Medical Officer

Provide clinical and primary health care services in a UN environment.

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UNSOS - United Nations Support Office in Somalia

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Application deadline 5 days ago: Thursday 21 May 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Provide clinical and primary health care services in a UN environment.

You have:

  • A minimum of 3 years of clinical experience is mandatory.
  • Valid certification in Advanced Trauma Life support, Advanced cardiac Life support or Prehospital trauma life support is highly desirable.
  • Experience in HIV care or VCCT is desirable.
  • Specialized human medicine (with clinical experience) is Mandatory.
  • Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work in potentially hazardous conditions are essential.

Contract

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The United Nations Security Council in Resolution 2245 adopted on 09 November 2015 established the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). This replaced the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA), established in 2009. https://unsos.unmissions.org/unsos-mandate. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2245 decided that UNSOS will be responsible for support to AMISOM, UNSOM, the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Somali Police Force (SPF) on joint operations with AMISOM.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or his representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks at the duty station: • Undertakes day-to-day clinical duties, e.g. consultation and treatment of patients at walk-in clinic and 24/7 response to medical emergencies. • Provides primary health care services at the Baidoa Level-I clinic and follow up with the treatment of patients evacuated from Baidoa. • Ensures availability of medical supplies and proper functioning of all medical equipment in the clinic; • Ensures optimum and rational use of resources while respecting medical ethics; • Coordinate training programs for AMISOM medical staff to develop their capabilities (e.g. BLS, ACLS, & Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), etc; • Assists in the management of procurement of drugs, medical equipment, consumables and medical supplies through the system contracts. • As a member of the Mission Crisis Management team, participates in the preparation and implementation of Mass Casualty Incidence (MCI) response, COVID-19 response, Medevac, and Casevac Standard operating procedures (SOPs); • Participates actively in organizing medical referrals, casualty and medical evacuation of mission personnel.; • Ensures the provision of health education to civilian mission personnel. • Participates actively in addressing environmental and occupational health issues; • Participates in the planning, management and implementation of adequate infection control measures in the mission health facilities at all levels; • Provides relevant public health guidance to the facility management team in the mission and contractors providing catering, sanitation and fumigation services at the UN camps within Somalia; • Ensures timely submission of weekly and monthly medical reports from Baidoa to the CMO’s office. • Reports to the CMO or his OIC on all clinical activities at the duty station on weekly and monthly basis; • Carry out any other tasks within the mission as may be assigned by the CMO.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs • Plans and implements sound medical practices and trainings. • Prevention and treatment to ensure the physical and mental health of UN staff. • When working with national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training. • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

A minimum of 3 years of clinical experience is mandatory.

Valid certification in Advanced Trauma Life support, Advanced cardiac Life support or Prehospital trauma life support is highly desirable; Experience in HIV care or VCCT is desirable. Specialized human medicine (with clinical experience) is Mandatory.

Living conditions vary between UNSOS duty stations. Each duty station where UNSOS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. Hard wall accommodation is partially available in Mogadishu.

All UNSOS duty stations apart from Nairobi, Kenya are considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNSOS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in Somalia are prone to conflict.

Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area.

The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.

Somalia is a unique country and with a unique logistics operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Potential interview questions

Describe a situation where you had to make a critical decision under pressure. This reveals your judgment and decision-making abilities in challenging situations. Share an example where you quickly assessed a high-pressure situation and made a well-informed decision.
How do you ensure proper use of medical resources in a clinic setting? This assesses your understanding of resource management and medical ethics. Pro members can see the explanation.
What training programs have you developed or coordinated for medical staff? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain a time you addressed an environmental health issue in your practice? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you handle medical emergencies during your duties. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your approach to educating civilian personnel on health matters? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay informed about the latest in trauma care and emergency response? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain your experience with mass casualty incidents. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 18 days ago - Updated 4 days ago - Source: unv.org