National Migration Health Officer – Public health

Damascus

  • Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
  • Location: Damascus
  • Grade: Junior level - NO-B, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Social Affairs
    • Migration
  • Closing Date:

Job Description

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 the deliverable IOM activities under the “Durable solutions for refugees from Syria, including safe, voluntary, and dignified returns” program including, but not limited to: 
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of public health capacities at BCPs per IHR (2005), evaluating infrastructure, protocols, referral systems, and staffing.
  • Lead procurement and stock management of essential health supplies (PPE, diagnostics, IPC kits, thermal scanners),  and Identify gaps to develop tailored capacity-building and procurement plans and interventions.
  • Design and deliver gender-sensitive, rights-based training for BCP healthcare staff and for border officials. 
  • Provide technical support to government in developing and customizing Public Health Emergency Response Plans for each BCP.
  • Organize and facilitate simulation exercises to test frontline staff readiness.
  •  Participate in technical dialogues with neighboring countries to harmonize SOPs on rights-based cross-border movement.
  • Coordinate closely with Syria’s Ministry of Interior and health authorities to align procedures with international standards.

 

  1. Identify opportunities to expand the Migration Health Division portfolio aligned with national priorities and donor interests.
  2.  Participate in the development of program proposals, monitor donor trends, and promote IOM health initiatives in border health, outbreak preparedness, and health system strengthening.
  3. Actively participate in relevant coordination meetings and cooperation with local health authorities (including MoH) and participate in UN agency and health cluster coordination meetings to build partnerships and enhance synergies ensuring migrants, IDP, returnees are considered in responses. 
  4. Monitor implementation progress, prepare reports, and document best practices to support advocacy and operational improvements.
  5.  Maintain a high level of international health standards and scientific knowledge.
  6. 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
Skills
  • Proven capacity and vision to develop and implement programmes in the area of migration and health. 
  • Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation, and excellent written communication skills (for example, through extensive experience in writing reports). 
  • Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills with strong computer literacy, especially advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 
Languages
  • Fluency in English and Arabic as the local language is required (oral and written)
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
 
Required Competencies
 
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
 
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)
  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
  • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
  • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
Notes
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
  3. National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.
  4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  5. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
  6. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
  7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Initial Contract Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: National Officer
Grade: NO-B
Alternative Required Language 1: Arabic
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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