EC-ESC-019-26 Internist Escort

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. As the leading UN agency in migration, IOM collaborates with governments and NGOs, providing essential services and advice. This role operates within IOM Ecuador, under the supervision of the Chief of Mission or Head of Office.

Job Purpose

The Medical Escort (ME) provides critical medical escort services to beneficiaries throughout their migration journey under IOM's care, from pre-departure to final handover. This role ensures the well-being and safety of individuals requiring medical assistance during transit. The ME must uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, respecting diverse backgrounds. Flexibility is key due to potential itinerary changes. Adherence to IOM guidelines and national/airline regulations is mandatory. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining valid travel and professional documentation, ensuring a seamless and secure transfer for beneficiaries.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include comprehensive pre-departure preparations: verifying travel documents, licenses, and immunization status; familiarizing with beneficiary medical files and coordinating with medical teams; ensuring airline approval for travel (MEDIF/MEDA); planning trip logistics including medical facilities and special arrangements; developing and agreeing on a Medical Escort Plan (MEP) with specific instructions and contingency measures; preparing and maintaining medical kits; confirming medication supplies; briefing beneficiaries and families on the MEP; and conducting pre-departure fitness-to-travel assessments, with the authority to cancel travel if necessary. During movement, responsibilities involve fitness-to-travel checks before each segment, accompanying beneficiaries, liaising with cabin crew, providing medical and non-medical support, maintaining close proximity, monitoring vital signs and general health every four hours, ensuring hydration, administering medications and oxygen, managing medical emergencies, documenting all observations and interventions, and notifying IOM staff of any travel deviations or critical events. Post-arrival duties include reporting to IOM staff, handing over beneficiaries to responsible entities or medical professionals, completing handover forms, returning medical equipment, submitting all relevant documentation to IOM Ecuador within one week, and remaining available for communication for 24 hours post-handover.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of proven professional experience as a Medical Specialist is required. Experience in clinical specialties relevant to the medical profile of escorted beneficiaries is also necessary. A valid US B1/B2 visa is required. Experience with IOM Medical Movement Manual and related forms is desirable.

Skills

Medical escort services, medical assessment, patient monitoring, emergency medical response, documentation, communication, adherence to guidelines, flexibility, adaptability, professional ethics, respect for diversity, teamwork, delivering results, managing knowledge, accountability.

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