UNV Medical Officer for Occupational Health Unit (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 Manila Occupational 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 in missions based in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia under the Vienna Regional Office.

1. Medical follow up , fitness to work and to travel :
   • Review the medical examinations forms ( Entry, Periodic, Annual, Transfer and Exit) of all Local Employees in the Field, including 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 employee with medical advice and implement a follow-up if needed based on the findings of the medical examination;.

•  Review the medical files of Employees in the Field (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; 
  

•  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.
  

•  Organize counselling services to staff upon request, both in emergency situations and because of chronic stress situations,  in coordination with 
  IOM Staff Welfare OHU Geneva and with the UNDSS CISMU group when applicable.; Facilitate staff access to counselling through existing 
  structures (UN or private counsellors);
  

2. Employees and dependent’s access to health care services:
   • Provide timely advice regarding health concerns for staff and their dependents of the region of responsibility;

• 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 Manila 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 -Manila , Staff Welfare and with Supervisor in Missions

4. Compile data and analyze : 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 all Missions under the IOM Vienna Regional 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.

   • Respond to any occupational environmental hazards that may occur (natural, chemical, infectious); carry out epidemiological assessments and draft recommendations to the Missions and Regional Office in coordination with OHU Geneva.

   • 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.

   • Train OH and Safety Focal points in Missions on the use of simplified UNMD Health Risk Assessment. Proceed to Health Risk Assessments of
     IOM Missions during Official Travels.

   • Use the UN Medical Director’s Health Risk assessment tools to assess health structures( including UN and private clinics); ground and air cassava/ medevac possibilities, mental health facilities, pharmacies, Mass Casualty Plan

   • 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 .

   • 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 ;

   • Follow-up on the recommendations given to the Mission over time.

6. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • 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 behavioral 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.

Turkey is an upper middle-income country, with highly-urbanized cities and well developed infrastructure systems. Most of Turkey is assessed to be at security level 1-Minimal. Security level 2 Low applies to Ankara and Istanbul.

Seismic activity remains one of the primary hazards in Turkey. Turkey’s population of nearly 81 million is almost entirely Muslim. Turkish is the official language. English predominates as the second language.

The post will be located in Istanbul, which has a population of around 15M people, and straddles the European and Asian continents.

Istanbul is a UN Hub for the Europe and Central Asia Regional Offices of several UN agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women among others. There is a lively and large group of international community. Istanbul International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport have direct connections with all European, Central Asian and global cities.

Istanbul provides modern services and entertainment opportunities and an elaborate medical services system.

Healthcare is exceptionally good with various public and private hospitals with experienced doctors and medical staff, some of whom speak English. No specific vaccination is required to enter Turkey. Considering the rapidly changing pandemic situation in Istanbul, travellers should consult the receiving entity or the partner UN Agency, or UNDSS about the latest travel requirements/restrictions.