Medical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH), which is part of the Office of Support Operations (OSO) under the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. DHMOSH is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership in healthcare services, occupational safety, and health management across all UN Secretariat entities. This includes field missions, offices away from headquarters, and various UN agencies, funds, and programs based in New York. The organization aims to ensure the well-being of UN staff and manage medical risks effectively. The Advisory Board on Compensation Claims (ABCC) is also a key component of this division, reviewing complex compensation claims related to UN service, ensuring fair assessments and recommendations regarding liability and compensation.

Job Overview:
The Medical Officer will play a crucial role in the review and preparation of complex medical evaluations and expert opinions related to compensation claims, including those involving military casualties in peacekeeping operations. The position requires conducting independent medical evaluations of sensitive compensation claims, assessing causality and severity of injuries or illnesses, and providing authoritative medical opinions on prognosis and eligibility for compensation. The Medical Officer will also be responsible for reviewing medical documentation from various sources, advising UN entities on medico-legal matters, and conducting clinical audits of UN medical facilities to ensure compliance with standards. This role demands a high level of professionalism, integrity, and the ability to communicate complex medical information effectively to diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Medical Officer will be responsible for the following duties: conducting specialized reviews and independent medical evaluations of complex compensation claims; assessing injury, illness, and death to determine causality and severity; providing clear medical opinions on prognosis and eligibility for compensation; reviewing and validating medical documentation; advising UN entities on compensation-related medical matters; planning and conducting clinical audits of medical facilities; analyzing audit findings and producing recommendations; providing technical guidance to enhance healthcare delivery; participating in medical boards and interdisciplinary deliberations; ensuring compliance and confidentiality in evaluations; supporting continuity of operations; contributing to training and knowledge-sharing initiatives; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Medicine (such as MD or MBBS with postgraduate specialization, preferably in Occupational Medicine). A first-level university degree in Medicine combined with two years of qualifying clinical experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Current unrestricted registration with a medical licensing authority of a UN Member State is required. Formal training in independent medical evaluation or permanent impairment assessment using recognized methodologies is also necessary, along with successful completion of corresponding certification examinations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Medicine is required. A first-level university degree in Medicine, combined with additional qualifying clinical experience, may be accepted. Candidates must also have current registration with a medical licensing authority and formal training in independent medical evaluation or permanent impairment assessment.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible clinical experience in medicine is required, with at least three years of substantive experience in conducting independent medical reviews involving causality and compensation claims. Experience in authoring evidence-based medical opinions for administrative or legal decision-making is essential. Desirable experience includes conducting clinical audits or healthcare quality reviews, particularly in international or multi-jurisdictional settings.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to availability of the post or funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants from under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.