VAC-15185 Biomedical Engineer

Organisation context:

• Our client supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian & development projects around the world. The mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations (UN), governments & other partners to manage projects, infrastructure & procurement in a sustainable & efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our clients vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing its partners’ expectations.

• With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, they offer their partners the logistical, technical & management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure & global reach means that the organization can quickly respond to partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. Our client in Somalia is a good example of where they are increasingly involved in complex implementation in areas of peace & security with multi million dollar projects to support police development & justice involving countless stakeholders in a hugely complex & politically charged environment.

Somalia country office:

• Somalia is amid major new political & security developments that will offer a greater possibility for peace & security than the country has seen in over 20 years. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), established in 2012, & international community have driven a process of rebuilding of functioning government institutions & processes through Somalia’s peacebuilding & state building priorities under the Somali Compact (2013 – 2016), based on the Busan “new deal for engagement in fragile states” agreement. The Somalia national development plan (2017 – 2019), builds on this foundation laid by the compact & sets the priorities for national recovery & development in full collaboration with national & regional governments. A landmark electoral process in late 2016 & early 2017 resulted in a peaceful transfer of power to a new President & government, in place since February & March 2017 respectively. The government has set out an ambitious agenda for its term (the period to 2021). At the London Somalia conference in May 2017, a security pact was agreed by Somalia & the international community, which will allow for sustainable, long term security based on mutual accountability.

• Our clients Somalia Country Office (SOCO) is largely focused on assisting partners with the implementation of physical infrastructure projects including construction & rehabilitation of rule of law infrastructure, transport infrastructure (roads, airports) & public administration infrastructure. Our client also plays a leading role in supporting the FGS in the implementation of various donor funded projects & programs.

Technical Assistance to Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (TA – SCRP):

• In October & November 2019, moderate to heavy rains caused substantial flooding in low lying areas along the Shabelle & Juba rivers, resulting in several deaths & significant damage to infrastructure, crops, property & livestock. Subsequently the World Bank (WB) & the FGS conducted a joint exercise to assess the losses & damage caused by the floods & to develop a strategy for immediate recovery & longer term resilience building. As a result the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP) was formulated, a project financed by the WB & implemented by the Project Implementation Unit (P1U) of the federal Ministry of Finance (MOF).The project aimed at supporting the recovery of livelihoods & infrastructure in flood & drought affected areas & strengthen the capacity for disaster preparedness nationwide. Our clients services include the design of flood affected health facilities for rehabilitation / reconstruction, as well as providing technical assistance to the government on the hospital furniture / basic equipment procurement.

The Biomedical Engineer working under the direction of the Project Manager will assist the health facilities design team in ensuring the designed health facilities meets the functional requirements in terms of the building layout & the planning for the supply of basic equipment. The specific tasks & duties s/he will be responsible includes:

• Review the health facilities proposed architectural layout plans against the applicable guidelines & standards & advise the Architect on the proposed layout plans for adjustments I confirmation of areas provided.

• Review the detailed architectural designs & finishes specifications against the applicable guidelines for an health facility & for the equipment to be provided.

• Review the mechanical & electrical designs at each stage of the design process to ensure the medical equipment requirements are met.

• Prepare a brief report with the biomedical aspects endorsements to be included in the design review submission & be available to assist the design review process.

• Prepare a list of basic equipments / furniture for the health facilities including specifications to proceed with the procurement by the government & advise on the market prices & the suppliers availability.

• Available to provide biomedical technical support during the facilities construction & the equipment supply & installation.

Impact of results:

• The effective & successful performance of the Biomedical Engineer in the delivery of the health facilities will contribute to the success of the project & will promote the image & credibility of our client as an effective service provider to the FGS.

• The Biomedical Engineer working under the direction of the Project Manager.

• Master’s degree in biomedical engineering or related field is required or a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or related field combined with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the masters degree.

• Minimum of 2 years experience in biomedical engineering field is required.

• Familiarity with biomedical design standards & manuals used in East Africa is an asset.

• Experience of successfully working with a variety of health sector stakeholders, particularly governments & development partners is an asset.

• Membership with a recognised institution as a registered Biomedical Engineer is an asset.

• Fluency in English & Somali language (i.e writing, speaking & reading) is required.

• Treats all individuals with respect, responds sensitively to differences & encourages others to do the same.

• Upholds organizational & ethical norms.

• Maintains high standards of trustworthiness.

• Role model for diversity & inclusion.

• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.

• Collaborates & supports the development of others.

• Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs & inspires others to succeed, utilising appropriate leadership styles.

• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners & always puts the end beneficiary first.

• Builds & maintains strong external relationships & is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self & / or others to accomplish a goal.

• Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas.

• Sees opportunities & takes the initiative to act on them.

• Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our clients impact on their beneficiaries.

• Open to change & flexible in a fast paced environment.

• Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements.

• Reflects on experiences & modifies own behaviour.

• Performance is consistent, even under pressure.

• Always pursues continuous improvements.

• Evaluates data & courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions.

• Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks.

• Applies innovation & creativity to problem solving.

• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.

• Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings & needs of others.

• Actively listens & proactively shares knowledge.

• Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion & finding common ground.

• This role has no team management responsibility.

• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.