United Nations Office at Nairobi Hiring Medical Officer-NOA for Dadaab Duty Station

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) has announced a consultancy opportunity for a Medical Officer-NOA to provide essential medical services at the Dadaab duty station. This short-term consultancy plays a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of United Nations staff working in a challenging field environment.

As the UN headquarters in Africa, UNON supports multiple UN entities by delivering administrative, security, and operational services. The Medical Officer-NOA position is part of the Joint Medical Service, which provides frontline healthcare support to UN personnel in Kenya and surrounding duty stations.

Role Overview and Assignment Duration

The Medical Officer-NOA will be appointed at NOA Level 6 on a local basis and will be based in Dadaab. The expected duration of the assignment is one month, with responsibilities focused on delivering high-quality clinical care and ensuring compliance with United Nations medical standards.

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Officer-in-Charge of the Joint Medical Service and will support day-to-day clinic operations, emergency response, and occupational health services.

Key Clinical Responsibilities

The Medical Officer will be responsible for delivering comprehensive clinical services, including:

• Providing daily outpatient and walk-in clinical care
• Managing medical emergencies and coordinating medical evacuations
• Conducting pre-placement and periodic medical examinations
• Administering immunizations and preventive healthcare services
• Referring patients to external specialists and following up on treatment
• Offering health education, medical counselling, and stress management support
• Remaining on call for emergencies on a 24/7 basis as required

These responsibilities are essential to maintaining uninterrupted medical support in a remote and demanding environment.

Medical Administration and Operational Duties

In addition to clinical care, the Medical Officer-NOA will contribute to medical administration and clinic management, including:

• Implementing United Nations medical policies, standards, and procedures
• Supporting recruitment medical clearances, sick leave reviews, and insurance processes
• Managing day-to-day medical operations at the Dadaab clinic
• Supervising nursing staff and ensuring continuous professional development
• Ensuring availability of medical supplies and proper functioning of equipment
• Supporting occupational health, disaster preparedness, and preventive health programs

The role also involves collecting and analyzing medical data to identify trends, prepare reports, and support evidence-based planning.

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

Candidates must hold a recognized first-level degree in Medicine and possess certification in at least one advanced emergency care qualification such as ACLS, ATLS, PHTLS, or ETB. Strong computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations are also required.

Applicants should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible clinical experience, including at least two years in high-pressure environments such as emergency departments, intensive care units, or aeronautical medicine. Experience in infectious disease management, occupational health, and counselling is considered an advantage.

Fluency in English and Swahili is mandatory for effective communication in the duty station.

Core Competencies and Professional Standards

The United Nations places strong emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning. The Medical Officer-NOA is expected to demonstrate clinical excellence, sound judgment in emergencies, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Collaboration with colleagues, respect for diversity, and commitment to gender equality are integral to the role.

Why This Role Is Important

Healthcare support in field and hardship locations is critical to maintaining UN operations. This consultancy directly contributes to staff welfare, emergency preparedness, and operational continuity in Dadaab. Medical professionals seeking meaningful short-term assignments in international and humanitarian settings will find this role both challenging and impactful.

The Medical Officer-NOA consultancy with the United Nations Office at Nairobi offers a unique opportunity to deliver frontline medical care in a demanding field environment. By combining clinical expertise, emergency response skills, and operational leadership, this role supports the health and safety of UN staff while upholding the highest international medical standards.