Medical Officer for OHU

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Under the direct and administrative supervision of the Head of the Occupational Health Unit (OHU) Geneva and in close coordination with the Medical Officer of PanamaOccupational Health Unit, the Medical Officer is responsible for providing policy support to the OHU Geneva, implementation of the Occupational health and safety for the Locally hired Employees IOM missions based in West and Central Africa under the Dakar Regional Office.

1. Medical follow up , fitness to work and to travel : i. Review the medical examination forms ( Entry, Periodic, Annual, Transfer and Exit) of all Locally hired Employeesincluding the Questionnaires of interns and consultants in the assigned region, in accordance with the Instructions governing 'Medical Procedures for Employees in the Field', issued by HRM/OHU; provide medical advice and implement a follow-up if needed based on the findings of the medical examination; ensure that quality control in standards of health assessments are met in accordance with OHU-IOM requirements. ii. Review the medical files of Locally recruited employees (including their eligible dependents) in order to establish medical clearance for admission into the MSP (Medical Service Plan) and determine if any Exclusions or Condition after cessation of participation ( CACP) are warranted under the MSP/CP; work with the administrative support from OHU Panama. iii. Provide pre-travel briefing for employees, interns and consultants working in the region ; perform medical screening and preparedness of staff under for Emergency Deployment or Transfer of duty station.
2. Iv. In coordination with IOM Staff Welfare , organize counselling services to staff upon request, both in emergency situations and because of chronic stress situations, in coordination with, OHU Panama andwith the UNDSS CISMU group when applicable; Facilitate staff access to mental healthcare facilities through existing structures Employees and dependent’s access to health care services:
   i. Provide timely advice regarding health concerns for staff and their dependents of the region of responsibility; ii. Facilitate the hospital admission or/and medical evacuation of employees in the region whenever needed and in accordance to IOM’s insurances in coordination with the medical Officers in OHU Geneva, Manila and Panama

3. Management of sick leave Assess and validate sick leave of locally hired employees in the region based on doctor’s reports ascertaining they are unable to perform their duties; keep OHU Panama informed of all Prolonged SL cases in the region; carry out regular follow-up of staff absent for medical reasons and coordinate return to work, advising on eventual adaptation measures in coordination with OHU Panama, Staff Welfare and with Supervisors in Missions

4. Compile data and analyse : Ensure all medical information received ( IOM Examination forms, Occupational incidents , medical reports) are uploaded in the OH electronic system (hardcopies stored in securely for 10 years) ; extract regional annual statistics of the work and identify trends. Provide OHU HQ assistance in the research and formulation of Occupational health policy proposals for the organization.

5. In coordination with the OHU Geneva , support Missions under the IOM DakarRegional Office in all aspects related to Occupational Health and Safety , including Public Health threats providing epidemiologic updates, guidance to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. i. Respond to any occupational environmental hazards that may occur (natural, chemical, infectious); carry out epidemiological assessments and issue advice/recommendations to the Missions and Regional Office in coordination with OHU Geneva. ii. Provide Public Health and safety guidance ( eg: Covid 19 ) to Employees, their family members and eligible dependents in coordination and application of the guidance received from OHU Geneva , the UNMD, the IOM Risk Mitigation Plans, guidelines and SOPs. Monitor suspect, contacts cases and sick persons using the IOM tools during the acute and recovery phases. iii. Train OH and Safety Focal points in Missions on the use of simplified UNMD Health Risk Assessment.

6. Proceed to Health Risk Assessments of IOM Missions during Official Travels. . i. Use the UN Medical Director’s Health Risk assessment tools to assess health structures( including UN and private Clinics); ground and air casevac/ medevac possibilities, mental health facilities, pharmacies, Mass Casualty Plan ii. ii.Assess the health and safety of the IOM workplaces (offices, camps or centers) . Meet Employees in the Mission and take note of their requests; clarify IOM’s policies, objectives and procedures to ensure OH and Safety . iii. Produce a TDY report including the UNMD HRA filled in assessment forms; the highlight hazards, priorities, possible mitigating measures and share with the OHU Geneva doctors ; iv. Follow-up on the recommendations given to the Mission over time.

7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

8. Results/expected outputs

• As an active IOM team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to IOM and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • 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

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to IOM; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to IOM procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and IOM in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards IOM’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

occupational health, including in the context of travel and tropical medicine; • Experience in liaising with international organizations will be an asset; • Broad knowledge of theories and techniques of occupational health, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of occupational and behavioural disorders, promotion of physical and mental health and control of substance abuse; • Knowledge and familiarity in dealing with occupational health issues related to crisis and in developing countries; • General knowledge of the work environment including regulatory requirements; • Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to occupational health care practice.

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2020 official estimates, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million people. The total population of Senegal is 16 705 608 inhabitants (ANSD 2020). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st March 2021, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 535,913XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal and a negative COVID-19 test. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.