Consultant Psychiatrist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a focus on creating an environment that harnesses the full potential of migration and strengthens its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Consultant Psychiatrist will provide mental health evaluations either in-person or through tele-consultation arrangements for clients referred in the context of immigration medical examinations. This role includes support for medical escorting when necessary, as well as involvement in resettlement and assisted voluntary return and reintegration activities. Under the technical supervision of the Regional Health Assessment Programme Coordinator based in Nairobi, the consultant will evaluate patients referred by panel physicians or other authorized sources for potential psychiatric conditions. This includes assessing psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairments, brain injuries, and substance misuse concerns. The consultant will be responsible for providing a professional opinion on diagnosis and classification, recommendations for travel requirements, and potential treatment or stabilization interventions, all accompanied by a comprehensive report.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant Psychiatrist will perform psychiatric evaluations for all referred cases involving mental health disorders or suspected drug/alcohol misuse, as submitted by panel physicians or government-affiliated officials. They will accurately classify all identified conditions in strict compliance with CDC guidelines for U.S.-bound refugee populations, including documented assessments for cases involving harmful behavior, using the latest DSM classification. The consultant will provide written recommendations for follow-up and case management before and after resettlement for each evaluated individual. They will also recommend psychiatric treatment and follow-up care for cases requiring clinical intervention, documenting actions taken. Additionally, the consultant will make clear, documented fitness-to-travel determinations for each assessed patient, including any special travel requirements and support provided during pre-embarkation check-ups. Comprehensive written reports detailing patient history, clinical findings, diagnostic conclusions, and recommendations will be required for every case evaluated. Any additional services beyond the defined prices must be agreed upon in writing in advance, including scope, timelines, and fees, and shall not be undertaken without such approval. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results include timely completion of psychiatric evaluations for all referred cases and high-quality, comprehensive clinical reports submitted for each case within 21 days of the mental health evaluation, with urgent reports required earlier communicated specifically to the psychiatrist before the evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Medicine with a specialization in Psychiatry and have at least seven years of relevant professional experience. Professional accreditation from a recognized medical, psychological, or counseling association-society is considered an advantage. The consultant should have demonstrated experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including severe mental illness, cognitive impairments, and substance-related conditions. Experience working in multidisciplinary medical settings or with vulnerable populations, such as migrants, refugees, or displaced persons, is an asset. Prior experience in conducting psychiatric evaluations in clinical settings, preparing clinical reports, and providing fitness-to-travel assessments is highly desirable. Experience in training, mentoring, or advising medical staff on psychiatric or mental health-related matters is also an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Medicine with a specialization in Psychiatry. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of mental health and the various disorders that may arise in the context of migration and resettlement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in the field of psychiatry. This experience should encompass diagnosing and managing a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including severe mental illness and cognitive impairments. Experience in working with vulnerable populations, such as migrants and refugees, is particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the unique challenges faced by these groups. Additionally, prior experience in conducting psychiatric evaluations and preparing clinical reports is highly desirable, as is experience in providing fitness-to-travel assessments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this consultancy. The proficiency of required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in contexts involving diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP) free of charge for the duration of the consultancy. However, IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses, and consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for such cases. Written proof of medical insurance coverage will be required before commencing work. Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation, and appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct 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. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.