Vacancy Announcement

Job title:  

Biomed Engineer (x2)

Work Location:

Kono District, Sierra Leone

Department:

Infrastructure

Reports to:

Biomed Manager

Line Management:

Biomed Technicians

Requisition #:

Application Status:

Internal Advert

Organisation Profile

Partners In Health (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change. Our delivered services in the field are based in our partnership with the Governments and Ministries of Health and the support to education, training and mentorship to Health care workers and students is one of our pillars for the Health care system strengthening.

PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world. 

Our Work In Sierra Leone:

Partners In Health (PIH) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Biomedical Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of our medical equipment and technologies. The Biomedical Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and functionality of medical devices, assisting in the improvement of patient care and healthcare outcomes. The ideal candidate should possess a strong technical background, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for advancing healthcare through engineering. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in biomedical engineering, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record. PIH seeks individuals committed to the mission and values (see PIH Values) of the organization to join the team.

If you are a dedicated and forward-thinking individual with a passion for biomedical engineering and a drive to enhance healthcare through technology, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Biomedical Engineer. Join our team and contribute to the advancement of patient care and well-being.

The Biomedical engineer will be based in Koidu, travelling and provide support to other sites as required.

80% plus of the activities are in KGH, MCOE and HC supported, BME should be on top of the work on a daily basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Equipment Maintenance and Repair:

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and repairs on a variety of medical equipment and devices to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues, collaborating with manufacturers and vendors as needed to facilitate timely repairs.

2. New Equipment Installation and Testing:

• Assist in the installation and setup of new medical equipment, ensuring proper functionality, integration, and alignment with operational requirements.
• Conduct testing and quality assurance procedures to validate the performance and safety of newly installed equipment.

3. Equipment Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of equipment maintenance, service history, repairs, and modifications.
• Generate technical documentation, including manuals and reports, to support regulatory compliance and knowledge sharing.

4. Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for equipment performance enhancement, process optimization, and workflow improvements, and collaborate with the team to implement solutions.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in biomedical engineering and recommend technology upgrades when appropriate.

5. Training and Support:

• Provide training to medical staff on the proper use, handling, and maintenance of medical equipment, ensuring safe and effective utilization.
• Provide mentorship to junior BMETs at the hospital and lower lever facility technicians.  Should arrange periodically visit at the Health centres in order to be pro-active to the problems before they become emergencies.
• Offer technical support and guidance to clinical personnel in resolving equipment-related issues.
• Act as key user and implementer of PIH’s new computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to efficiently track, triage, and document corrective and preventative maintenance for biomedical equipment.

6. Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay informed about relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., FDA, ISO, AAMI) to ensure equipment and processes adhere to industry requirements.
• Participate in audits and inspections to demonstrate compliance and maintain necessary documentation.

7. Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinicians, IT professionals, and vendors, to integrate biomedical systems seamlessly into the healthcare environment.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders, providing updates on equipment status and project progress.

Skills

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a track record of driving process improvements.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to maintaining accurate documentation and records.
• Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent analytic & communication skills.
• Strong team spirit and interpersonal skills.
• Patience and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.
• Research and analytic skills.
• Proficient use of MS Office and relevant CMMS software.

Education and Work Experience Requirements

Education & Training Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in biomedical engineering or medical equipment maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of medical equipment, devices, and their operating principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and guidelines applicable to medical devices.
• Proficiency in diagnostic tools, test equipment, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to technical challenges.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interactions with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

At Partners In Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Partners In Health’s PSEAH policy. Partner In Health will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.  By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Method of application

Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment or hard copy at 27/29 Sahr Lebbie Street Kono.   In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) referees. This position will be open and running until a suitable candidate is recruited.