Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Somalia has been supporting the government’s efforts in effective implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP), which is aligned with the corporate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In support of development plans outlined in the NDP, UNDP in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including government, multilateral agencies, private sector and civil society has been developing and implementing projects in its main thematic areas of Economic Growth and Employment, Democratic Governance, Rule of Law and Security, Human Development and Economics. These projects contribute towards achieving the overall national goal of socioeconomic transformation for poverty reduction, economic revival and societal transfer in a socially just and gender equitable manner.

Context

The UN Clinics Somalia network, administered by UNDP, provides occupational health, emergency response, and clinical support services to United Nations personnel across Somalia. Services include emergency stabilization, medical evacuation coordination, occupational health services, health promotion, and emergency preparedness training (e.g., Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) and Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB) training). UNDP, established in 1965, is the UN’s global development network, supporting countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience. Within Somalia, UNDP also administers common services, including UN Clinic services supporting UN personnel. Mogadishu hosts a large UN staff population and key operational hubs. There is a growing need to strengthen: • Follow-up of UN personnel admitted in local medical facilities • Occupational health and staff support services • Expansion and monitoring of approved medical networks through hospital assessments • Emergency preparedness and surge medical support across duty stations This UNV assignment strengthens medical liaison, occupational health, and emergency preparedness capacity in Mogadishu while providing roving clinical support to other UN Clinics as required.

Task Description

Clinical Care & Occupational Health • Provide occupational health services to UN personnel in Mogadishu • Conduct clinical consultations, initial assessment, stabilization, and response to medical emergencies involving UN personnel • Support referral of patients to appropriate medical facilities and ensure safe clinical handover • Conduct medical follow-up and liaison with local hospitals for admitted UN staff • Support clinical assessments related to fitness for work, fitness to travel, and return-to-work evaluations • Provide medical advice and support to staff with chronic or work-related health conditions Medical Liaison, Referrals & Administrative Coordination • Facilitate referrals to approved medical providers and ensure appropriate documentation and clinical justification • Support medico-administrative processes, including medical evacuation coordination and case documentation • Assist in verification and processing of medical invoices in coordination with administrative and finance teams • Liaise with agency medical sections, HR, and health focal points regarding staff medical matters, while maintaining confidentiality Medical Network Strengthening • Conduct hospital and clinic assessments to support expansion, monitoring, and quality assurance of approved medical networks • Contribute to maintaining updated medical provider databases and service evaluations Emergency Preparedness & Roving Support • Provide surge/roving clinical support to UN Clinics in other duty stations as operationally required • Support emergency preparedness activities, including Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) and Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB) training and drills • Participate in Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) preparedness and response mechanisms • Contribute to emergency planning, simulations, and after-action reviews Health Promotion & Reporting • Contribute to workplace health promotion initiatives and preventive health programmes • Support health awareness campaigns and risk-reduction activities • Maintain accurate clinical, administrative, and training records in line with UN Clinic procedures • Contribute to reports, data collection, and operational documentation

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Mogadishu is a complex operating environment with security considerations and movement restrictions that may affect daily activities and travel. Air access to and from the duty station is available through regulated UN and commercial channels. The climate is generally hot and humid throughout much of the year. Local infrastructure, including communications, banking services, food supply, water, electricity, and medical facilities, is available but may vary in reliability and quality. Coordination is often required for access to specialized services. Cultural awareness is important; respect for local customs, dress norms, and social sensitivities is essential. Alcohol consumption is restricted in line with local regulations and UN security guidance. The role requires strong security awareness and adherence to UN security protocols. The operational environment can at times be high-pressure due to emergency medical situations, coordination demands, and the humanitarian context. The UN Volunteer may be required to travel to other duty stations within Somalia to provide surge clinical support, conduct assessments, support trainings, or participate in emergency preparedness and response activities. Somalia is a unique operational context. It provides meaningful and professionally enriching experience, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, resilience, flexibility, and commitment. The ability and willingness to work in challenging and sometimes unpredictable conditions are essential.