Senior Biomedical Engineer

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services
• Project Information

Project Information

Funded through a loan from the Islamic Development Bank and in line with SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), UNOPS will support the Government of Uzbekistan in strengthening the preparedness of its national healthcare system, and preventing and treating oncological cases in an effective and timely manner. By identifying, procuring, delivering and operationalizing urgently needed medical, laboratory, radiological and ICT equipment, the project will significantly contribute to improved access and quality healthcare services for local communities in 14 regional locations including Tashkent and throughout the country.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Portfolio, the Senior Biomedical Engineer provides specialist technical knowledge and subject matter expertise in regard to biomedical equipment, health-related goods, services and works throughout the different stages of the assessment and implementation project phase. Further, this position serves as the team lead for the biomedical engineers engaged on the project. Regular communication with project stakeholders and building strong relationships with UNOPS global health projects/offices is critical to success.

1. Implementation of procurement strategies
2. Technical guidance for procurement processes
3. Quality Assurance
4. Monitoring and Progress Controls
5. Personnel Management
6. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Implementation of procurement strategies

• Manage and advise on and help consolidate the equipment lists by type of service. Review their operational performances, and make recommendations to the Head of Portfolio and stakeholders on specifications and other substantive/technical elements required to effectively develop, plan, launch and implement projects through appropriate application of UNOPS procurement governance framework (rules, regulations, policies and tools).
• Advise the Head of Portfolio and/or Procurement Senior Manager on project scope, overall technical/substantive requirements based on partner and beneficiary needs, as well as national and international certification requirements and standards for equipment, associated services and works, including the relevant best practices.
• Advise and prepare the technical specifications and equipment list to be incorporated into the tender documents of the medical equipment to be procured under the project.
• Take lead on the preparation of the technical requirements for the installation of the equipment, including any relevant associated infrastructure works.
• Organisation and supervision of the logistics of delivery and installation.
• Preparation of a schedule of requirements, conditions, evaluation criteria and exact submission needed from the bidders before the bid solicitation.
• Guiding biomedical engineers and participating when necessary as the technical evaluator/member of solicitations and proposals for the supply of biomedical equipment, as well as the associated services and works.

2. Technical Guidance for procurement processes

• Ensure that appropriate procurement modalities and instruments are applied (e-sourcing, procurement and Rosters of Suppliers) based on individual case requirements, utilizing expert knowledge of procurement policies and instruments.
• Implement and oversee proper monitoring and control of procurement processes for the project, including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS procurement rules and regulations.
• Ensure that procurement contracts and contractors are optimally managed through supplier and contract performance management against agreed benchmarks and through agreed reporting mechanisms.

3. Quality Assurance

• Verification of biomedical equipment for specification compliance prior to installations and handovers.
• Supervision of installation of equipment/systems where required, as well as quality assurance, ensuring the works are carried out as per the design specifications and contracts administrations of installation works.
• Review the medical assets/systems operational performances produce reports and follow up on any warranty maintenance as required.
• Prepare operational and maintenance plans for all medical equipment/systems installed under the project, and issue to the client on project completion.

4. Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Prepare weekly & monthly progress reports: progress of works based on the established schedules and plans, encountered problems, solutions, planning of activities for the following week.
• Consolidate quarterly progress reports.
• Manage and maintain an inventory list of medical equipment.
• Advise on operational and maintenance plans for all medical equipment.
• Complete operational and maintenance plans for all medical equipment.
• Prepare work progress reports and contract close-out reports.
• Checking and certifying of contractor’s progress payment claims in respect of medical equipment items.
• Supervision of training of the medical personnel on operation and maintenance tasks, and records keeping.
• Supervise testing and commissioning of medical equipment/systems on completion of installations, and the preparation of the commissioning and client’s hand-over reports.
• Promote and follow-up medical equipment related projects in the country, including identification of synergies and expansion opportunities where feasible.

5. Personnel Management

• Lead and motivate the Biomedical Engineer(s) working on the project.
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

6. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for project personnel on Biomedical Engineering procurement-related topics.
• Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for procurement personnel, Infrastructure team personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
• Oversee the Biomed team’s contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement management.
• Guide the Biomed team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Biomedical Engineering or Bioengineering, or in a related engineering or medical field is required.
• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with two (2) additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A technical or professional diploma in combination with four (4) additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

b. Work experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the biomedical engineering field (hospitals and laboratories) and medical procurement is required.
• Experience in the maintenance of health biomedical equipment is an asset.
• Expertise in infrastructure works relating to installation of biomedical equipment is highly desirable.
• Experience of successfully working with a variety of health sector stakeholders, particularly governments and development partners including UN organizations is an asset.

c. Languages

• Proficiency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of Russian and/or Uzbek is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Award (ICA)

Contract level: International ICA-3 Contract duration: Open ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.