National Consultant Public Health Specialist

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

1. The consultancy will take place under the Strengthening Cooperation on Migration Management in Algeria, funded by the MFA of the Government of the Netherlands (COMPASS MPF II phase) (01.01.2026-31.12.2027), in close synergy with the CAPACITY Project (01.01.2026-30.06.2027).

   Algeria’s migration landscape has grown increasingly complex due to regional instability, tighter border controls in neighbouring countries, and shifting migration routes, making cities such as Tamanrasset key transit hubs and exposing migrants to heightened protection risks. IOM acts as a central partner to the Government of Algeria, supporting rights-based and humane migration management and providing direct assistance, protection services, and voluntary return and reintegration support to large numbers of migrants, including women, unaccompanied and separated children, victims of trafficking, and migrants with medical needs.

   Built on previous COMPASS and COMPASS MPF initiatives, the proposed COMPASS MPF Phase II project aims to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance institutional capacities for rights-based migration governance, expand protection-sensitive AVRR and sustainable reintegration, improve public health and environmental surveillance in southern Algeria, and introduce legal identity solutions to better protect migrants, improve service access, prevent fraud and duplication, and strengthen data and analysis. The project aligns with Algerian government priorities and donor objectives, reinforcing regional coordination and humane migration governance across the 

2. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

IBG/MHD

Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

The Public Health Specialist will provide technical advice under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission,  and in close coordination with the IOM Algeria’s IBG Programme Officer and the Migration Health Officer.

First deliverable: 

Coordinate with MoH, regional health authorities, WHO and other partners to align outreach activities with national health priorities. To liaise with MOH to receive the confirmation of the specifications needed for the purchase of the mobile lab and related equipment.

• At least 7 years of experience in public health program implementation, preferably in:
  • Mobile health services
  • Infectious disease surveillance
  • Laboratory system strengthening
  • Humanitarian or migration health contexts

  • Experience working with health ministries or UN agencies.

     

• Strong knowledge of surveillance systems, early warning mechanisms and field diagnostics.
• Experience developing and delivering public health training.
• Familiarity with WHO outbreak response and IHR (2005) guidelines.

Understanding of laboratory biosafety and environmental health testing

Competencies

• Strong analytical and coordination skills.
• Ability to work in remote, challenging environments.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethics and data protection.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with migrant populations.

• REQUIRED Fluency in English and French

DESIRABLE Fluency in Arabic

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies