Principal Medical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide comprehensive operational support and advisory services to various entities within the United Nations Secretariat. This includes departments, offices away from headquarters, peace operations, and regional commissions. The DOS aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UN operations by delivering expert healthcare management, occupational safety, and public health services. The Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) specifically focuses on providing these services to all UN Secretariat entities, including field missions and New York-based agencies. The organization is committed to ensuring the health and safety of UN personnel and their dependents, and it plays a crucial role in managing medical issues across the UN system.

Job Overview:
The Principal Medical Officer will serve as the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of DHMOSH, directly supervising the senior leadership team to achieve the division's objectives and outputs in alignment with the overall DOS strategy. This role involves overseeing the implementation of quality control mechanisms for UN healthcare, managing day-to-day operations in clinical and medico-administrative areas, and ensuring the timely and quality execution of tasks necessary for DHMOSH's effective functioning. The Principal Medical Officer will also lead strategic workforce planning and health systems strengthening initiatives, utilizing workforce analytics to assess emerging needs and trends. Additionally, the role includes promoting digital health innovation and knowledge management to enhance healthcare delivery and operational efficiency across the UN medical system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Medical Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: overseeing the implementation of quality control mechanisms for healthcare delivery, managing DHMOSH operations in New York, leading strategic workforce planning, and driving digital health innovation. The officer will also represent DHMOSH at various internal and external meetings, brief the Director on health-related issues, and ensure compliance with organizational regulations. Furthermore, the officer will analyze complex information to provide evidence-based policy advice and operational strategies, strengthen partnerships with UN Member States, and oversee communication products related to DHMOSH. The role requires effective management of the senior leadership team and individual section chiefs, ensuring staff development and career support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree that qualifies for registration as a licensed medical practitioner (MD, MBBS, MBChB, or equivalent) and current unrestricted registration with the medical licensing authority of a UN Member State. Additionally, candidates should be currently registered to practice medicine in their country of nationality or another UN member state. A postgraduate qualification in a medical specialty is desirable, as is an advanced university degree in healthcare management or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge in system-level management of medical conditions, including medical emergencies, and possess the ability to work under pressure while handling complex organizational matters.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a first-level university degree in medicine, which qualifies for registration as a licensed medical practitioner. A postgraduate qualification in a medical specialty is desirable, as is an advanced degree in healthcare management or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of healthcare management and occupational safety within the UN framework.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in clinical medicine, occupational health, public health, or healthcare management. If the candidate does not possess a postgraduate qualification in a medical specialty or an advanced degree in healthcare management, an additional two years of experience is required. At least five years of progressively responsible managerial experience in medical settings is necessary, along with two years of experience working as a physician or medical manager in an international and multicultural environment. Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and working within the United Nations Common System or comparable international organizations is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in all language skills. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the UN Secretariat and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period of 364 days. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly regardless of their backgrounds.