IPC Nurse At International Rescue Committee

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General context:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian aid and development organizations. For 80 years, the IRC has been at the forefront of all major humanitarian initiatives aimed at helping people displaced by war, persecution, or civil conflict. The IRC provides life-saving assistance to help people survive and rebuild their lives, accompanying them from danger to safety. The IRC’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (EPRU) leads global emergency preparedness and response activities. The EPRU’s mission is to help meet the immediate survival needs and alleviate the suffering of populations affected by conflict or disasters during the acute phase of an emergency.

Context :

The DRC Ministry of Health officially declared the 17th Ebola virus disease outbreak in the country on May 15, 2026, after confirming cases caused by the Bundibugyo virus species (BDBV) in Ituri province, in northeastern DRC. The outbreak was initially detected in and around the health zones of Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia.

On May 17, 2026, the outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to the risk of regional spread and the challenging operational context. The IRC is currently preparing to support the containment of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Ituri and North Kivu regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The IRC’s primary objective will be to support existing primary healthcare (PHC) facilities to ensure the safe continuity of services. IRC support will include establishing EVD testing and isolation facilities within PHC settings, as well as strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across all facilities.

Scope of the position

Under the supervision of the IPC Physician/Team Leader, the Ebola/ICP Nurse will work closely with Ministry of Health (MoH) staff to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) systems and practices in IRC-supported health facilities. The role will involve supporting the implementation of IPC measures, providing coaching and mentoring to healthcare workers in the field, and contributing to improved adherence to national IPC standards and protocols.

The Ebola/PCI nurse may also be required to support activities within Ebola isolation units established in supported facilities, ensuring the provision of safe and quality care in accordance with approved clinical and PCI guidelines.

Staff safety is a top priority. The incumbent must strictly adhere to all infection prevention and control procedures to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when working in isolation units or other high-risk areas, in full compliance with established IPC protocols.

Roles and responsibilities

  • This position may require access to the red/wet zone of the isolation unit.
  • To provide direct patient care, ensuring the delivery of appropriate nursing care to all patients in the isolation unit.
  • Ensure that clinical management and infection prevention and control procedures are applied by clinical staff in accordance with a strict protocol.
  • Provide IPC training to healthcare facility staff, including ongoing on-the-ground mentoring.
  • Conduct rounds in the services and departments of healthcare facilities, discussing and monitoring infection control practices with staff.
  • Develop and implement IPC improvement systems in the services and departments of healthcare facilities.
  • Establish a system for monitoring Ebola virus disease in hospital wards.
  • Maintain work schedules and timetables
  • Ensure that all patient consultations are documented and patient records are completed.
  • Work with the medical logistics officer and the management of the healthcare facility to develop a system for requesting and tracking the consumption of PCI supplies.
  • Maintain open and professional relationships with team members, fostering a strong team spirit and providing supervision and guidance to enable staff to succeed in their roles.
  • Monitor and assess the security of field teams consistently and proactively, promptly reporting concerns or incidents to IRC management and liaising with external parties as needed to maintain/improve the security environment.
  • Any other task assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.

Requirements

  • Nurse or nurse practitioner with registration in progress with the recognized professional body of your country of residence.
  • At least 2 years of experience as a nurse primarily in IPC implementation or in isolation wards and emergency situations, with demonstrated and repeated experience in viral hemorrhagic fever isolation centers or, secondarily, in field hospitals or cholera treatment centers.
  • Demonstrated experience in implementing PCI practices and improving systems, ideally in a low-resource context.
  • Prior experience working with the IRC is desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience in supervising a team to ensure strict adherence to infection control.
  • Previous experience in training or teaching.
  • Strong skills in leadership, management, planning, analysis, interpersonal relations and communication.
  • Ability to live in difficult conditions and to work in challenging and high-pressure situations.
  • Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure in a stressful environment, demonstrating patience, compassion, and diplomacy.
  • Fluency in French and a working knowledge of English are an asset.

Equal Opportunity Employer : The IRC is an equal opportunity employer. The IRC evaluates all applicants on the basis of merit, without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Professional Standards : All International Rescue Committee (IRC) staff members must adhere to the core values ​​and principles outlined in the document “IRC Way – Standards of Professional Conduct.” Our standards are integrity, service, equality, and accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC implements and enforces policies related to safeguarding individuals, conflicts of interest, financial integrity, reporting irregularities, and protection against retaliation. The IRC is committed to taking all necessary preventative measures and creating an environment where everyone feels safe, as well as taking all necessary corrective action in the event of harm. The IRC builds teams of professionals who foster critical thinking, shared responsibility, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to those we serve.

How to apply

Visit IRC Careers: https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/Bunia-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo/IPC-Nurse_JR00003987