Migration Health Nurse

Host entity: IOM ZAF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Nursing, midwifery, paramedics, medical technology, Public health, immunisation

Application deadline: 21/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governments, United Nations agencies, civil society, academia and development partners to promote humane, safe and orderly migration for the benefit of all. In South Africa, IOM supports migration governance, migration and sustainable development, labour mobility and integrated border governance, regional cooperation, migrant inclusion and evidence-based migration policies. Through strategic partnerships with government institutions, development partners, regional bodies and the United Nations Country Team, IOM contributes to the integration of migration considerations into national and regional development frameworks and promotes effective migration governance that advances sustainable development outcomes.

As an active member of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), IOM contributes to joint programming, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and multi-stakeholder partnerships that strengthen development planning and policy coherence and advances the UN principle of leaving no one behind.

Assignment context

Under the overall supervision of the Sub-Regional Migration Health Assessment Program Coordinator (SRHAPC) and the direct supervision of the Senior Migration Health Nurse and the technical supervision of the Clinic Head, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities in relation to the Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) in Pretoria, South Africa.

Task description

The successful candidate will perform the following tasks:

1. Perform daily nursing activities in the Migration Health Assessment Clinic (MHAC) to fulfil the technical requirements of the resettlement countries in the areas of:
a) medical examinations,
i. Such as checking vital signs, weight, height, visual acuity;
ii. Blood, urine or sputum collection as required;
b) Imaging;
c) Laboratory testing;
d) Vaccinations;
e) TB management;
f) Treatment and referrals;
g) Pre-departure procedures and medical movements;
h) Documentation, certification and information transmission; and,
i) Other technical areas as may be required.

2. Provide information and detailed explanations to the migrants and/or refugees in relation to:
• The migration health assessment process; and,
• Treatments and referrals.

3. Ensure proper identification and follow-up by:
• Comprehensive history taking;
• Accurate and thorough Biodata collection;
• Ensuring ID verification for each step of the health assessment process; and,
• Keeping a register of applicants who undergo health investigations and testing.

4. Follow and implement the Health Assessment Programme’s check lists and SOP’s and maintain standard universal precautions within MHAC.

5. Verify samples of sputum, blood or others are properly transported to the laboratory or previously designated location.

6. Maintain and monitor the MHAC pharmacy, stock, medical kits and emergency kits within the MHAC and for medical escorts if applicable.

7. Provide pre and/or post counselling to migrants or refugees on TB or HIV education, prevention and management as appropriate.

8. Prepare administrative reports and program updates as necessary.

9. Support the planning and execution of mobile missions if applicable.

10. Assist with pre-departure documents, briefings and preparations as necessary.

11. Perform medical escort duties when required to ensure migrants receive continued care throughout all phases of migration (before departure, during the journey and at the final destination).

12. Maintain collaborative relationships with various partners to facilitate the follow up and relevant information sharing. Partners include internal IOM departments, other health providers, panel physicians, embassies other UN agencies or NGO’s and others as applicable.

13. Collect statistical information and share with the Senior Migration Health Nurse or CMHO as per preset and agreed upon format.

14. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Skills and experience

• For candidates with a bachelor's degree holder a minimum of three years of relevant clinical experience and for Diploma holder a minimum of five years of relevant clinical experience.
• Excellent technical skills, including in phlebotomy.
• Training or working experience in the areas of Tuberculosis management, mass immunizations, communicable diseases, laboratory testing or public health is an advantage.
• Knowledge of and experience in clinical nursing.
• Excellent bedside manner.
• Knowledge of principles of preventive care and disease control.
• Knowledge of and experience in implementation of patient safety and infection prevention and control.
• Computer literacy required: MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Access
• Proven clinical expertise or post-graduate diploma/degree in clinical specialization in emergency care is an advantage.

Skills required:
• Leadership skills (desirable);
• Excellent communication skills;
• Organizational skills

Competencies and values

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
Values - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core competencies:
• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South África can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South África are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

UN Volunteers receives the below entitlements:
• A Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): R11 910.08 per month,
• A once off entry lumpsum at the start of the assignment,
• Medical insurance; Life cover, and annual leave,
• Access to all learning platforms,
• A once off exit lumpsum at the end of the assignment.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.