Migration Health Nurse – Assisted Voluntary Returns (AVR)

About the role

The Migration Health Nurse (MHN) supports the Assisted Voluntary Returns (AVR) medical programme in San Jose, Costa Rica. Working under the Protection Officer and Migration Health Physician, the MHN provides comprehensive nursing care to migrants at reception points, transit centres, shelters and other operational sites.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct medical examinations (vital signs, weight, height, visual acuity) and refer migrants for imaging or laboratory tests.
• Provide treatment, referrals and accompany migrants to medical appointments.
• Deliver pre‑ and post‑counselling on health conditions, prevention and management.
• Manage pre‑departure procedures, fitness‑to‑travel documentation and certification.
• Implement identification procedures and follow AVR SOPs and check‑lists.
• Participate in quality improvement, maintain pharmacy and emergency kits, and prepare administrative reports.
• Support mobile missions, assist with pre‑departure briefings and perform medical escort duties.
• Coordinate with IOM departments, health providers, NGOs and other partners for follow‑up care.
• Collect and share statistical data with senior health staff.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited Costa Rican institution.
• Valid nursing licence in Costa Rica.
• Minimum five years of relevant clinical experience.
• Knowledge of preventive care, disease control, patient safety and infection‑prevention practices.
• Experience in primary care, emergency care, public health or work with vulnerable populations is an advantage.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a humanitarian context with international partners.
• Field‑based nursing experience across diverse migration settings.