The Gould Family Foundation (USA) is seeking a  Biomedical Engineer  / experienced Biomedical Technician to be based at Lifenet International Burundi.  

Background:

The Gould Family Foundation is a private foundation based in the United States, dedicated to improving health outcomes for the poor and underserved by upgrading clinics and hospitals for women, newborns & children in sub-Saharan Africa. See  www.gouldfamilyfoundation.com

The key responsibilities of the Biomedical engineer or technician will be managing biomedical apprentices at our partners Nundu Deaconess Hospital and providing technical biomedical support to Gould Family Foundation partners in Burundi and Congo.

Responsibilities of the Gould Family Foundation (GFF) Biomedical Engineer (BME)/ Biomedical technician (BMET)

Implement GFF biomedical maintenance programs, processes and procedures at existing partner clinics and hospitals; recommend best practices to improve medical equipment management through utilization and sustainability. Use and develop existing BME tools to improve tracking of medical equipment, usage and documentation of biomedical activities.

Manage biomedical apprentices stationed at GFF partner health facilities and hospitals in Congo and Burundi. Provide technical training and mentorship to biomedical technicians, apprentices to achieve 80% proficiency in user training, maintenance, servicing and troubleshooting of medical equipment. Conduct timely assessments and develop training plans both online and in person. 

Plan and manage activities of biomedical apprentices and technicians in Dr. Congo. Review technician and apprentice monthly plans and reports and provide guidance, direction on implementation. Prepare annual Preventive maintenance plans and ensure their implementation on a monthly basis.

Manage Gould Family Foundation Covid 19 oxygen treatment Units (COTUs) in DR. Congo and Burundi, ensure all oxygen concentrators and cylinders are installed and functioning well. Data on equipment utilization collected and shared with management. Report any issues (incidents) with equipment and continuously evaluate quality from suppliers. Manage spares parts requests, distribution and inventory.

Perform Quarterly assessments at GFF partner clinics or hospitals in the DR. Congo and Burundi on existing medical equipment, infrastructure (H20, power, hygiene and sanitation), number of staff, staff training levels, supply and management of crucial pharmaceuticals; provide recommendations where necessary. Complete Quarterly BME reports to be shared with supervisor

Support Biomedical apprentices and technicians with first line troubleshooting and biomedical support for equipment in GFF partner health facilities. Recommend approved service companies for specialized medical equipment;

Ensure timely completion of preventive maintenance schedules, following manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, testing and servicing; Review and approve proper medical equipment inventory reports with health facility managers and BMET technicians and apprentices 

Periodically evaluate equipment needs at GFF partner facilities and report “gaps” to GFF Manager Biomedical Programs and Operations. Address any biomedical issues and needs pointed out from facility site visits with GFF partners. 

Train clinicians, medical equipment users and biomedical apprentices and technicians on the proper use of biomedical equipment through equipment operation demonstrations and videos; support the biomedical technicians and apprentices to develop quick start user guides (to be placed on equipment)

Review new or proposed medical equipment, install, calibrate, update software, repair and provide technical support for biomedical equipment at GFF partner clinics and hospitals; schedule repairs on malfunctioning equipment during site visits or remotely with biomedical technicians and apprentices when not in country; 

Develop standard operating procedures for use, management, disposal of medical equipment when special needs arise eg develop pandemic SOPs like COVID 19 cleaning and disinfection procedures for the health facility and equipment;

Develop preferred suppliers list for spares, reagents and consumables; Update specifications for GFF typical deliverables.

Develop relationships and evaluate service contracts with the manufacturers or suppliers of equipment. Follow up on service visits from contracted service engineers and or manufacturers/ distributors;

Develop yearly and quarterly work plans for visits to GFF partners Nundu Deaconess Hospital, UGEAFI clinics in Minembwe and Bibokoboko and GFF partners in Burundi (any other partners that may need support) 

Provide a weekly report on daily work activity to the assigned supervisor;

skills

Works independently in both routine and complex tasks. Should be able to prioritize work and initiate new work and tasks.

Should be a manager (effectively support staff under them to achieve the organizational goals)

Coordinate and manage projects from start to completion, performing any necessary communication and follow-up with clinicians, health facility management and GFF Supervisors.

Can communicate effectively; fluency in French required and proficiency in written and oral English a plus; 

Ability to use computer-based tools at a moderate to high level eg should be able to use a database and online tools for record keeping.  

Ability to train and mentor staff (technicians and users of equipment) in proper utilization of biomedical equipment;

Understands electrical and mechanical biomedical safety principles

Experience & Qualifications

• Candidate with biomedical engineering degree preferable (1-3 years’ experience) or a biomedical technician (Diploma) with 2-4 years’ experience working as a biomedical technician in a hospital.
• Experience supporting other biomedical technicians or apprentices is desirable.
• Hands on experience with critical equipment used in diagnosis, therapy and treatment of pregnant mothers and new born children (Laboratory, Triage, Emergency, Operating theater and delivery room)
• Fluency in French required and proficiency in written and oral English a plus;
• Applicants from DR Congo preferred, applicants from Rwanda and Burundi are welcome to apply.

Note: 50% of time will be spent in Burundi and 50% of time in DR. congo. 

REQUIREMENTS ; CV & application letter

The application should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Applicants should therefore clearly indicate their contact telephone number(s) and/or email address for easy contact. 

 Interested applicants are requested to submit a letter of application together with curriculum vitae with references addressed to; The Manager Biomedical programs and operations of Gould Family Foundation by 17th May 2022.

Address 1:  [email protected]

Address 2:  [email protected]