Head Janitor

Position Summary

The Head Janitor role at Koidu Government Hospital (KGH) and the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) in Kono District, Sierra Leone, involves leading and managing the housekeeping team to ensure hygienic and well-maintained environments in line with Partners In Health and Ministry of Health protocols. The role requires both supervisory duties and hands-on participation in cleaning tasks to maintain safe spaces for patients, caregivers, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee, train, and mentor janitorial staff to achieve high-quality cleaning and operational excellence.
• Prepare daily checklists and report issues to the Senior Hygiene Officer.
• Organize daily assignments, create work schedules, and monitor productivity of the cleaning team.
• Conduct frequent area inspections to verify cleanliness standards are met.
• Perform cleaning operations including floors, windows, restrooms, and high-traffic zones alongside the team.
• Ensure maintenance and proper functioning of cleaning equipment.
• Manage complex cleaning challenges such as spill management, stain removal, and biological hazard disposal.
• Keep track of inventory, reorder supplies prudently, ensuring cost-effective availability.
• Enforce compliance with health and safety guidelines, including proper chemical and PPE usage.
• Facilitate regular safety training and promptly address potential hazards.
• Coordinate with management and various departments to fulfill specific cleaning needs.
• Respond swiftly to special cleaning requests and maintenance projects.
• Provide periodic reports on team performance, challenges, and achievements.
• Support other departmental tasks as assigned and promote teamwork within interdepartmental collaborations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Self-driven with strong teamwork ethic and commitment to humanitarian values.
• Adaptable, eager to learn, and disciplined in approaching janitorial responsibilities.
• Capable of enduring long hours and challenging conditions physically and mentally.
• Background in hospital hygiene and infection prevention and control (IPC) is beneficial.
• Possession of a Technical Certificate, ideally with focus on hygiene and sanitation.
• Minimum of two years experience as a Head Janitor or similar position in healthcare settings, preferably under the Ministry of Health & Sanitation in Sierra Leone.
• Comprehensive understanding of IPC practices and sanitation aligned with Sierra Leone health standards.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead and motivate a team of individuals with basic skills.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site in rural healthcare environments.
• Proficiency in Krio is mandatory; English skills are an advantage.
• Interest in social justice, healthcare, and preferential support for disadvantaged populations.

Preferred Credentials

• West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) qualification.
• Certifications in environmental health or Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) are assets.
• Proven record managing environmental cleaning and waste disposal protocols, overseeing service teams.
• Demonstrated success improving adherence to national health regulatory standards.

Organizational Overview

Partners In Health is a global organization dedicated to delivering equitable, quality healthcare to underserved communities worldwide. In Sierra Leone, PIH works collaboratively with the Ministry of Health & Sanitation to reinforce health systems and provide integrated services. The Maternal Center of Excellence at KGH exemplifies this mission by enhancing care standards for mothers and newborns through advanced facilities and training.

Conduct and Compliance

The organization strictly prohibits workplace misconduct including harassment, abuse, and financial impropriety, requiring all personnel to adhere to codes of conduct and safeguarding policies. Employment is contingent on clearance checks and reference verifications. PIH participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme ensuring transparency in recruitment and staffing.