Dental Surgeon

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, focusing on helping these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions. UNRWA aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it is committed to providing essential services such as education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance.

Job Overview:
The Dental Surgeon position at UNRWA involves providing comprehensive oral health services to registered Palestine refugees. The incumbent will be responsible for performing periodic oral examinations of school children and providing preventive management, including the application of pit fissure sealants. The role also includes conducting oral health screenings for preschool children, school-aged children, pregnant women, and patients with non-communicable diseases. The Dental Surgeon will provide dental care services, including minor surgeries and dental x-rays, while maintaining strict infection control procedures in the clinic. Additionally, the incumbent will evaluate the oral health program in their assigned location, collect data through surveys, and provide training and technical support to Maternal and Child Health staff on implementing oral health preventive programs. The position requires promoting oral hygiene and raising awareness about oral health issues in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Dental Surgeon will perform the following duties:

• Conduct periodic oral examinations of school children and provide necessary preventive management, including the application of pit fissure sealants.
• Provide oral and dental care services to registered refugees, including performing minor dental surgeries and taking dental x-rays.
• Maintain infection control procedures in the dental clinic to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participate in evaluating the oral health program in the assigned location, including data collection through surveys and other methods.
• Offer training and technical support to Maternal and Child Health staff regarding the implementation of oral health preventive programs for mothers, infants, and children.
• Ensure that all dental care requirements, such as supplies, instruments, and equipment, are properly maintained and available.
• Promote oral hygiene and engage in community awareness initiatives related to oral health.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A university degree in dental surgery from an accredited institution recognized by the country of duty station.
• A valid license to practice dentistry in the duty station.
• A degree and/or experience in Public Health, preferably related to dental health, is desirable.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and manage a heavy workload.
• Proficiency in using computers and understanding their applications in health settings is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in dental surgery from an accredited educational institution. The degree must be recognized by the relevant authorities in the country of duty station. Additionally, candidates should hold a valid license to practice dentistry in the duty station, ensuring they meet the legal requirements to provide dental services.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in dental treatment, including dental surgery. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to perform the duties outlined in the job description effectively. Involvement in outside activities, such as teaching, public speaking, or voluntary work, is also relevant and should be indicated in the application.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Arabic. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a "Daily Paid" contract modality for up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on the need, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The position is classified at Grade HL06, with a daily rate of 38.78 USD. Additional benefits include one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. This vacancy is open to external candidates, but only those residing in Syria and within commuting distance of the duty station in Damascus are eligible to apply. Candidates must provide accurate information in their applications, as misrepresentation can lead to disqualification. The UNRWA is committed to gender parity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. The agency also emphasizes the importance of upholding the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, and integrity in its staff.