Regional Technical Referent – Biomed

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Position Title: Regional Technical Referent – Biomed
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: 29/11/2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian association founded in 197

• The organization provides medical assistance to populations facing life-threatening crises, which primarily include armed conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF's French section operates in approximately thirty countries, delivering critical healthcare services and responding to emergencies with a commitment to impartiality and neutrality. The organization is known for its rapid response to crises and its dedication to providing high-quality medical care in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The Regional Technical Referent for Biomed is a pivotal role within MSF, based in Nairobi, that involves a combination of technical expertise, policy development, and field support. The individual in this position will report directly to the OCP Technical Support Manager and will be responsible for defining and monitoring technical policies related to biomedical equipment and practices across various missions. This role requires a proactive approach to ensure that the technical needs of the missions are met, while also fostering innovation and adapting to local contexts. The Regional Technical Referent will engage in research and development for new equipment, provide guidance to field teams, and ensure that technical standards are upheld throughout the geographical coverage. The position also emphasizes the importance of cross-functional collaboration and skills transfer, contributing to the overall capacity building of field specialists and logistics coordinators.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in defining technical policies by collaborating with the POS Technical Referent and providing specialized knowledge aligned with departmental strategies.
• Monitor the application of technical procedures in missions, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
• Draft and adapt land procedures to suit mission environments, ensuring their implementation.
• Engage in research and development for innovative practices and equipment, staying updated on technical advancements.
• Provide first-line support to OCP missions, advising Cell Coordinators and Logistics Managers on technical decisions.
• Conduct field visits regularly to assess and support mission activities.
• Participate in budgeting processes related to technical specialties.
• Define and analyze monitoring and reporting tools for activity oversight, conducting annual analyses of mission components.
• Share knowledge and collaborate with other departments on cross-functional projects. 1
• Contribute to training modules and maintain high competency levels among field specialists. 1
• Participate in the recruitment and evaluation of country specialists, monitoring their technical objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• A university degree (BAC +5) or equivalent certification in a relevant technical field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the biomedical sector, with a preference for candidates who have prior experience with MSF.
• Proficiency in technical skills relevant to the specialty, along with project management capabilities.
• Strong command of the Office suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), with Power BI skills considered an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to cooperate, negotiate, and adapt within a team environment.
• Proactive attitude with strong analytical and synthesis skills, demonstrating thoroughness in work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree or equivalent certification in a technical field, specifically related to biomedical engineering or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of biomedical equipment and practices in humanitarian settings.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in the biomedical field. Experience with Médecins Sans Frontières is highly desirable, as it provides insight into the organization's operational context and challenges. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of the technical requirements and practices within the humanitarian sector.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory, with a minimum proficiency level of B2 in both languages. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with field teams across different missions.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a 12-month contract, starting mid-January 2025, and may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Nairobi, with significant travel (over 50% of the time) required to missions in the Middle East, including countries such as Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Palestine, as well as potential visits to other MSF missions globally. The compensation package includes a basic salary of EUR 27,145, adjusted for relevant prior experience, along with benefits such as work-life balance support, school fees, 25 days of annual leave, MSH International Insurance for medical and disability coverage, relocation allowances for non-Kenyan staff, and an annual ticket to the home country.