Migration Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including health, humanitarian response, and recovery, and aims to provide support to migrants and displaced persons in need. IOM's mission is to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Job Overview:
The Migration Health Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the IOM Migration Health portfolio under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Head of Programme. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating activities aimed at strengthening public health capacities at Border Crossing Points (BCPs) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This position requires a focus on clinical infrastructure, operational readiness, and cross-border coordination to effectively detect and respond to public health events while ensuring rights-based mobility at the border. The officer will also contribute to expanding the Migration Health Division's portfolio through strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and program development, including integration with non-health IOM programs. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing public health initiatives and ensuring that the needs of migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees are adequately addressed in health responses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Migration Health Officer will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting thorough assessments of public health capacities at BCPs in line with IHR (2005), evaluating existing infrastructure, protocols, referral systems, and staffing levels; leading the procurement and management of essential health supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostics, infection prevention and control (IPC) kits, and thermal scanners; identifying gaps in public health capacity and developing tailored capacity-building and procurement plans; designing and delivering gender-sensitive, rights-based training for healthcare staff and border officials; providing technical support to government authorities in developing Public Health Emergency Response Plans for each BCP; organizing simulation exercises to test the readiness of frontline staff; participating in technical dialogues with neighboring countries to harmonize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for rights-based cross-border movement; coordinating closely with Syria's Ministry of Interior and health authorities to align procedures with international standards; identifying opportunities to expand the Migration Health Division's portfolio in alignment with national priorities and donor interests; participating in the development of program proposals and monitoring donor trends; promoting IOM health initiatives in border health, outbreak preparedness, and health system strengthening; actively participating in relevant coordination meetings with local health authorities and UN agencies; monitoring implementation progress, preparing reports, and documenting best practices to support advocacy and operational improvements; maintaining a high level of international health standards and scientific knowledge; and performing any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public health or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with two years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates may hold a completed university degree in Medicine (MD/MBBS) from an accredited medical institution, accompanied by four years of relevant professional experience. A valid license to practice medicine in the country is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have operational and field experience in implementing public health activities, particularly those related to cross-border health, outbreak prevention, detection, and response for vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees. Experience in coordination with government authorities and knowledge of the primary health care system, as well as familiarity with national, UN, and international health agencies and donors, is essential. Previous experience in voluntary return health operations is considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in public health or a related field from an accredited institution, or a completed university degree in Medicine (MD/MBBS) from an accredited medical institution. Accreditation of universities is determined by their listing in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates must also demonstrate relevant professional experience in the field of public health, particularly in contexts involving migration and health.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Master’s degree in public health, or four years of relevant experience if they possess a university degree in Medicine. Candidates should have operational and field experience in implementing public health activities, particularly those focused on cross-border health, outbreak prevention, detection, and response for migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. Experience in early recovery or post-crisis emergency health programming is also essential. Furthermore, candidates should have demonstrated experience in coordination and liaison with government authorities, as well as knowledge of the structures and functions of the primary health care system and the roles of national, UN, and international health agencies and donors.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required, both orally and in writing. These language skills will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. While English, French, and Spanish are the official languages of IOM, proficiency in Arabic is particularly important for this role, given the local context.

Additional Notes:
Candidates should be aware that any offer made in relation to this vacancy is subject to funding confirmation. The selection process may also be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. National Professional Officers (NPOs) must be nationals of the country of their employment and perform work at the professional level, adhering to the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance required for International Professional staff. Appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts 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 any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.