Medical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was established in 2002 as a Political/Peacebuilding Mission, directed and supported by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The mission aims to support the Afghan people in their quest for peace and stability, and it operates with a commitment to providing a UN field presence across the country. UNAMA's strategic review in 2017 reaffirmed the necessity of this presence, emphasizing the importance of medical emergency response as part of its operational framework. UNAMA is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of its personnel, which includes providing reliable and efficient primary health care services to all UN staff and associated entities.

Job Overview:
The Medical Officer position within UNAMA is a critical role that involves providing comprehensive medical care to UN personnel stationed in Afghanistan. The officer will be responsible for attending to clinical duties at the UN clinic, conducting consultations, stabilizing and referring complicated medical cases, and providing emergency medical services around the clock. The role also encompasses occupational health responsibilities, including conducting medical examinations, providing immunizations, and maintaining health records for staff with chronic conditions. The Medical Officer will play a vital role in health education and promotion, ensuring that infection prevention and control standards are upheld within the clinic. Additionally, the officer will assist in training staff in emergency medical response and will be involved in managing medical logistics to ensure that the clinic is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Medical Officer will undertake a variety of clinical and occupational health duties, including but not limited to: attending the UN clinic full-time, conducting day-to-day clinical consultations, stabilizing and referring complicated medical cases, providing on-call services for medical emergencies, identifying local health facilities for mass casualty incidents, conducting pre-placement and periodic medical examinations, providing routine immunizations, maintaining health records, delivering health education programs, ensuring infection control standards, assisting in training for emergency medical response, managing medical supplies and equipment, and preparing reports on medical activities for the Chief Medical Officer. The officer will also be required to liaise with local health facilities and participate in emergency response planning and training exercises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Medical Officer position must possess a valid medical degree from a recognized institution, along with relevant certifications in emergency medicine or primary health care. They should have a strong understanding of medical protocols and procedures, particularly in a humanitarian or emergency context. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent clinical skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to providing high-quality medical care. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team are essential. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of occupational health principles and practices, as well as experience in training and capacity building in medical settings.

Educational Background:
A medical degree from an accredited institution is required for the Medical Officer position. Additional qualifications in emergency medicine, public health, or occupational health are highly desirable. Continuous professional development and training in relevant medical fields will be considered an asset, as the role demands up-to-date knowledge of medical practices and emergency response protocols.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience in a medical setting, preferably in emergency medicine or primary health care. Experience working in challenging environments, such as conflict zones or humanitarian missions, is highly valued. The ability to manage medical emergencies and provide care in high-pressure situations is crucial for this role. Previous experience in training medical staff or conducting health education programs will also be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Medical Officer position, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of local languages, such as Dari or Pashto, is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local health facilities and staff.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, which is classified as a hardship duty station due to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns. The Medical Officer will be provided with safe accommodation and access to amenities within the UN compound. The role is full-time, and the officer will be expected to work in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment. The position may involve travel to other field offices covered by the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT). Candidates should be prepared for the living conditions in Afghanistan, which include a range of amenities and support services, but also require adaptability to local circumstances.