Medical Officer

Background

The UN Health Care Center has the responsibility to provide both core and non-core services to all UN staff and their eligible dependents based in Ethiopia. This responsibility includes provision of support to staff and dependents during the occurrence of different disasters and pandemics, processing MEDEVAC among other staff well-being activities.

In the past, the UN Clinic conducted mobile clinic visits to regions with poor medical facilities every two months to ensure UN personnel are well taken care of. However, for the past three years, some regions were prioritized to have satellite clinics due to the numerous challenges faced in these areas. This is the case with the Gambella region where a permanent clinic was instituted some years back to ensure staff well-being. The clinic was initially maned by an International UNV who has now come to the end of his contract and there is need to replace the incumbent. The position has also been reviewed and can be managed by a National Medical Officer at NOC level.

The present ToR is intended to specify the type of services required from Medical Officer and guide the incumbent of the position on the dispensation of his/or her functions at the respective duty station, ensure clients safety, satisfaction and respect the organization’s rules and regulations from the health standpoint of view. In addition, supervision of the incumbent will be done at two levels, which are: administratively by UNHCR and technically by the UN Health Care Center.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is in the United Nations Health Care Center Satellite Clinic in Gambella. The Medical Officer will report to the Chief Medical Officer of UN Health care Center on technical issues and to the UNHCR Head of Office at the duty station. The Incumbent will also communicate with the UNHCR Regional Medical Service in Nairobi on matters of MEDEVAC and other Medical travels.

DURATION OF THE WORK 

• The duration of work is one year with possibility of extension subject to necessity and availability of funds.
• The physician is expected to start duties immediately the recruitment process is completed

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the Medical Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

CLINICAL DUTIES:

• Undertakes day-to-day clinical duties, e.g. walk-in clinic consultations,
• Respond to all Medical emergencies, including managing critical cases before MEDEVAC.
• Undertake day-to-day occupational health duties: pre-placement and periodic medical examinations.
• Promptly contact CMO/Deputy CMO or OiC for any cases requiring MEDEVAC to Addis Ababa by producing a detail medical report and followed by telephone calls for clarity. Complete MEDEVAC or other travel request forms for UNHCR staff and send to Regional Medical Center in Nairobi for approval.
• Arrange medical escort for patients requiring such.
• Provide periodic field visits and consultations to UN staff in satellite duty stations in Pugnido and Dimma.
• prepare UN staff for travelling providing advice, immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, travel kits, etc.
•  Refers staff to the local hospital as the need might arise and consult with specialists within the city as necessary.
•  Follow-up visits to hospitalized patients and remotely by telephone when at home.
•  Provides health education and health promotion programs.
•  Participates in addressing work environment and occupational health issues.
•  Attends to medical duty Calls after working hours.
• Liaise with other medical facilities including those owned by INGOs for optimal care to the UN staff and their eligible family members.
• When possible assess the university teaching hospital in Jimma that can be used for referral of cases that can be managed there.
• Supervise the work of the nurse and laboratory technician.
• Prepare periodic and annual performance reports of the clinic.

SUPERVISORY ADMINISTRATION:

• Manages day-to-day mission medical support operations by ensuring availability of medical supplies and proper functioning of medical equipment
• Ensures appropriate training programs are implemented in order to maintain and develop the medical capabilities (e.g. health education, first aid and CPR).

Medico Administrative Duties:

• Liaises with clinic management, UNHCC and UN Agencies operating inside the region to ensure the well- being of their staff members.
• Follows the United Nations established policies and procedures regarding medical clearances, sick leave and medical evacuations/repatriations.

General:

• Performs other related duties as required

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of clinical, occupational and tropical/travel medicine. Formal training in CPR and, preferably in BCLS and ACLS or equivalent emergency medical care. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning& Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Doctorate (MD) or equivalent in medicine, including residency/internship in one of the medical specialties, preferably internal medicine

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of clinical experience after specialization, experience in working at international environment is desirable.
• Experience in Peacekeeping mission, humanitarian relief operations, military or similar environments is desirable

Language Requirements:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.