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

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supports Sint Maarten's Detention Sector Reform Programme (DSRP) to enhance prison management and align practices with international standards like the Nelson Mandela Rules. This assignment is part of the Prison Health Sprint, a preventive health initiative focused on improving health screening, early identification of needs, and referral mechanisms for inmates and staff at Point Blanche Prison. The project collaborates with local ministries and health partners to establish a baseline health assessment and strengthen healthcare planning.

Job Purpose

This UN Volunteer assignment, within the Prison Health Sprint initiative, aims to strengthen preventive health services at Point Blanche Prison. The role involves supporting health screening, identifying health needs, and facilitating referrals for persons deprived of liberty and correctional staff. A key objective is to establish the first comprehensive baseline assessment of physical and mental health status within the prison. The data collected will inform priority health needs, guide recommendations for specialized medical and mental health services, and provide evidence for future prison health planning and resource allocation. The initiative also focuses on building local health sector capacity in a Small Island Developing State context, offering practical experience in correctional health and healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, the UN Volunteer will assist in conducting structured health screening interviews and basic preventive health assessments for prisoners and correctional staff. Responsibilities include supporting health education and promotion activities, recording and organizing health information while adhering to confidentiality and data protection protocols, and assisting with the logistical arrangements for screening schedules. The role also involves contributing to the compilation and organization of screening data for analysis and reporting. Participants will undergo pre-deployment training on prison security, ethics, and safeguarding, and are expected to promote human rights and dignity throughout the assignment, upholding the principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required. However, one month of relevant experience is desirable. Experience in community health promotion, preventive care, working with vulnerable populations, data collection, or research is considered an asset. Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic data entry, are necessary.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, planning, organization, professionalism, self-management, judgment, decision-making, respect for diversity, integrity, and teamwork. Essential technical skills involve strong interpersonal and communication abilities, maintaining confidentiality, organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Expertise in nursing, midwifery, public health, mental health, or immunisation is beneficial.

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