International Biomedical Engineering Consultant – Oxygen Systems, Programming, and Management (Yaoundé, Cameroon)
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is recruiting an International Biomedical Engineering Consultant – Oxygen Systems, Programming, and Management (Yaoundé, Cameroon).
UNICEF, a global leader in children’s rights and development, seeks an experienced biomedical engineering consultant for a 6-month office-based assignment in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The selected candidate will play a critical role in improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations by leveraging expertise in oxygen systems, programming, and management.
About UNICEF Cameroon
UNICEF has operated in Cameroon since 1975, championing the rights of women and children. We collaborate with the government and partners to address key challenges in health, nutrition, education, child protection, and social inclusion. Our focus is on reaching the most vulnerable children and families, especially in rural areas where access to essential services is limited.
Scope of Work
- Assess and optimize existing oxygen infrastructure in healthcare facilities across Cameroon.
- Develop and implement programming solutions to ensure the efficient and sustainable delivery of oxygen therapy.
- Provide technical guidance and training to local healthcare professionals on the operation and maintenance of oxygen systems.
- Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen the national oxygen supply chain.
The individual will lead and manage the implementation of a comprehensive oxygen therapy system strengthening project, encompassing oxygen plant installation, medical equipment provision, and capacity building initiatives. This project aims to deliver sustainable and long-term improvements in Mother Newborn Child Health (MNCH) and overall healthcare outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a detailed work plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and relevant stakeholders.
- Oversee the construction/preparation of oxygen plant housing at designated healthcare facilities (Meiganga & Guider).
- Spearhead the installation and commissioning of two Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants, ensuring seamless coordination with MoH, UNICEF, and other partners.
- Manage the procurement and distribution of oxygen medical supplies/equipment to various healthcare facilities.
- Facilitate comprehensive training for Biomedical Technicians on the operation and maintenance of donated medical equipment across 91 healthcare facilities.
- Organize and conduct on-site training programs for PSA plant Operators and Biomedical technicians.
- Provide ongoing supervision, technical assistance, and support to healthcare facilities implementing oxygen therapy.
- Develop a comprehensive project summary guide and documentation to capture lessons learned and facilitate knowledge sharing.
Working Conditions:
- The consultant will operate under the supervision of the Chief of Health and HIV and collaborate closely with the MoH Director of Healthcare Organization and Health Technology.
- The position requires a personal computer and will primarily be office-based.
To be considered for this consultancy, please submit the following documents through the attached requisition form:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your relevant professional experience and qualifications.
- Cover Letter: Outlining your specific interest in this consultancy and how your skills and experience align with the requirements.
- Copies of Diplomas and Certifications: Validating your academic achievements.
- Technical Proposal:
- A comprehensive methodological note detailing your approach to fulfilling the mission’s objectives, including an indicative timeline with milestones, deliverables, and associated costs (using the provided template: Financial Proposal Template.xlsx).
- A clear demonstration of your understanding of the project’s context and challenges.
- Concrete strategies and solutions you propose to address those challenges.
- Financial Proposal: A breakdown of your proposed consultancy fees, utilizing the provided template (Financial Proposal Template.xlsx).
Minimum Qualifications:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Biomedical Engineering and/or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in oxygen programming.
- A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the development, implementation, and management of oxygen systems or medical devices.
- Fluency in both English and French.
- Experience working in developing countries and/or familiarity with emergency contexts is highly desirable.
Required Knowledge, Expertise, and Skills:
- Proven ability to develop and implement national or subnational oxygen strategies, roadmaps, or improvement plans.
- Demonstrated experience conducting needs assessments and analyses to inform decision-making in the context of oxygen systems or medical devices.
- Expertise in developing structured country-level oxygen procurement plans.
- In-depth knowledge of PSA technology, including installation, commissioning, supervision, and maintenance of oxygen equipment.
- Strong understanding of oxygen distribution and supply chain management principles.
- Experience providing guidance and tools for the programmatic implementation and strengthening of oxygen use in maternal, newborn, and child health contexts.
- Demonstrated capacity to deliver effective training and capacity building programs for oxygen systems engineers/technicians, health workers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Skill in adapting training materials to diverse cultural and contextual settings.
- Prior experience working at policy and strategic levels, engaging with stakeholders, coordinating partnerships, and fostering Public-Private Partnerships.
We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how your expertise can contribute to our mission of advocating for every child.
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Empowering Every Child, Demonstrating UNICEF Values
At UNICEF, we champion the rights and well-being of every child, guided by our core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Our mission to serve the world’s most vulnerable children requires a global workforce as diverse as those we aim to help. UNICEF fosters an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
Reasonable Accommodation and Accessibility
UNICEF provides reasonable accommodations for consultants and individual contractors with disabilities. This may encompass accessible software, travel support, or personal assistance. We encourage candidates to disclose any disability during the application process to facilitate necessary accommodations.
Upholding the Highest Ethical Standards
UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that contravenes the principles of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. We adhere to rigorous child safeguarding standards. All selected candidates undergo thorough reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.
Important Considerations
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the selection process.
- Consultants and individual contractors are not considered “staff members” of the United Nations or UNICEF, and are not entitled to the benefits afforded to staff. Their terms of service are governed by their individual contracts and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors.
- Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for understanding and fulfilling their tax obligations under applicable laws.
To learn more about our competency framework and commitment to empowering children, please visit [link to competency framework].
Let’s work together to build a better future for every child.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and provides reasonable accommodations for consultants and individual contractors with disabilities. These may include accessible software, travel assistance, or personal attendants. We encourage candidates to disclose any disability and accommodation needs during the application process to facilitate necessary support throughout the selection and assignment phases.
UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that violates the principles of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Stringent child safeguarding principles are also upheld. All selected candidates undergo thorough reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.
Please note that shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process. Consultants and individual contractors are not considered staff members under UN and UNICEF regulations and are not entitled to associated benefits. Their terms of service are governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. They are also responsible for their tax obligations.
The selected candidate must ensure the validity of their visa (if applicable) and health insurance for the contract duration. Prior to starting the assignment, the selected candidate must provide confirmation of full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine. This requirement does not apply to consultants working remotely who are not expected to be on UNICEF premises or interact directly with communities.
