The Gould Family Foundation (USA) is seeking an experienced and passionate Ugandan Biomedical Engineer for the position of GFF Biomedical Programs Manager to be stationed in 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

The key responsibilities of the Biomedical Programs Manager is to effectively manage and implement biomedical programs of the GFF.

Responsibilities of the Gould Family Foundation (GFF) Biomedical Program Manager (BPM)

Manage GFF biomedical Engineers and support the GFF Biomedical programs and operations to implement GFF Biomedical programs at its partners.

1. Strategically plan for, manage, coordinate and implement GFF Biomedical Development activities;

Continuous Biomedical Education (CBEs) from inhouse and external persons, experts in the Biomedical field, manufacturers, and experienced/ experts in the medical field.

2. Identify gaps in technical training of Biomedical staff on medical equipment technologies, Standard operating procedures and GFF biomedical program implementation, strategically plan for and

implement “new” staff training programs and conduct centralized training programs both in English and French speaking countries.

3. Review and develop the GFF User training program from documentation of the UTT, Quick user guides, Test questions and GFF partner outcomes from User training. The goal is to reduce issues identified in the use of medical devices in health facilities as a result of gaps in user training, attain 90% proficiency in posttests following user training and develop innovative and adaptive methods to conduct effective user trainings.

4. Manage the GFF CMMS system for Biomedical and procurement activities, critical reporting. Develop documentation to address needs, develop BME SOPs for use, track and report on KPIs weekly and review performance of BME KPIs on a weekly basis. Identify gaps in staff KPIs and address them.

5. Manage GFF medical equipment procurement and Inventory. (Collaborate with GFF Administration and the Biomedical team, manage the medical equipment procurement process from GFF donors, or direct procurements from suppliers and manufacturer) Ensure that the right specifications are obtained and that GFF maintains an up-to-date standard list of medical equipment specifications for equipment in the NICU, OR and Triage. Review procurement reports

6. Continuously review and improve quality of biomedical support through review of existing GFF biomedical Programs; Servicing of medical devices:

• Review servicing of medical equipment according to manufacturer recommendations. Identify general gaps in servicing (low usage of spares, frequent critical failures, planning for spare parts, long downtimes and long periods between servicing of critical equipment.
• Manage critical equipment and spares stock in key areas, maintain minimum stock for spares to ensure that servicing is done effectively.
• Repair and troubleshooting: Ensure proper escalation protocols are followed up on by all staff through the CMMS system to the partner and GFF top management. Support staff to reach the manufacturer and appropriate suppliers.
• Develop and improve standard operating procedures and policy implementation by GFF staff through identification of gaps and implementing solutions.
• Mentor and train biomedical technicians and engineers in their “equipment specialist” roles. Ensure the implementation of the specialization program.

Identify gaps in the BME biomedical program support to partners through utilization of M&;E tools and partner support programs.

Provide technical training and mentorship to biomedical engineers and technicians, to achieve at least 90% proficiency in user training, maintenance, servicing and troubleshooting of all GFF critical medical equipment.

Conduct timely assessments and develop training plans both online and in person.

Ensure that all staff implement the GFF biomedical program in their respective health facilities. Implement GFF biomedical maintenance programs, processes and procedures at 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 technicians and engineers. Review biomedical staff monthly plans and reports and provide guidance, direction on implementation based on reflection of annual plans and goals set.

Meet with local supervisors of engineers and technicians and engage top management of the health facilities monthly for continued improvement in their biomedical programs and advocate for positive change.

Review annual critical equipment service calendars, and annual implementation plans for each GFF partner supported, track and ensure their implementation on a monthly basis. Ensure timely completion of preventive maintenance schedules, following manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, testing and servicing.

Recommend approved service companies for specialized medical equipment;

Periodically, provide biomedical support to GFF partners; preventive maintenance, user training, repair, servicing, calibrating, troubleshooting etc

Review annually and approve proper medical equipment inventory reports with health facility managers and BMET technicians and apprentices.

On a monthly basis, 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.

Develop GFF partner health facility plans annually, reflect quarterly and develop plans for implementation.

Schedule repairs on malfunctioning equipment during site visits or remotely with biomedical technicians and apprentices when not in country;

Plan for weekly tasks, provide a weekly report on daily work activity to the GFF BME programs manager and end of month summary report.

Provide additional support as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and Requirements

• Technical experience working in NICU and maternity department with equipment (Incubators, IRW, CPAPs, comprehensive delivery table), OR (anesthesia machines, OR tables, OR lights) and Lab equipment (CBC, Microscope, chemistry analysers) preferred.
• Preferred: Management experience of at least 2 BME (T), engaging with top level management, is confident, a collaborator and passionate about biomedical support to health facilities.
• Works independently in both routine and complex tasks. Should be able to prioritize work and initiate new work and tasks.
• Should have proven record of being a passionate, humble, focused, adaptive and determined manager and leader (effectively support staff under them to achieve the organizational goals)
• Ability to 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
• Ability to use computer-based tools at a high level e.g. should be able to use a database and online tools for record keeping and reporting.
• Ability to train, mentor and coach staff (technicians and users of equipment) in proper utilization of biomedical equipment;
• Understands electrical and mechanical biomedical safety principles.

Experience &; Qualification

• Candidate must have a biomedical engineering degree with at least 3-5 years’ experience and working as a biomedical engineer in a hospital or supporting a health system.
• Masters in Biomedical Engineering is an added advantage.
• Experience managing biomedical engineers, technicians or apprentices for at least 2 years is desirable.
• Hands on experience with critical equipment used in diagnosis, therapy and treatment of pregnant mothers and newborn children (Laboratory, Triage, Emergency, Operating theater, Delivery room and NICU) is required.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is a requirement.
• Nationals of Uganda are preferred.
• French language proficiency is an added advantage.

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.