National Migration Health Officer

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Head of Programme and technical guidance of the RO MENA Regional Thematic Specialist RTS on migration health, RTS Humanitarian Response and Recovery, and in coordination with the regional health assessment programme coordinator, as well as the Migration Health Division at HQ, the successful candidate will be required to support the IOM Migration Health portfolio. The successful candidate will support and coordinate activities to strengthen public health capacities at Border Crossing Points (BCPs) in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and address the current scenario, focusing on clinical infrastructure, operational readiness, and cross-border coordination to detect, respond to, and coordinate public health events while facilitating rights-based mobility at the border. The role will also actively contribute to assisting the CO and RO in expanding the Migration Health Division (MHD) portfolio through strategic engagement with partners, resource mobilization, and programme development including within non-health IOM programmes.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and implement IOM programme activities, including strengthening public health capacities at BCPs through assessments, procurement and supply management, capacity-building, emergency preparedness planning, staff training, cross-border coordination, and technical support to government counterparts in line with international standards.
2. Identify opportunities to expand the Migration Health Division portfolio aligned with national priorities and donor interests.
3. Participate in the development of program proposals, monitor donor trends, and promote IOM health initiatives in border health, outbreak preparedness, diaspora engagement, and health system strengthening.
4. Actively participate in relevant coordination meetings and cooperation with local health authorities (including MoH) and regularly participate in UN agency and health cluster coordination meetings to build partnerships and enhance synergies ensuring migrants, IDP, returnees are considered in responses.
5. Monitor implementation progress, prepare reports, and document best practices to support advocacy and operational improvements.
6. Maintain a high level of international health standards and scientific knowledge.
7. Conduct the Damascus MHAC’s migration health assessment process to fulfil the technical requirements of the resettlement countries in the areas of:

a. Medical examinations;

b. Imaging;

c. Laboratory testing;

d. Vaccinations;

e. TB management;

f. Treatment and referrals;

g. Pre-departure procedures and medical movements;

h. Documentation, certification and information transmission; and,

i. Other technical areas as may be required

8. Ensure proper identification of refugees and/ or migrants during the health assessment and record all relevant health information in standard forms; ensuring completeness and accuracy of the recorded information.

9. Coordinate the management of TB cases to ensure effective TB treatment.

10. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in public health or a related field from an accredited academic institution with Two years of relevant professional experience, or
• Completed university degree in Medicine from an accredited medical institution (MD/MBBS) with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Valid license to practice medicine in the country desirable

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

Experience

• Operational and field experience in implementing public health activities, including those for cross-border, outbreak prevention, detection and response for migrants, refugees and displaced persons and other vulnerable groups; and early recovery or post-crisis emergency health programming.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and liaison with government authorities, knowledge of structures and functions of the primary health care system, and of national, UN and international health agencies and donors.
• Experience in developing ideas addressing national gaps of the health system and integrating health into IOM mission programming
• Previous experience on voluntary return health operation is a strong asset