The Gould Family Foundation (USA) is seeking a Biomedical Engineer to be based at Lifenet International in Kampala, Uganda.

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

LifeNet International (LN) works in partnership with 220 health facilities in Africa and builds its capacities to provide quality, sustainable care through on-site medical and management training, coaching and mentorship, pharmaceutical and equipment access as well as quality assurance.

The key responsibilities of the Biomedical engineer will be managing biomedical technicians and providing technical biomedical support to Gould Family Foundation partners.

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

• Manage at least 2 biomedical technicians and 1 or 2 apprentices stationed at GFF partners in Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda, and any other country supported by the Gould Family Foundation.
• 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.
• Manage Gould Family Foundation Covid 19 oxygen treatment Units (COTUs), ensure all oxygen concentrators and cylinders are installed and functioning well. Data on equipment utilization was collected and shared with management. Report any issues (incidents) with equipment and continuously evaluate quality from suppliers. Manage spares parts requests, distribution, and inventory.
• Provide support to the Manager of Biomedical programs and operations with biomedical administrative tasks (managing biomedical projects) like maintaining spares inventory (requests, needs, and orders), General equipment inventory, critical equipment purchases, etc. This will account for 15% of the time for this position.
• 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. Utilize and develop existing BME tools to improve tracking of medical equipment, usage, and documentation of biomedical activities
• Plan and manage activities of biomedical apprentices and technicians in Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia, and any other country. 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.
• 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 e.g. 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 yearly and quarterly work plans for visits to GFF partners in Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia, and any other partners that may need support.
• Provide a weekly report on daily work activity to the GFF programs and operations manager;

TRAVEL 

• The biomedical engineer will have the opportunity to travel to countries supported by the position.

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; fluent in English, knowledge of written and oral French a plus
• Ability to use computer-based tools at a moderate to high level e.g. 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 & Qualification

• Candidate with a biomedical engineering degree
• Experience managing biomedical technicians are desirable
• Hands-on experience with critical equipment used in diagnosis, therapy, and treatment of pregnant mothers and newborn children.
• 3-4 years of working experience.

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 an interview. Applicants should therefore clearly indicate their contact telephone number(s) and/or email address for easy contact.