Biomed Engineer

HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

JOB -ADVERTISEMENT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Title of Assignment: Position of Biomed Engineer

Reference Number: SZ-MOH-393108-CS-INDV

• Background

The Government of Eswatini (GOE) through the Ministry of Health (MOH) is undertaking the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (Eswatini COVID-19 ERP; P173883) and Health System Strengthening for Human Capital Development in Eswatini Project (HSS4HCDP; P168564) with support from the World Bank.

• Project Context

To meet the National Health Sector Strategic Plan’s (NHSSP II 2019-23) policy objective – “build an efficient, equitable, client-centered health system for accelerated attainment of the highest standard of health for all people in Eswatini” – the MOH recognizes the need to invest in health system strengthening to improve the coverage of essential services and the quality of care. Modernizing the foundations of the health system and applying evidence-based improvements are key to achieving better quality care and, through that, reduced child and adult mortality and stunting for human capital formation.

To address key sector challenges in the health sector, the MOH is implementing the HSS4HCDP with the aim of improving the coverage and quality of key reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH), nutrition and non-communicable disease (NCD) services (hypertension and diabetes) in Eswatini. The project focuses on strengthening the health system and ramping up investments in RMNCAH, nutrition and NCD services to address critical human capital challenges, including stunting and child and adult mortality, applying a life course approach. The project includes the following components: Component 1: Improve health service delivery to increase the coverage and quality of health services to build human capital; Component 2. Increase community demand for RMNCAH, nutrition and NCD services; Component 3. Strengthen the MOH’s stewardship capacity to manage essential health and nutrition services and project activities; and Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response Component.

The project is complementary to the Eswatini COVID-19 ERP and is designed to deepen and extend its investment impact through focusing on medium-term structural changes and the modernization of the health sector.

• Scope of the Assignment

The Ministry has a fully-fledged Biomedical Engineering Department with an inadequate complement of Biomed Engineers. Currently there are two (2) Biomed Engineers in the Ministry of Health. There is therefore a need for additional Biomed Engineer to support the Project activities, Strengthen medical equipment management and maintenance within the Unit and the Biomed offices who are responsible for the whole facilities under the Ministry.

• Objectives of Assignment

The objectives of the assignment are to: (a) review medical equipment technical specifications, (b) evaluate medical procurement activities, (c) supervise the installation of medical and non-medical equipment; and (d) further train technical staff and end users all health facilities in Eswatini.

• Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Biomedical Engineer the officer will execute the following tasks:

• Review medical equipment technical specifications provided by the end beneficiaries and recommend most appropriate technical specification, as needed;
• Evaluate procurement activities related to medical and non-medical equipment provisions;
• Execute field visits to supervise the installation, maintenance and repair of medical and non-medical equipment, and ensure that the equipment is delivered as per the approved technical specifications and current industry standards;
• Develop preventative maintenance schedules and guidelines that are integrated with hospital SOPs, and train all technical staff on proper testing and other procedures to be followed when performing scheduled maintenance;
• Ensure newly procured equipment are captured by technicians are recorded to the asset management system for all health facilities;
• Attend regular Regional Health Management Team meetings for joint problem solving and for scheduling monthly and annual work activities;
• Conduct an equipment needs assessment, highlighting the new equipment needed, its specifications, comparative analysis of different types/brands and guidance to the procuring unit.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians in all health facilities on maintenance and repair of equipment(s), supervise periodic calibration, lead new equipment acquisition and recommendations, evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment and its use to ensure high quality service delivery;
• Help to draft annual budget of the department; and
• Make recommendations for systems improvements and arrange for equipment disposal if needed.
• Qualifications required

I- Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical /Electrical &Electronic Engineering emphasis on Biomedical or relevant field.

II- Years of Experience:

• Relevant experience of not less than 3 years in operational experience.

III- Competencies:

a. Proficiency in the use of computer programs such as outlook, power point and social tools.

b. Excellent writing, editing and oral communications skills in English.

c. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills

d. Excellent understating, troubleshooting and repairing of electrical systems and medical equipment.

e. Team player with the ability to maintain good work relations with individuals of different backgrounds, and to work under pressure.

f. Execution of maintenance work schedules as provided by the Senior Biomedical Engineer

• Resources to be provided

The officer will be provided with the following resources:

• Office space, transport and working equipment.

• Duration of service The duration of the engagement is Sixteen (16) Months

• Reporting Arrangements and duty station

a) The Biomedical Engineer will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Department of Biomed Unit and in close coordination with the Biomedical Engineering Unit staff.

b) For each initiative, the Biomedical Engineer shall submit reports after conducting the sites inspection and a final report after the completion of the work.

• Remuneration and payment schedule In accordance with relevant Kingdom of Eswatini guidelines as applicable.

• APPLICATIONS:

Submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), references and scanned copies of notarized academic or professional certifications. Terms of Reference to this consultancy are available on request.

Application should be addressed to:

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 2nd Floor Ministry of Justice Building, Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Eswatini.

Electronic applications should be sent to Project Coordinator; [email protected] & [email protected] copy to [email protected] and [email protected] no later than 11.00 hours on 30th January, 2024. All applications will be acknowledged but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contacts: (00268) 24045514; (00268) 24042431