, and response activities.
• Prepare the organization for accreditation reviews and long-term programme sustainability.

Candidate Profile

• Registered Nurse with a valid professional licence.
• Postgraduate qualification or recognized certification in Infection Prevention & Control.
• Minimum 5 years of dedicated IPC experience, including leadership responsibility within an acute-care hospital.
• Proven experience in hospital commissioning, service start-up, or major healthcare transformation projects.
• Strong knowledge of WHO IPC standards, HAI surveillance, MDRO management, care bundles, and outbreak control.
• Experience with JCI or equivalent international accreditation frameworks.
• Excellent training, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• French preferred and English as main language

Personal Attributes

We are looking for a hands-on, visible leader who combines technical expertise with pragmatism, strong communication skills, cultural adaptability, and the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Contract Details

• Fixed-term assignment: 6 months
• Full-time, on-site position
• Start date: December 2026 / January 2027
• Attractive international package (open to discuss)
• Exceptional opportunity to contribute to the successful opening of a new healthcare institution designed to international standards

Application

• An updated CV in English
• Current compensation details
• Earliest availability

Confidential applications to be submitted to: paolo.bossi@recrutement-phenicia.fr

Only candidates whose qualifications closely match the requirements will be contacted.