National UN Volunteer (Health Services Support) – Prison Health Sprint

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and in Vienna, Austria. UNODC is a world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It operates through 54 regional offices, covering more than 150 countries. Its Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean in Panama (ROPAN) is located in Panama City, Panama and has been active in the region for more than 15 years

Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is supporting the Government of Sint Maarten through the Detention Sector Reform Programme (DSRP), a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening prison management and aligning detention practices with international standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules. This UN Volunteer assignment forms part of the Prison Health Sprint, a preventive health initiative designed to strengthen health screening, early identification of health needs, and referral mechanisms for persons deprived of liberty and correctional staff at Point Blanche Prison. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA), the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), prison management, and other national health partners. The primary outcome of the initiative will be the establishment of the first comprehensive baseline assessment of the physical and mental health status of all persons deprived of liberty at Point Blanche Prison. Through structured screening and standardized documentation, the project will identify priority health needs, support the development of referral recommendations for specialized medical and mental health services where required, and generate evidence to strengthen future prison health planning, resource allocation, and preventive healthcare practices within the detention system. The initiative also provides an opportunity to strengthen local capacity within the health sector in a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) context. Nursing students participating as UN Volunteers will work under the supervision of qualified health professionals and gain practical experience in preventive healthcare, health promotion, ethical practice, confidentiality, and multidisciplinary teamwork. The assignment will offer valuable exposure to correctional health and the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, supporting the development of a future workforce that is better prepared to deliver inclusive and rights-based healthcare services in Sint Maarten.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the designated supervisor, the UN Volunteer will: • Assist in conducting structured health screening interviews with prisoners and correctional staff. • Support basic preventive health assessments using standardized screening tools under professional supervision. • Assist with recording and organizing health information in accordance with confidentiality and data protection protocols. • Support health education and health promotion activities within the prison. • Assist with organizing screening schedules, participant flow, and logistical arrangements during health missions. • Contribute to compiling and organizing screening data for analysis and reporting purposes. • Participate in pre-deployment training on prison security procedures, ethics, confidentiality, and safeguarding. • Promote respect for human rights, dignity, and the principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules throughout the assignment. • Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Judgement and decision-making • Respect for diversity • Integrity • Teamwork

Living conditions and remarks

Sint Maarten offers a multicultural and dynamic Caribbean environment with modern infrastructure and a diverse population. Philipsburg has good access to banking, telecommunications, supermarkets, accommodation, and healthcare facilities. The island is served by an international airport with regional and international connections. The assignment involves work within a correctional facility and therefore requires adherence to strict security procedures, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards of conduct. Volunteers will receive orientation on prison safety protocols before commencing activities. This assignment provides a unique opportunity to contribute to prison reform and public health while gaining practical experience in preventive healthcare, multidisciplinary teamwork, and human rights-based service delivery. Please refer to the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for further information on applicable benefits and entitlements