Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)-Migration Health Division (MHD), through its Migration Health Assessment Centers (MHACs) in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Mirpur, provides operational support to the Government of Pakistan and relevant partner governments in addressing the health needs of immigrants and refugees.

IOM–MHD Pakistan is strengthening its engagement in migration and health, with a particular emphasis on streamlining the medical movement of beneficiaries with significant medical conditions. This strategic approach seeks to deliver specialized medical services through the engagement of highly skilled medical professionals, thereby supporting IOM’s mandate to facilitate humane and orderly migration.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Chief Migration Health Officer (CMHO) in Pakistan, the Medical Escort will conduct pre-travel medical assessments, provide clinical management during transit, and hand over beneficiaries to the appropriate counterparts in the destination country.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing The Migration Health Assessment Programme (HAP) of MHD, established in 2007 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan, provides health services for migrants, including refugees. Migration health assessments aim to safeguard public and individual migrant’s health and minimize the health impacts of human mobility, in line with the 2005 International Health Regulations. Tasks to be performed under this contract

• Prior to departure:

• Verify validity of passport, which should have at least 6 months’ validity, visa and practicing license. Ensure that the copy of practicing license is prepared for the movement, and the immunization status is updated as required by the receiving country.

• Undertake pre-departure preparations consisting of familiarization with the escorted beneficiary(ies) and their medical files, as well as discussion and planning with the IOM medical team in the country of departure or the Regional Office (RO) and with external specialists, as necessary. Remote consultations with the receiving healthcare provider, IOM HQ or specialists in other IOM country offices may be necessary depending on the situation and are particularly important for severe medical cases.[1]

• Ensure that the Medical Information Form (MEDIF) or Medical Information Form for Air Travel (MEDA) has been submitted to the respective airline and their approval received.

• Examine all aspects of the trip well in advance of departure, such as flight and layover duration, access to medical facilities, and special travel arrangements (e.g. wheelchair, special seating or stretcher, oxygen, ambulance, and others).

• Become familiarized and agree with IOM medical movement (MM) focal point on the written Medical Escort Plan (MEP), which includes specific instructions and actions to be taken during transit and destination, such as focal persons to be met, communications to be maintained with identified parties, and options in the event of contingencies. The MEP may also specify the frequency and nature of vital signs and other parameters to monitor and document (e.g. oxygen saturation in flight), as well as which interventions to perform and the scope of an interim "fitness to travel" assessment that should be conducted between travel segments, as applicable. If such information is not provided, request clarifications of each point from the IOM MM focal point.

• Obtain emergency contact information (for both Movement Operation and MHD staff) for use in transit, at the port of entry (POE) and at the final destination (FD).

• Review the content of the medical escort’s kit and request additional medication or medical equipment as needed. Become familiarized with the equipment in the medical escort’s kit, as well as with the basic maintenance of the equipment. Maintain a written inventory of supplies used during travel to be submitted to the IOM mission upon return.

• Become familiarized with the medication and dosing regimen for the beneficiary(ies) and confirm that the beneficiary(ies) has/have an adequate supply of medication to cover the movement and a period of at least 2 weeks after arrival.

• Ensure that several copies of the Medical Escort forms MH06-B and MH06-D are prepared for the trip, and one set of forms MH06-A and MH06-C.

• Ensure that a mobile phone with international roaming is available and in good order. Keep open communication channels before departure, in transit (if necessary, in-flight) and upon arrival.

• Introduce him/herself and brief beneficiary(ies) in charge and their families on the MEP prior to travel. Explain beneficiary(ies) what to expect from the ME service, including the responsibilities of an IOM ME towards escorted cases (e.g. escorted beneficiary(ies) and their families should be aware that the escort is required to remain in close proximity to the escorted case throughout the journey).[1]

• Ensure that the escorted beneficiary(ies) is/are fit to travel prior to departure. The ME reserves the right to cancel the escorted beneficiary(ies) from a flight after evaluating their clinical condition if they are deemed not fit to travel. The cancellation should be done in coordination with the MM focal point in IOM [Pakistan] or the relevant regional travel health coordinator, if there is no MHD presence in the mission. Immediately notify the relevant MHD and Movement Operations staff of any event that may result in a delay/alteration of the plans.

• During movement:

• Perform fitness-to travel check before each travel segment.

• Board together with the beneficiary(ies) in charge for travel, assisting them with embarkation and disembarkation

• Introduce him/herself to airplane cabin staff, briefly explain the ME’s duties and engage their assistance in case of a medical emergency. Provide medical assistance, as well as non-medical support, to other beneficiaries travelling under the auspices of IOM as needed.

• Stay in close proximity to the beneficiary(ies) throughout the movement. Do not leave the beneficiary(ies) unattended without a legitimate reason and for longer than absolutely necessary. Inform beneficiary(ies) about your whereabouts and expected time of return whenever the absence is necessary.

• Follow the MEP, and constantly monitor the condition of the beneficiary(ies) in charge during movement. The frequency of observations should not be less than every 4 hours. This relates not just to specific medical conditions but also to general health issues during the flight that may be related to reduced cabin pressure, low ambient humidity and prolonged immobilization.

• Ensure beneficiary(ies) maintain adequate hydration and avoid drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine. Encourage beneficiary(ies) who are able to occasionally move about the cabin or do simple leg exercises periodically while seated.

• For beneficiary(ies) with cardiac or respiratory disease, regularly monitor their blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate. Blood pressure should be monitored using an automated blood pressure cuff, as the digital readout eliminates the challenge of auscultation in a noisy environment. In case of doubt, the automated readings should be confirmed with the manual method.

• Monitor blood oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry, which should be available and used for any person requiring supplemental oxygen during movement. For beneficiaries with diabetes, Use portable blood glucose monitors provide rapid, accurate and simple measurement.

• Ensure that medications are taken as scheduled and that supplemental oxygen is properly delivered to those who require it.

• Bring any medical emergency or significant deterioration in a passenger’s condition immediately to the attention of the cabin crew and captain, and give the passenger immediate medical assistance to the fullest extent allowed by the circumstances.

• Document all clinical observations and interventions clearly in the IOM Observation and Intervention Report (MH06-B) indicating the time of and travel segment for each observation; form MH06-B is available in the package of documents for MEs. The local date and time at the point of observation (e.g. if during the flight, use the date and time of the port of departure). Document any coordination between the ME and the air crew, air captain or ground medical assistance team in form MH06-B.

• In case of significant deterioration of the beneficiary’s condition that results in travel deviation or a need for special reception arrangements, such as unplanned hospitalization, immediately notify IOM staff in the sending and receiving missions and, if applicable, the transit mission. Stay with the patient until released by the IOM staff in sending or receiving missions, as well as the medical personnel assuming further care of the patient.

• At the port of entry

• Report to IOM staff on arrival at the POE. Note that MEs are subject to the same laws and requirements as other arriving passengers, including random security checks.

• If same-day connections are not possible at the POE, stay at the same hotels as beneficiaries. If the beneficiary’s condition is unstable or deteriorates at the point of transit, contact local IOM staff for advice about local health services and request their assistance in arranging access to these services (e.g. hospital admission), if necessary. If the situation is critical call local medical emergency number, alert hotel staff, provide possible stabilization measures, and call IOM staff.

• Upon arrival:

• At the end of the itinerary, hand over the escorted beneficiary(ies) to a responsible entity. If a planned or emergency hospitalization is required immediately upon arrival or during transit, the handover should only be made to a medical professional at the hospital.

• Ensure that any un-escorted onward travel connections are completely understood by the beneficiary(ies), accompanying family members, non-medical escorts, or partner agencies.

• Upon handover of the beneficiary(ies) to the receiving party, fill in the Migrant Handover Notification Form (MH06-D) and get it signed by the receiving party. Provide one copy to the receiving party and retain the other copy. If the receiving party is not a medical professional, provide the medical records and a copy of the Observation and Intervention Report (MH06-B) to the beneficiary(ies) or his/her guardian.

• If the medical handover appointment is the day after arrival at the final destination, arrange accommodation with or as near as possible to the beneficiary and be available to assist at all times until handover occurs.

• If any special medical equipment, such as a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), was obtained for the beneficiary’s use during the movement from the POE to the FD, ensure that it is returned, or booked to return, to the IOM POE or an external service provider, as per instructions received before travel or at the POE.

• Submit the Migrant Handover Notification Form (MH06-D), the Escort Report Forms (MH06-A and B), the Medical Escort Checklist (MH06-C), the medical escort kit and the mobile phone (if provided by IOM) to IOM [Pakistan] within 1 (one) week of return to the duty station, unless agreed otherwise.

• Medical escort should remain communicable by phone and email through the escort trip on the ground and at least until 24 hours after the handover for any eventual need.

• In a situation of travel-related incident or the complaint alleged against the escort, information requested from the escort must be honoured even after performing the escort duty.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Deliver results by completing 100% of assigned pre-travel medical assessments within the reporting period, in full compliance with approved clinical protocols, standard operating procedures, and organizational quality standards.
• Demonstrate accountability and professionalism by maintaining a minimum 98% completeness and accuracy rate in medical records and case documentation, ensuring all files are submitted on time and without critical omissions each month.
• Promote client-oriented and compassionate service by ensuring 100% of assigned beneficiaries receive safe, dignified, and medically appropriate escort support, including formal handover to designated receiving counterparts at destination throughout the contract period.
• Uphold accountability, professionalism, and patient safety, and by reporting 100% of incidents within 24 hours in line with organizational procedures.
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork by achieving at least 95% timely clinical handover compliance, ensuring complete, accurate, and timely verbal and written transfer of medical information to receiving counterparts upon arrival.
• Model professionalism, integrity, and accountability by maintaining 100% adherence to patient safety, infection prevention and control measures, and ethical standards during pre-departure assessment, transit, and handover processes throughout the assignment period.
• Support managing and sharing knowledge by participating in or facilitating at least two clinical briefings, refresher trainings, or knowledge-sharing sessions annually, contributing to continuous learning and strengthened team capacity.
• Timely completion of Medical Escort reports submitted to the su

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University Degree in Medicine from an accredited academic institution;
• A valid license to practice in the country of his/her residence/citizenship;

Experience

• Minimum of two years of clinical experience post-residency/specialty training;

• Proven expertise or post-graduate diploma/degree in clinical specialization in the fields of Internal Medicine/Cardiology/Pulmonology/Emergency or Trauma Medicine/Pediatrics/Obstetrics-Gynecology and Psychiatry;
• Clinical expertise and/or specialization in public health, health care administration, or healthcare management is an advantage;
• Professional continuous clinical experience, preferably in a multidisciplinary hospital setting. The last clinical posting should be within the last two years;
• Good knowledge of standards of care in clinical medicine;
• Excellent bedside manner;

• Knowledge of patient safety and infection prevention and control;

Skills

• Clinical Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Communication Skills

Languages

For this consultancy, proficiency in English and Urdu is required.

However, advantage will be given to the candidates having knowledge of Dari & Pashtu language.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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