Lead Biomedical Engineer (Retainer)

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. 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. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,400 projects for partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.  

The project aims to support the Government’s efforts to contain the spread of the SARS-COV-2 virus in Georgia by enhancing operational capacity of relevant national authorities, including the Ministry of the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia (MoH), through the provision of essential medical equipment.

• Provide expertise in one or more of the following areas during relevant project implementation processes; biomedical engineering, medical equipment, medical devices;  

• In close cooperation with the supervisor, procurement team and other relevant UNOPS/ECR VIEMCO officials, develop and implement appropriate health procurement product specifications; 

• Act as a focal point for health related procurements, and provide guidance and advice; provide subject matter expertise in the procurement of health related goods and services for the project;  

• Keep abreast of market developments; research and analyse statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of medical goods and services; 

• Advise project team on the selection of relevant solicitation methods relevant to specific client/partner requests, and conduct market research and other processes, as relevant and required; 

• Identify new technologies and innovation in health products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources;  

• Use best practice tools and techniques, including, spend analysis, market analysis, stakeholder engagement, risk mapping, category analysis, etc.  

• In coordination with relevant project team members, develop and implement strategies for health procurement categories.  

• Liaise with UNOPS team and offices as needed to identify resources and potential suppliers; advise on management and optimization of health related procurement projects:  

• Ensure the capture of health procurement knowledge from UNOPS and VIEMCO projects, and enable the sharing of this knowledge through appropriate channels. 

• Analyse the quality of medical goods and/or services delivered in relation to the needs of the operation/stakeholder and established global best practice quality standards;  

• Assist with cost estimations and reasonableness of costs for the required goods/services;  

• Assist other staff through the procurement process as necessary (other practitioners, evaluation committee members, clients etc.);  

• Advise requisitioning units on the procurement process, including drafting of clear TORs or specifications, sourcing and solicitation process, creation of technical and financial evaluations, evaluation and contract award;

• Responsible for physical inspection of medical equipment to ensure compliance with technical specifications and proper functionality. 

• Prepare and review technical specifications and/or terms of references as needed;

• Perform other duties and responsibilities relevant to the functions of a biomedical engineer/health specialist;  

• Serve as subject matter expert for medical devices and equipment and service providers;

• Support in the development of processes to ensure compliance related to key supply chain requirements such as quality control;

• Per requests, provide technical advice and guidance about importation process, sourcing information and review large medical equipment orders placed by the project to minimize inappropriate procurement;

• Masters degree or equivalent, preferably in Biomedical Engineering or bioengineering, or in a related engineering or medical field. 

• Bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Masters degree.  

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in healthcare management (preferably in one of the following areas: biomedical engineering; medical equipment, medical devices) is required

• Experience in sourcing the medical devices and equipment is required.

• Experience of medical logistics and equipment supply chain systems in developing contexts is required.

• Knowledge of risk management, with the ability to identify and address anticipated issues is desired

• Experience working with developing nations and/or large global donors such as Global Fund, USAID, World Bank is an advantage. At least 2 years working in a private sector organisation is an advantage.  

• Using relevant software and tools, including GSuite products, would be considered an asset. 

 Language 

• Excellent language skills in English and Georgian is required.

• 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

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.