NAME OF PROJECT: Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project

Reference No. (As per Procurement Plan): ………………….

Duration of contract: One year, with possibility of extension

1.  Background 

The Government of Ethiopia has received financial support from the World Bank for the implementation of various activities under the Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project (WB-ACDCP) aimed at strengthening regional infectious disease detection and response systems. Being one of the implementing agencies of the project, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is planning to hire biomedical engineers with advanced qualifications and ample experience to support its laboratory capacity-building initiatives both at national and regional levels.

2.  Job Summary

The Biomedical Engineer is in charge of overseeing, organizing, monitoring, and improving the quality of laboratory equipment maintenance services both at national and regional levels. The Biomedical Engineer will be responsible for preparing specifications, evaluation and selection, installation, and provision of training on new laboratory equipment to end users following manufacturers’ Operational Manuals and instructions. Overall, the Biomedical Engineer is responsible for the proper implementation of laboratory equipment and technology management system (laboratory equipment life cycle). Furthermore, she or he is responsible for the follow-up of service-level agreements and ensuring sustainable functionality of testing laboratories through the provision of regular preventive and timely need-based curative maintenance services and meticulous implementation of standard laboratory equipment management systems. The Biomedical Engineer will be also responsible for reporting and documenting findings, works done, and progress made that have a significant impact on the successful delivery of laboratory equipment maintenance services at all times.

 3. Purpose of the position:

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the EPHI/ Laboratory Equipment and Information System Technology Development Directorate (LEISTDD) with respect to the overall management of laboratory equipment assets with a particular emphasis on WB-ACDCP-supported laboratory equipment specification and quantification, evaluation and selection, follow-up on procurement and receipt, distribution, installation, training, and monitoring of proper utilization. The responsibility of the position includes addressing maintenance needs related to all laboratory equipment, and cold chain equipment both at EPHI and regional laboratory facilities. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

Specific Tasks / Activities 

The roles and responsibilities of the Biomedical Engineer will include, but not limited to, the following:

• Support the improvement of the overall performance of laboratory equipment acquisition, deployment, maintenance, repair, and other aspects of standard laboratory equipment management systems.  

Specifically, the incumbent will:

• Act as a focal point for WB-ACDCP-supported laboratory equipment assets and related management, procurement of laboratory equipment and technologies, and provision of support and expert advice for the effective management and use of laboratory-related medical devices procured through the project. 

• Responsible for World Bank medical equipment procurement through providing needs assessment, product specification, evaluation and selection, installation, maintenance, and provision of user-level training to enhance quality service delivery and improve patient outcomes.

• Support LEISTDD in the development of different strategic documents, agreements, MOUs, and training materials related to the implementation of laboratory equipment and technology management systems.

• In close cooperation with the LEISTDD and other relevant Teams, participate and contribute to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of WB-ACDCP supported activities as related to equipping and furnishing Regional Reference Laboratories and Regional Maintenance Workshop Centers.

• Provide support to the EPHI/ LEISTDD in the development of appropriate specifications and procurement plans for laboratory equipment and technologies including ancillary and cold chain systems.

• Assist LEISTDD in the selection of appropriate health technologies and specific medical devices for intended purposes.

• Support the procurement, clearance processes, installation, and operationalization of laboratory equipment.

• Follow up on the delivery of medical devices to the intended health facilities as per the distribution plan.

• Participate in the provision of maintenance services, supportive supervision, and mentorship activities provided to Regional Laboratory Equipment Maintenance Workshops and health facilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

• Ensure that laboratory equipment and technologies procured under WB-ACDCP adequately fulfill predefined specifications and operational needs.

• Prepare and generate regular performance reports on the implementation of laboratory equipment management systems both at national and regional levels and share them with all stakeholders and relevant partners.

• Support the coordination of the national laboratory equipment management system through participating in relevant task forces, technical working groups, strategic meetings, and workshops.

• Participate in the provision of training meant for building the capacity of biomedical engineering personnel and technicians deployed at all levels of the laboratory system and healthcare facilities.

• Support and actively contribute to capacity building and system strengthening efforts of EPHI to advance effective laboratory equipment management system and maintenance services at all levels of healthcare facilities, Regional Reference   Laboratories, and Regional Maintenance Workshops.

• Participate and contribute to the missions of national/regional level technical working groups, forums, meetings, and workshops for the improvement of laboratory equipment management activities and practices at all levels of the national health laboratory system.

• Execute other related tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

• .   Number Required: 2

• 6. Methodology 

• The Biomedical Engineer will work closely with the EPHI/ LEISTDD, WB-ACDC project team and the Regional Biomedical Workshops for the continuous improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of preventive and curative maintenance services provided to ensure the all-time functionality of major and auxiliary laboratory equipment installed in all laboratories of the National Laboratory System.

• 7.   Reporting 

• The Biomedical Engineer will directly report to the Coordinator of the  Laboratory Equipment and Information System Technology Development Directorate (LEISTDD) of  EPHI.

• She/he will be based at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and will travel to different parts of the country for various assignments as necessary

Job Requirements

• BSc degree in Biomedical Engineering, with adequate experience in the implementation of laboratory equipment management systems.

• At least eight 8 years' work experience for BSc degrees in the implementation of laboratory equipment management systems, including maintenance and management of cold chain equipment, and maintenance capacity building activities.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the installation and maintenance of different models of laboratory equipment, safety, and cold-chain systems.

• Experience in developing training materials and SOPs for laboratory equipment care and maintenance and training of laboratory professionals’ biomedical engineers/technicians on the use and maintenance of various laboratory equipment, safety, and cold-chain systems.

• Proven understanding of collaborations and interactions among Regional Maintenance Workshop Centers, health facilities, and Regional Reference Laboratories.

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in establishing, managing, monitoring, and reporting systems for equipment management programs, including laboratory equipment acquisition, distribution, performance conformation, use, and maintenance.

• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. Strong analytical, writing, and evaluation skills.

• Negotiating and communication skills, including good interpersonal skills.

• Tolerance and commitment to working flexibly to achieve objectives.

• Experience in engagements and collaborations with stakeholders.

• Knowledge and skills in the use of computers and programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

9. Contract Duration and Remuneration

• The contract will be for one year but extendable depending on satisfactory performance and the need for business continuity. 

• Remunertion will be based on EPHI’s contract staff salary scale.

How to Apply

Note  Interested applicants can register in Online through only THIS LINK  send their CVs and relevant documents at the address given below within 07 days from the first appearance of the announcement

Remarks: Please attach copies of transcripts, academic degree, work experience  letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.