Consultant International Spécialiste en Equipements Biomédicaux

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant International Spécialiste en Equipements Biomédicaux is crucial for the development of an investment plan focused on health infrastructure and equipment in Burundi. The consultant will analyze the existing gaps in medical equipment to understand the necessary investments required for operational capacity and availability of health services, particularly in primary healthcare. Given the significant health challenges faced by Burundi, including a low universal health coverage index and high maternal mortality rates, this role is pivotal in ensuring that health services are equitable and of high quality. The consultant will be expected to deliver comprehensive reports on the state of medical equipment, assess field gaps, and contribute to the technical specifications for essential medical equipment. This role also involves prioritizing investments based on efficiency, effectiveness, and equity, ensuring alignment with national health priorities and the WHO's Health Impact Investment Platform.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Producing a report on the current state of medical equipment in primary healthcare settings.
• Conducting field assessments to identify gaps in medical equipment.
• Developing technical specifications for equipment intended for primary healthcare units, such as diagnostic tools and emergency kits.
• Contributing to the cost estimation of equipment within the primary healthcare infrastructure roadmap.
• Proposing a pricing reference for the equipment to be acquired.
• Participating in validation workshops to finalize equipment priorities.
• Prioritizing equipment investments considering effectiveness, efficiency, economy, ethics, and equity.
• Estimating costs for essential equipment necessary for equitable and sustainable universal health coverage in Burundi.
• Compiling reports from validation workshops.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in biomedical equipment or a related field. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years of relevant experience in health facility equipment, a strong understanding of equipment planning at various levels of the health pyramid, and expertise in developing tender documents for the supply and installation of biomedical equipment. Additionally, the consultant should have a solid background in defining health service packages and adapting equipment accordingly. Desirable qualifications include experience in managing health projects and knowledge of WHO standards and practices.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in biomedical equipment or a closely related field. Additional certifications or training in health project management or related areas are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in health facility equipment management. This experience should include a proven track record in planning and implementing health equipment projects, as well as familiarity with the health systems in low-resource settings. Experience in conducting assessments and evaluations of health equipment is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, with expert-level proficiency required for effective communication. Intermediate knowledge of English is desirable but not essential, as the primary working language will be French.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 30 days, with the consultant required to travel within Burundi during the contract period. The remuneration for this position is set at USD 499 per working day, classified under Band level B (High) for international consultants. Travel and subsistence costs within Burundi will be covered by the organization. Candidates should be aware that only those under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications prior to the interview. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals from underrepresented member states.