Principal Medical Officer

Organizational Context

The Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides comprehensive operational support across the UN Secretariat. This role is within the Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH), which delivers expert medical, occupational safety, and public health services globally. The Principal Medical Officer serves as Deputy Director, overseeing senior leadership and contributing to DOS strategy.

Job Purpose

The Principal Medical Officer, serving as Deputy Director of DHMOSH, is responsible for ensuring the quality and effective delivery of UN healthcare services worldwide. This includes overseeing quality control, advising on internal bodies concerning compensation and disability, managing daily operations in New York, and leading strategic workforce planning and health systems strengthening. The role also drives digital health innovation, knowledge management, and sets global standards for UN medical services, analyzing complex information to provide policy advice and operational strategies. The incumbent represents DHMOSH externally and deputizes for the Medical Director.

Responsibilities

Oversee the implementation of quality control mechanisms for DHMOSH activities and assess UN healthcare facilities to improve service delivery and emergency response. Advise the Director on issues for the Health and Life Insurance Committee, compensation claims, and disability cases. Represent DHMOSH in various internal and external meetings. Manage the day-to-day clinical and medico-administrative operations of DHMOSH in New York, including planning, budgeting, performance reporting, and staff development. Lead strategic workforce planning and health systems strengthening by assessing needs, trends, and risks, and developing policies and service delivery models. Drive digital health innovation and knowledge management to enhance healthcare delivery and decision-making. Assist in setting global standards for UN personnel welfare, occupational safety, and public health. Analyze complex information to provide policy advice and operational strategies. Foster partnerships and manage extrabudgetary projects. Deputize for the Medical Director as needed.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 15 years in clinical medicine, occupational health, public health, or healthcare management. At least 5 years of progressive managerial experience in medical settings and 2 years in an international, multicultural environment are essential. Experience with multidisciplinary teams, compensation/medico-legal cases, strategic workforce planning, health systems strengthening, and working within the UN system is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Judgment/Decision-Making, system-level medical management, UN administrative/legal frameworks, compensation/disability processes, strategic workforce planning, health systems strengthening, digital health solutions, pressure management, complex problem-solving, team collaboration, conflict resolution, change management.

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