Extended Call

CFA3/
Medical Escorts (doctors and Nurses)

Ungraded
Pretoria, South Africa

As soon as possible March 3

Under the overall guidance of the IOM Chief of Mission (CoM) in South Africa for administrative matters, and technical supervision and guidance of the Chief Migration Health Officer (CMHO) based in IOM South Africa the incumbent will provide medical escort services to the beneficiary(ies) during all phases of their journey under IOM’s care, from pre-departure through to handover upon arrival.

The Medical Escort (ME) is expected to carry out his/her duties in accordance with the highest moral, ethical and professional standards and with due respect for gender and socio-cultural differences of the beneficiary(ies) in their charge. The ME should remain flexible and adaptable in the event of any change in plans, as last-minute cancellations or changes to itineraries can occur. All MEs must adhere to and ensure full compliance with IOM guidelines as well as with national and airline regulations throughout the duration of duty travel.

The ME is responsible for having a valid passport and any applicable visas (the duration of validity of the passport should be at least six months from the end of the escort duty) as well as a valid license to practice in his/her country of residence, and shall provide copies of these to IOM before undertaking the medical escort services

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.

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 MH-B and MH-D are prepared for the trip, and one set of forms MH-A and…