The Gould Family Foundation (USA) is seeking an experienced Biomedical Engineer fluent in both English and French to be stationed in 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 responsibility of the Biomedical engineer is to effectively manage and implement biomedical programs of GFF in French-speaking countries.
Responsibilities of the Gould Family Foundation (GFF) Biomedical Engineer (BME)
- Manage biomedical personnel stationed in GFF French-speaking countries. Provide technical training and mentorship to biomedical engineers, technicians, and 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. Ensure that all staff implements the GFF biomedical program in their respective health facilities supported.
- Provide support to the Manager of Biomedical programs and operations with biomedical administrative tasks (managing biomedical projects) like maintaining spares and equipment inventory (requests, needs, and orders for partners), General medical equipment inventory of GFF donated and store inventory, tracking and monitoring critical equipment purchases and shipment, organizing and implementing training programs (CBEs /continuous biomedical education, coordinating and addressing issues at partner sites, monitoring GFF BME(T)/BA Key Performance Indicators, etc. Manage GFF equipment databases, updating standard operating procedures and policies within the GFF, etc
- 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 apprentices, technicians, and engineers. Review biomedical staff monthly plans and reports and provide guidance and direction on implementation. Meet with local supervisors of engineers, technicians, and apprentices monthly for continued improvement in biomedical programs. Prepare critical equipment service calendars, and annual implementation plans for each partner supported, track 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; Provide biomedical support to each partner; preventive maintenance, user training, repair, servicing, calibrating, etc
- 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 the GFF Manager of 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 the country;
- Develop standard operating procedures for the use, management, and 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 videos and GFF database for training users and biomedical technicians or apprentices on proper maintenance of GFF equipment.
- Develop preferred suppliers list for spares, reagents, and consumables; Update specifications for GFF typical deliverables.
- Develop yearly and quarterly work plans for support of GFF French-speaking partners.
- Plan for weekly tasks, provide a weekly report on daily work activity to the GFF programs and operations manager, and end of month summary report.
- Provide additional support as may be assigned by the 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 passionate, focused, and determined 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 both French and English is a must.
- 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.
- 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 with a biomedical engineering degree with 3-4 years of experience working as a biomedical engineer in a hospital or supporting a health system.
- A Master’s in Biomedical Engineering is an added advantage.
- Experience managing biomedical engineers, technicians, or apprentices is desirable.
- Hands-on experience with critical equipment used in the diagnosis, therapy, and treatment of pregnant mothers and newborn children (Laboratory, Triage, Emergency, Operating theatre, Delivery room, and NICU) is preferred.
- Fluency in French and English is required.
- Applicants from Burundi and D. R. Congo are preferred, applicants from French and African-speaking countries are welcome to apply.
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. Interviews will be conducted in both French and English languages.
METHOD OF APPLICATION; Interested applicants are requested to submit a letter of application together with curriculum vitae with references addressed to; The Manager of Biomedical programs and operations of Gould Family Foundation by 15th Jan 2023.
Applications should be sent via email only to the following email address; Please Copy email address 2 into your application.
Address 1: gouldfamilyfoundation06@gmail.com
Address 2: sharonwudu0@gmail.com
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