Chief Migration Health Officer

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:

Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and technical supervision of the Regional Health Assessment Programme Coordinator (RHAPC) and in coordination with the Regional Migration Health Specialist for the Region, the Chief Migration Health Officer will be responsible and accountable for the development, implementation, and management of the Health Assessment and other health Programmes in the Country Office (CO).

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Health Assessment Portfolio

Clinical

1. Organize and supervise the migration health assessment process to fulfil the technical requirements of the resettlement countries in the areas of:

   1. Medical examinations;
   2. Imaging;
   3. Laboratory testing;
   4. Vaccinations;
   5. TB management;
   6. Treatment and referrals;
   7. Pre-departure procedures, travel health assistance, and post-arrival care and follow-up;
   8. Documentation, certification, and information transmission; and,
   9. Other technical areas as may be required.

2. Ensure that the infrastructure and equipment of the Migration Health Assessment Programme (HAP) premises meet professional standards of quality and safety and are sufficient and adequate for the provision of the services.

3. Ensure that human resources and HAP organizational structures are sufficient and adequate for the planned levels of health assessments and that the staff has the necessary qualifications and skills. This includes establishing and maintaining a sufficient network of external human resources, such as consultants and medical escorts, to support the health assessment process and travel assistance. In coordination with the Human Resources and Health Operations units, ensure that all staff are trained as needed and medical personnel maintain valid licenses to practice.

4. Oversee the establishment and maintaining of efficient, client-centered procedures, and ensure a high level of integrity at all stages of the HAP process, including client information and appointment system, payment, registration, pre- and post-test counselling, examination, testing, treatment and referrals, submission of health assessment results, pre-departure and other procedures. Establish and maintain a system to enable clients to provide feedback.

5. Oversee the establishment and maintaining of a system of quality improvement activities for each service area on a regular basis, including practice observation, regular supervisory visits to all facilities/teams involved in the health assessment operations, desk audits and use of self-assessment tools. Use data analysis and a web reporting system to monitor performance indicators. Ensure implementation of the global IOM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); create and implement country-specific SOPs for each service area. Ensure proper reporting and management of incidents according to the Guidance Note for Incident Management.

6. Incorporate additional public health interventions in the HAP context. Such interventions may include surveillance for communicable diseases, outbreak preparedness and response, health education and health promotion, public health services for host communities, liaison with public health institutions and other activities.

Operations
7. Ensure that the regulatory government authorities are informed about IOM’s health activities and that the IOM medical facilities have obtained the required approvals to provide health assessments and related services.

1. Supervise clinical and non-clinical staff as well as external consultants involved in the health assessment process; ensure that performance evaluations for health staff are completed in a timely manner. Ensure that all staff are aware of the IOM Standards of Conduct under Article 42, and continuously reinforce these standards. Inform in due time the CoM and the IOM HQ Ethics and Conduct Unit of any issues regarding staff misconduct.

2. Establish the HAP staff development strategy and ensure that the appropriate plan is implemented, inclusive of the initiation, organization, and delivery of various professional in-house trainings.

3. Liaise with external service providers to negotiate agreements in coordination with the Resource Management Officer (RMO). Exercise quality control over outsourced services and take corrective measures if necessary.

4. Oversee and coordinate the procurement of medical equipment, vaccines, medications, and other medical supplies in coordination with the Resource Management Unit.

5. Organize and supervise activities of mobile medical teams, if applicable.

Financial and other data
13. Maintain confidentiality and security of migration health data in accordance with the IOM Data Protection Principles.

1. Organize systematic collection, processing, and analyses of migration health data. Ensure data quality. Provide periodic, as well as ad hoc, reporting to MHD for Migration Health (MH) activities.

2. Oversee the financial aspects of the health programmes in close coordination with the CO's finance staff: supervise budget preparation and ensure monitoring of MH projects, suggest adjustments and cost-effective solutions, and review financial reports.

3. Review regular reports on patient caseload, resource use, and compliance. Leverage data-driven insights to optimize clinic operations and enhance service delivery.

Other health activities
17. Facilitate the integration of health assessment activities into the overall migration-related programming through close collaboration with the various units at the CO.

1. Advise IOM units on the link between the HAP with the two other core MHD programme areas - Health Promotion and Assistance to Migrants, and Migration Health Assistance to Crisis-Affected Populations.

2. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in Medicine from an accredited academic institution with preferred specializations: internal medicine and its subspecialties, paediatrics, anaesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology; and a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, of which at least three years including managerial responsibilities; or,
• University degree in Medicine from an accredited academic institution with preferred specializations: internal medicine and its subspecialties, paediatrics, anaesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology plus Master’s Degree in Community or Public Health, Medical Specialization in Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine or other related fields from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience of which at least three years including managerial responsibilities.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Professional continuous clinical experience, preferably in a multidisciplinary hospital setting or at an IOM/similar international clinic context;
• Experience in Migration Health Assessments;
• Demonstrated progressive experience in health programme management;
• Experience in project development, management and report writing;
• Proven abilities to establish partnerships with government institutions, health institutions and other partners;
• Knowledge of public health;
• Demonstrable knowledge of patient safety and infection prevention and control;
• Experience in migration health emergency response is an asset;
• Proven expertise or post-graduate diploma/degree in clinical specialization in the fields of paediatrics, pulmonology, or emergency medicine is an advantage;
• Proven expertise or post-graduate diploma/degree in clinical specialization in the fields of internal medicine is an advantage; and,
• Proven expertise and/or specialization in public health, health care administration, or healthcare management is an advantage.

Skills

• Effective clinical, technical, managerial, and leadership skills;
• Strong Organizational skills; and,
• Strong communication skills.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values- all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system-wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates, link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.