UNV Medical Doctor

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.

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized on 10 April 2014 deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation – MINUSCA, with the protection of civilians as its utmost priority. Its other initial tasks included support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. The newly established mission subsumed the UN Integrated Peace building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) on the date of the establishment and has been set to take over authority in military and police matters from the African Union-led peacekeeping operation – MISCA – on 15 September 2014.

(http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/).

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the MINUSCA Medical Officer/Chief Medical Section, the UN Volunteer Medical Doctor will be responsible for:

· Attending the MINUSCA Medical Clinic/satellite clinics on a full time basis; · Daily medical consultations of MINUSCA personnel (UN civilian personnel, national and international Contractors, uniformed personnel); · Overseeing the work of all the other staff in the clinic (doctors, nurses and drivers); · Being on call during and outside office hours, to observe and treat emergencies in the medical clinic or in their accommodation; · Maintaining the medical preparedness of the clinic to respond to emergency conditions; · Responding to emergency treatment due to trauma; conducting triage to prioritize emergency treatment; · Maintaining medication and medical supply stock through timely requests to the mission pharmacist; · Providing vaccinations for all MINUSCA staff; · Conducting health education and sensitization on health topics, including HIV/AIDS; · Arranging consultation with specialists in mission area or outside CAR for UN staff, when required; · Establishing good relations with reliable hospitals and other private medical facilities; · Maintaining emergency medical supplies and equipment to be used in case of emergency situations; · Conducting entry and periodic medical examinations for United Nations staff members; · Maintaining medical records of all UN personnel served by the clinic; observing medical confidentiality; · Advising health and hygiene precautionary steps to be undertaken at the duty station; · Conducting Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Verification Inspections; · Performing other related functions, when required by the Chief Medical Officer/Chief Medical Services; · When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development.

Communication, Integrity, Professionalism

the field of General Medicine in developing countries. Practical working experience, in lieu of specialization, in Emergency Medicine and/or Internal Medicine is desirable; Experience in Tropical Medicine is desirable. Previous UN medical system/international medical experience is desirable. Practical working experience in a cross-cultural environment would be an advantage.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos, and the recent creation of the Coalition of Patriots for Change, regrouping some existent armed groups. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

Accommodation in all CAR duty stations outside of the capital Bangui is mandatorily inside the MINUSCA camps. In most cases, this is in the form of containerized accommodation with an individual bathroom, with 24/7 running water, electricity and Wi-Fi. This costs US$ 200 per month and is automatically deducted through the monthly payroll. When no self-contained accommodation is available immediately upon arrival, newly arriving personnel are housed in a container with a common bathroom until a self-contained container frees up.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security 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.