Medical Diaspora Program Coordinator

Project Context and Scope
 

For many years, Lebanon has maintained its status as a prominent center for nurturing and advancing highly regarded medical professionals. This enduring tradition of delivering quality education has given rise to a noteworthy global dispersion of Lebanese medical graduates. These healthcare experts not only exhibit a strong inclination toward achieving medical specialty board certifications, participating in research, and affiliating with prestigious universities, but a substantial number also hold leadership positions within renowned medical departments, research facilities, and institutions. It is estimated that over 15,000 Lebanese medical professionals are currently practicing abroad, with significant concentrations in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Gulf region. These healthcare experts often pursue advanced medical specialty board certifications, engage in high-impact research, and hold faculty or leadership roles in hospitals, academic institutions, and global health organizations. To capitalize on this vast potential, several Lebanese diaspora medical associations have emerged globally. The International Lebanese Medical Association (ILMA) umbrella brings together regional bodies such as the Australian Lebanese Medical Association (ALMA), representing over 20 national chapters across four continents. These associations are membership-based and comprise physicians, surgeons, researchers, and public health experts committed to contributing their expertise and resources toward strengthening Lebanon’s health system through collaborative initiatives in education, training, research, and service delivery.

Recognizing the invaluable contributions of its medical diaspora and the strong connections held with Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Lebanon has established an International Office  to ensure that the extensive expertise, resources, and potential of the Lebanese medical diaspora are harnessed to support the nation's healthcare objectives, particularly in alignment with the National Health Strategy launched in January 2023.

In its pilot phase, a tripartite agreement was established between the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) of Lebanon, the Australian Lebanese Medical Association (ALMA), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This partnership aimed to enhance coordination and collaboration between MoPH and the Australian medical diaspora through projects aiming at strengthening the health sector. With the success of its initial phase, the partnership intends to be expanded beyond Australia to the International Lebanese Medical Association (ILMA), IOM and MOPH, to increase engagement with medical diaspora globally.

MoPH has provided office space and guidance, while IOM will leverage its expertise in diaspora engagement, project management management, and community development to support local resilience efforts. ILMA will contribute technical expertise through its member organizations in addition to funding fund this position and projects arising through the work of the International Office.

The Medical Disapora Programme Coordinator will act as a strategic liaison and advisor between ILMA, IOM, and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), leading the development and execution of high-impact diaspora engagement initiatives aligned with Lebanon’s National Health Strategy. The coordinator will also provide technical guidance on health systems strengthening, capacity building, diaspora-led initiatives, and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration to maximize the Lebanese medical diaspora’s contributions to public health advancement in Lebanon
  Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
 Public Health Unit Tasks to be performed under this contract
The consultant will need to perform the below tasks related to project coordination, communication and liaison, monitoring and reporting, and project management:

• Provide strategic advisory support to MoPH leadership and ILMA on priority health system areas that would benefit from diaspora collaboration.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of the Lebanese medical diaspora and their affiliations worldwide.
• Organize regular engagement sessions and webinars to ensure the diaspora remains informed about Lebanon’s health priorities and ensure collaboration and information sharing with students and practitioners in Lebanon.
• Oversee implementation of evidence-based public health initiatives driven by diaspora input and aligned with international best practices.
• Facilitate collaboration between local health institutions and the diaspora for knowledge exchange and capacity-building.
• Coordinate diaspora contribution in the fields of medical education and academia by organizing training sessions and workshops as needed.
• Direct diaspora attention and efforts towards areas where public health interventions, projects, and research are mostly needed. 
• Support the development and implementation of new projects as needed.
• Provide feedback loops, ensuring diaspora-initiated projects resonate with the needs of Lebanon’s health sector.
• Work with the diaspora to identify potential sources of funding and technical assistance.
• Collaborate with diaspora associations for fundraising campaigns and events, ensuring funds 

  are directed towards priority areas.

  • Develop and implement monitoring frameworks to track project progress.
  • Organize and coordinate meetings between MoPH, ALMA, and IOM.
  • Coordinate the work in the International Office with involved stakeholders and ensure alignment with project objectives.
  • Work with the MoPH and IOM to create a governance structure for the International Office, including the creation of an Advisory Board.
  • Facilitate the implementation of joint projects between ALMA and MoPH and IOM.   Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
     
    • Evidence of policy or strategic documents produced to shape diaspora engagement in health.
    • Increased resource mobilization or new partnerships initiated.
    • Quarterly report on the contribution of diaspora to the specific goals of the National Health Strategy including project milestones, outcomes, and challenges.
    • Quarterly newsletters detailing the progress and achievements of the collaboration are prepared and disseminated.
    • Levels of participation and engagement from the diaspora measured through number of webinars and engagement sessions.
    • Track project milestones, deadlines, and budget using the needed project management tool. Education
      • Bachelor’s degree in public health, international relations, health administration, project management or a health related field. Experience
        • Proficiency in project management tools and software. Having experience in diaspora engagement, international development, or healthcare management is an advantage.
        • Proven experience working with government ministries, international organizations (e.g., IOM, WHO), and diaspora networks in strategic coordination roles.
        • Familiarity with the Lebanon’s healthcare system and National Health Strategy. Skills
          • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
          • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
          • Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and work independently and as part of a team. Languages
            • Fluency in English and Arabic are required. IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Travel required
              • When needed Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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 – behavioral indicators
      • 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.