The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. IOM works closely with governments, intergovernmental partners, non-governmental organizations, and communities to address migration challenges, provide safe resettlement, and improve public health and safety in migration processes.
IOM is seeking a qualified professional to join its team as a National Migration Health Officer (Vaccination and Health Security), based in Nairobi, Kenya. This critical role is designed for an expert in vaccination, health systems strengthening, and public health security who is motivated to improve the health and well-being of migrants and refugees globally.
This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to international health security by shaping vaccination interventions, outbreak preparedness, and health assessments for populations on the move. The successful candidate will work closely with regional and global teams, guiding health programming, strengthening monitoring systems, and ensuring that vulnerable populations benefit from safe, effective, and timely vaccination services.
Job Description
The National Migration Health Officer will serve under the direct supervision of the Regional Migration Health Assessment Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, with technical oversight from IOM’s Global Health Assessment Programme Coordinator at Headquarters. The role will focus primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa but will also provide advisory support to other regions as necessary.
The officer will ensure effective coordination of vaccination and health security activities, contribute to technical knowledge building, and strengthen outbreak preparedness frameworks. The position requires expertise in immunization, epidemiology, surveillance systems, and health security, combined with strong collaboration and capacity-building skills.
Key Responsibilities
The officer will take on a wide range of responsibilities, with emphasis on technical leadership, coordination, and public health interventions.
1. Technical Guidance and Advisory Support
- Provide expert advice to regional and global health staff on vaccination and health security activities in migrant and refugee health assessment programmes (HAP).
- Identify programme gaps using available data and recommend improvements to strengthen vaccination and outbreak response.
- Guide teams in reviewing global standard operating procedures (SOPs) and help adapt evidence-based technical instructions for country-specific contexts.
2. Vaccine Procurement and Availability
- Support the setting of vaccination fees and global vaccine procurement, ensuring availability and affordability of vaccines for migrants and refugees.
- Monitor global vaccine supply chains and reduce barriers related to costs or availability of essential vaccines.
3. Surveillance and Epidemiological Monitoring
- Maintain updated records on vaccination coverage and global outbreak trends.
- Advise regional health teams on the latest epidemiological and surveillance data for effective, timely interventions.
- Contribute to outbreak response planning, including mission-specific action plans and budget preparation.
4. Data Analysis and Reporting
- Analyze data from multiple countries to assess vaccine coverage, availability, cold chain status, and costs.
- Prepare quarterly reports and facilitate regular meetings with regional vaccination focal points.
- Support evidence-based decision-making through research, monitoring, evaluation, and publication of findings.
5. Risk Communication and Community Engagement
- Develop and disseminate health education materials to combat vaccine hesitancy and strengthen public awareness.
- Support infodemic surveillance and help regional teams address misinformation on vaccination.
6. Collaboration and Representation
- Build strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
- Represent IOM in global health security discussions and contribute to international technical dialogues.
- Share best practices, lessons learned, and innovations across regions and programmes.
7. Digital Tools and Quality Assurance
- Support the development and rollout of the IOM vaccine app and other digital monitoring systems.
- Collaborate with the Health Informatics team to strengthen quality control tools related to vaccination, outbreak preparedness, and health surveillance.
- Monitor and liaise with electronic monitoring device providers to ensure vaccine cold chain integrity and minimize wastage.
8. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Mentor health staff and provide training in vaccination strategies, outbreak response, and surveillance.
- Assist teams in preparing and presenting abstracts for international conferences.
- Enhance staff capabilities in data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and technical leadership.
9. Outbreak Preparedness and Response
- Actively monitor epidemiological developments and coordinate IOM’s outbreak response activities.
- Ensure timely creation of outbreak response plans tailored to specific receiving countries.
- Support procurement of resources and tools for preparedness and response activities.
10. Other Duties
- Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned to support IOM’s mission and strategic health priorities.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education:
- A university degree in Medicine or a related field with specialization in public health, epidemiology, immunization, infectious disease control, or health security, with at least seven years of professional experience, three of which should be in managerial roles; OR
- A university degree in Medicine or related field plus a Master’s in Public/Community Health, Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, or other relevant field, with at least five years of professional experience, three of which should be in managerial roles.
- Experience:
- Extensive knowledge of vaccination and outbreak response technical instructions within IOM-assisted migration pathways.
- Proven experience in immunization programmes, outbreak response, and public health emergencies.
- Familiarity with project management including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Demonstrated experience working with international organizations, Ministries of Health, or INGOs.
- Skills:
- Strong technical expertise in vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization strategies.
- Knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR) and global health security frameworks.
- Ability to analyze and interpret health data, particularly related to vaccine coverage and disease surveillance.
- Strong communication, advocacy, and training skills.
- Competence in digital health tools, monitoring systems, and cold chain logistics.
- Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
Competencies
All IOM staff members are expected to demonstrate the organization’s values:
- Inclusion and Respect for Diversity: Promoting cultural differences and fostering inclusive practices.
- Integrity and Transparency: Maintaining high ethical standards in all responsibilities.
- Professionalism: Demonstrating competence, commitment, and sound judgment.
- Courage and Empathy: Taking a stand on critical issues while showing compassion and fairness.
Core competencies include teamwork, delivering results, accountability, communication, and managing knowledge. For managerial roles, leadership, empowerment, trust-building, strategic vision, and humility are emphasized.
Contract and Job Information
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Identification: 16830
- Posting Date: 15 September 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025 (03:00 EAT)
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, one year (with the possibility of extension)
- Job Schedule: Full-time, day shift
- Grade: National Officer (NO-C)
- Recruitment Type: National hire (Kenyan nationals only)
Additional Notes
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance and verification of residency/visa.
- IOM applies a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, and all forms of discrimination.
- IOM does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview, or training.
- Candidates may remain eligible for similar positions within IOM for a period of 24 months.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications exclusively through the IOM online recruitment system. Only duly completed applications submitted via the official system will be accepted.
For more information and other vacancies, visit the IOM Careers page.
