Biomedical Engineer - Retainer at UNOPS
Position Title: Biomedical Engineer - Retainer
Employer: UNOPS
Employment: Full-Time | Contract
Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
Posted date: 9 months ago
Deadline: Submission date is over
Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for the position of Biomedical Engineer (Retainer) based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Qualified females and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS are highly encouraged to apply.
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Horn of Africa Multi Country Office
Established in 2009, Ethiopia Multi-country office, now referred to as the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks within the region. The HAMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Addis Ababa which manages a portfolio of engagements in four (4) Horn of Africa countries (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan). HAMCO focuses on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management services across a wide range of sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Resilient infrastructure, among others.
Our goal is to support countries, help people in need and enable our partners through delivering on our mandate of infrastructure, procurement and project management in the countries in the Horn of Africa.
The purpose of the role is to provide specialist research and laboratory equipment knowledge and subject matter expertise in the procurement of laboratory-related goods and services for UNOPS; engage internal and external stakeholders; analyze, monitor and understand market trends and develop appropriate procurement strategies that are aligned with UNOPS business needs.
Functional Responsibilities
The Biomedical Engineer will report to the Procurement Manager and will be responsible for the tasks and responsibilities listed below.
Research and Medical device and equipment Knowledge Leadership
- Provide technical advice in one or more of the following areas: research and medical device and equipment, medical consumables/supplies, research and lab equipment.
- In close cooperation with the Project Team and other departments/projects within UNOPS, develop and implement appropriate health procurement product specifications, tender documents, technical evaluation criteria and participate in technical evaluation of tenders as a technical expert.
- Act as focal point for research and medical device and equipment related procurement in HAMCO, and provide technical guidance and advice; provide subject matter expertise in the procurement of goods and services for projects undertaken by HAMCO.
- Keep abreast of market developments; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services.
- Identify new technologies and innovation in medical device and equipment products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and update the procurement program where necessary.
- Use category management best practice tools and techniques, including spend analysis, market analysis, stakeholder engagement, risk mapping, category analysis, etc.
- In coordination with the Team Manager, Category Management, develop and implement strategies for UNOPS HAMCO relevant procurement categories.
Sourcing and contract award
- Prepare detailed specifications for the required medical equipment in-line with the beneficiary requirements considering the latest available technologies. The consultant shall be able to identify the provisions required to operate the equipment(s) in a sustainable and safe manner.
- Preparation of a schedule of requirements, conditions, technical evaluation criteria and technical documents needed from the bidders before the bid solicitation.
- Participation as the technical evaluator/member of solicitations and proposals for the supply of biomedical equipment, as well as the associated services and works.
- Provide technical advice on the necessary prerequisite in order for the successful utilization of laboratory and other medical equipment.
- Planning and preparation of technical requirements for the installation of the equipment, including any relevant infrastructure works that are needed for commissioning purposes.
- Analyze the quality of goods and/or services delivered in relation to the needs of the operation/stakeholder and established global best practice quality standards.
- Assist with cost estimations and reasonableness of costs for the required goods/services.
Quality assurance
- Provide technical advice to the HAMCO Procurement Team in selection of relevant quality standards for medical devices and equipment as per the UNOPS quality policy, Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority requirements and other international standards.
- Verification of biomedical equipment, device and supplies for specification compliance prior to installations and handovers.
- Provide technical expertise during delivery, installation and commissioning of medical devices and equipment/systems where applicable, as well as quality assurance, ensuring the installation/commissioning is carried out as per the specifications and contract agreement.
- Provide technical advice during the preparation of operational and maintenance plans for all medical devices and equipment/systems installed under the project.
Guidance and Supervision
- Provide technical advice and Supervision during training, installation, testing and commissioning of medical equipment/systems and follow up the provision of the installation/commissioning and client’s hand-over reports.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities relevant to the functions of a Biomedical Engineer.
Impact of results
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the procurement team and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies for the procurement unit.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Master’s degree or equivalent is required, preferably in Biomedical Engineering. Consideration will also be given to degrees in Pharmacy or other relevant fields, such as Procurement/Supply Chain and/or Business Administration, with experience in procurement or supply chain management of healthcare equipment.
- A Bachelor's degree in the above-mentioned fields with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
Experience
- A minimum of five 5 years of experience in medical equipment technical specification development, evaluation, installation supervision, and training is required.
- Experience working with developing nations and/or large global donors such as Global Fund, USAID, World Bank, the EU etc., is an advantage.
- Knowledge of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority policies and guidelines is an advantage.
Language
- Fluency in written spoken, written and reading English required.
- Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)Contract level: LICA Specialist - LICA-10Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performanceFor more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx .This is a local position, and hence is open to Ethiopian nationals only.** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **Retainer positions are not full-time positions. They constitute a contract whereby the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable within a specified period of time, on short notice. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad-hoc requests from the UNOPS project teams or country offices, and the quantity of requests will vary depending on the current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA. It is possible to have multiple consultancy contracts with or outside UNOPS, as long as it is declared to the UNOPS Ethics Office. Read more about the ICA retainer modality here.
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
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