UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our people are united by a common call to action: building a fairer and more inclusive world for those in need through sustainable development.
The Nurse NSPA 7 position will support the health and wellbeing of UN staff and their dependents in Zimbabwe through effective medical care, emergency management, and health promotion activities, ensuring high standards of healthcare services in collaboration with local health authorities and other UN agencies.
The Nurse NSPA 7 will provide high-quality nursing care, manage emergency cases, assist in health promotion, ensure clinic operational efficiency, and support the UN Physician in all medical services. This role is integral to facilitating health and wellbeing within the UN community.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks & crises that the world is facing and that call for assembling multidisciplinary teams for an integrated & systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Job Summary
- Employer: United Nations
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-10-29
Key Responsibilities
- Reception and assistance of patients for treatment by the UN Physician.
- Reception and assistance of clients for attention by the UN Counsellor.
- Assisting visitors, responding to patient bookings and other enquiry calls.
- Giving advice to International and local UN staff and their dependants on available medical services in the country.
- Translation to doctor / patient into English / local language of Shona / Ndebele
- Networking with other Health Professionals including referrals for specialist Services
- Management of emergency cases at the clinic.
- Treatment of minor ailments through nurse consultation including dressings.
- Dispensation of doctor’s prescriptions including injections and immunizations.
- Basic counselling on psycho-social issues and referrals to UN Counsellor.
- Collection of laboratory samples from clients / patients, handing them to the laboratory scientist and subsequent follow of results as need be.
- Ensuring the clinic is clean and in a welcoming state.
- Safe record keeping of patient files and their accessibility when needed.
- Security of clinic movable and immovable equipment.
- Ensuring confidential record keeping of patient’s records
- Safe keeping of medicines and maintenance of adequate stocks
- Planning, organizing and conducting Health Promotions among UN Agencies in Zimbabwe.
- Production of patient medical reports, clinic mid-year and end of year reports.
- Supervisory duties as designated by the UN Physician.
- Mentoring and coaching of other clinic staff members.
- Ensuring the smooth running of the clinic processes.
- Administration of petty cash.
- Processing of medical examinations: entry, periodic and exit.
- Referral of patients to other UN Doctors and professional management of emergency cases in the absence of the UN Physician.
- Referrals of patients for other medical services which are not offered at the clinic such as family planning, child immunizations, women’s health etc.
- Attending to emergencies after hours as requested by the UN Physician.
- Escorting patients for specialised treatment at local major hospitals and subsequent evacuations to South African Hospitals as necessary.
- Planning and implementation of the Health Promotion program for all UN Agencies in Harare and Sub-offices outside Harare.
- Ensuring smooth running of the UN Doctor’s Outreach Program, Doctor’s Conferences, Health meetings and other meetings in and outside the country.
- Ensuring professional and up to standard Clinic Services and Part-time counselling Services in the absence of the UN Physician and UN Counsellor.
- Any other administrative duties as requested by the UN Physician.
Requirements
- State Registered Nurse Diploma or Degree in Nursing with further qualification in either Anesthesia/ICU/Midwifery/Theater training.
- Critical Care and Trauma Certificate.
- Certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life support.
- A minimum of 7 years’ experience in Critical Emergency Care and administration for diploma holders or a minimum of 4 years for degree holders.
- Experience in capacity development on health matters at international level is desirable.
- Prowess to produce internationally acceptable reports.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and knowledge of another UN language is an added advantage.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is desirable
- Fluency in English Language and Shona and/ or Ndebele is required
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com
About the Company
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) is the highest level inter-agency coordination and decision making-body in Zimbabwe, which is led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the designated representative of the UN Secretary General in Zimbabwe. The UNCT allows for all UN entities with activities in Zimbabwe to work as a team in formulating common positions on strategic issues, ensuring coherence in action and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications do I need to become a Senior Nurse with the United Nations in Zimbabwe?
You typically need a Bachelor's degree in Nursing or equivalent, plus current registration with the Zimbabwe Nursing Council. A minimum of 5-7 years of clinical experience, including supervisory roles, is usually required. Additional certifications in emergency care, midwifery, or tropical disease management strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Senior Nurse in this role?
You will supervise nursing staff, coordinate patient care in often resource-limited settings, and ensure compliance with international health protocols. Duties include training local healthcare workers, managing medical supplies, and collaborating with international teams on health programs. You may also participate in emergency response and community health outreach.
How does the work culture differ between UN agencies and local Zimbabwean healthcare employers?
UN roles emphasize strict accountability, extensive documentation, and adherence to international standards rather than local norms alone. Decision-making tends to be more consultative with diverse international colleagues, and punctuality for meetings is non-negotiable. However, respect for Zimbabwean cultural protocols and community engagement remains essential.
What career progression opportunities exist for Senior Nurses in international organizations operating in Zimbabwe?
Progression typically moves toward Nurse Coordinator, Health Programme Manager, or technical advisory positions at regional or headquarters levels. Specialized tracks in emergency response, HIV/TB programming, or maternal health open doors to global deployments. Many nurses also transition into health policy or training roles after gaining field experience.
What benefits should I expect when working as a Senior Nurse with the United Nations in Zimbabwe?
Benefits usually include comprehensive medical aid covering evacuation if needed, pension contributions, and generous annual leave often exceeding local standards. Housing allowances or provided accommodation and rest and recuperation breaks are common for challenging duty stations. Specific packages vary by agency and contract type, so review individual vacancy notices carefully.
How do I apply for Senior Nurse positions with the UN in Zimbabwe, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through official UN careers portals like inspira.un.org or agency-specific sites such as WHO and UNICEF, never through intermediaries requesting fees. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience in resource-constrained settings, flexibility to deploy to rural areas, and fluency in English with local language skills valued. Strong references from previous supervisors and clear evidence of leadership in nursing teams significantly improve your chances.
