Mission and objectives

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes. WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13) defines WHO’s strategy for the five-year period, 2019-2023. It focuses on triple billion targets to achieve measurable impacts on people’s health at the country level. The triple billion targets are to ensure by 2023: • One billion more people are benefiting from universal health coverage • One billion more people are better protected from health emergencies • One billion more people are enjoying better health and well-being

Context

After more than two years of hostilities in Gaza, over 18,500 patients, including more than 4,000 children, require urgent medical evacuation for surgical and medical conditions that cannot be treated within Gaza's severely disrupted health system. Repeated attacks on health facilities, loss of medical professionals, and severe supply chain restrictions have rendered the health system unable to manage the volume and complexity of cases presenting. Since July 2024, at least 1200 patients have died while awaiting evacuation. The corridor to the West Bank and Jerusalem has also been blocked, leaving transfer to third countries as the only remaining option for many. In response, His Majesty King Abdullah II launched a Royal Initiative to receive and treat 2,000 children from Gaza in Jordan. The Government of Jordan is facilitating medical evacuation for both patients transiting through Jordan and those receiving care within the country. WHO Jordan Country Office is leading the implementation of the Medevac Project to support the transfer, reception, and treatment of critically ill patients from Gaza, with a focus on children. The project targets treatment for approximately 200 children in contracted hospitals in Amman, with essential services for their accompanying family members. The project involves multiple operational layers running simultaneously. These include medical treatment in contracted hospitals, accommodation management for patients and companions, logistics and transport coordination, and ongoing clinical follow-up which all requiring close and continuous coordination across several entities. The MedEvac Liaison Focal Point will serve as the primary contact point between evacuated patients, their companions, the contracted hospital, the accommodation management, and WHO throughout their stay in Jordan. They are responsible for day-to-day coordination, accompaniment, documentation support, and ensuring that patients and companions receive timely, well-coordinated services from arrival through discharge or return. The Patient Liaison Officers support the non-clinical aspects of the patient journey and bridge communication across all parties involved. Additional Information: National UN Associate Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 916.06; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; and • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) Lead and the overall guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office (HWCO), the MedEvac Liaison Focal Point is a team member in the technical unit. Work is assigned by the supervisor who gives instructions on non-routine matters. Routine tasks are performed independently with some discretion in non-routine matters related to office procedures only. The UN Volunteer will: 1. Patient and companion liaison • Liaising between evacuated patients, their companions, the contracted hospital and WHO Jordan project team on all day-to-day matters. • Ensure patients and companions are informed about their care plan, upcoming appointments, available services, and any changes affecting their stay. • Address questions, concerns, and requests from patients and companions promptly, escalating issues that require WHO intervention. 2. Coordination between WHO, the hospital, and accommodation management • Serve as the operational link between WHO, contracted hospitals, and accommodation management, ensuring smooth information flow and timely resolution of coordination issues. • Follow up with the hospital on appointment schedules, admission plans, and discharge summaries, and relay relevant information to the WHO project team without delay. • Coordinate day-to-day logistical needs of patients and companions, including transportation, accommodation arrangements, and essential supplies, in coordination with the logistics and project teams. 3. Medical records and documentation • Maintain complete and updated patient medical records. • Collect medical reports, and discharge summaries. • Share regular patient updates with WHO team. 4. Appointment coordination • In coordination with the contracted hospital, schedule and follow up on all medical appointments and procedures. • Track and resolve delays or scheduling issues. 5. Accompaniment and field support • Accompany patients to all medical visits and procedures. • Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Teamwork • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences. • Communication • Producing results • Ensuring the effective use of resources • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship). As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.