Occupational Health Physician

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM has over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including health, safety, and welfare of migrants, and aims to provide support and assistance to vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Occupational Health Physician will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Medical Officer and will be responsible for providing comprehensive occupational health services to IOM employees and non-staff across Africa, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The role involves managing medical examinations, assessing fitness for work, and ensuring the health and safety of staff members. The incumbent will also be responsible for reviewing medical insurance issues, managing sick leaves, and coordinating medical travel and evacuations. The position requires a proactive approach to health promotion and the development of health projects in line with IOM's strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and assess medical examinations for IOM staff and non-staff, determining fitness for work based on individualized medical risk assessments.
• Manage medical insurance inquiries and coordinate with the Insurance Unit to address coverage issues.
• Assist in the review of occupational accidents and illness claims, categorizing injuries for submission.
• Manage sick leave documentation and coordinate return-to-work plans for staff on prolonged sick leave.
• Provide support for mental health conditions and assess disability benefits for staff.
• Recommend and coordinate medical travel and evacuations, ensuring compliance with relevant SOPs.
• Conduct health risk assessments and provide health travel advice based on WHO recommendations.
• Develop and implement health promotion projects and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Maintain accurate records in medical software and ensure confidentiality of medical data. 1
• Perform any other duties as required by the Regional Medical Officer.

Required Qualifications:

• University Degree in Medicine from an accredited institution.
• Valid medical license in Panama is mandatory.
• Specialization in General Medicine, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, or Infectious Diseases is advantageous.
• Broad knowledge of occupational health theories, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders.
• Familiarity with legal and ethical issues in occupational health care practice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with staff and external partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in Medicine from an accredited academic institution. The degree must be recognized by the relevant authorities in Panama. Additionally, candidates should have a valid medical license to practice in Panama, which is a prerequisite for this position. Specialization in fields such as Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, or Infectious Diseases will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in occupational health is required. This experience should include work in travel and tropical medicine contexts. Candidates with experience liaising with international organizations will have an advantage. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of occupational health practices, particularly in developing countries and crisis situations, as well as familiarity with regulatory requirements and health promotion strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, encompassing both oral and written communication. Proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French, is considered beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates with a valid residence and work permit for Panama will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification and verification of residency and visa requirements. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and discrimination, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.