Categories: Vacancies, May 2026

Biomedical Engineer (Retainer)

Location: Addis Ababa

Organization: UNOPS

Deadline: 30-Jan-2025

Job Description

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for the position of Biomedical Engineer (Retainer) based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Qualified females and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS are highly encouraged to apply.

Organizational Context

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. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Horn of Africa Multi Country Office

Established in 2009, Ethiopia Multi-country office, now referred to as the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks within the region. The HAMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Addis Ababa which manages a portfolio of engagements in four (4) Horn of Africa countries (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan). HAMCO focuses on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management services across a wide range of sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Resilient infrastructure, among others.

Our goal is to support countries, help people in need and enable our partners through delivering on our mandate of infrastructure, procurement and project management in the countries in the Horn of Africa.

The purpose of the role is to provide specialist research and laboratory equipment knowledge and subject matter expertise in the procurement of laboratory related goods and services for UNOPS; engage internal and external stakeholders; analyze, monitor and understand market trends and develop appropriate procurement strategies that are aligned with UNOPS business needs.

Functional Responsibilities

The Biomedical Engineer will report to the Procurement Manager and will be responsible for the tasks and responsibilities listed below.

Research and Medical device and equipment Knowledge Leadership

Provide technical advice in one or more of the following areas: research and medical device and equipment, medical consumables/supplies, research and lab equipment.
In close cooperation with the Project Team and other departments/projects within UNOPS, develop and implement appropriate health procurement product specifications, tender documents, technical evaluation criteria and participate in technical evaluation of tenders as a technical expert.
Act as focal point for research and medical device and equipment related procurement in HAMCO, and provide technical guidance and advice; provide subject matter expertise in the procurement of goods and services for projects undertaken by HAMCO.
Keep abreast of market developments; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services.
Identify new technologies and innovation in medical device and equipment products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and update the procurement program where necessary.
Use category management best practice tools and techniques, including spend analysis, market analysis, stakeholder engagement, risk mapping, category analysis, etc.
In coordination with the Team Manager, Category Management, develop and implement strategies for UNOPS HAMCO relevant procurement categories.

Sourcing and contract award

Prepare detailed specifications for the required medical equipment in-line with the beneficiary requirements considering the latest available technologies. The consultant shall be able to identify the provisions required to operate the equipment(s) in a sustainable and safe manner.
Preparation of a schedule of requirements, conditions, technical evaluation criteria and technical documents needed from the bidders before the bid solicitation.
Participation as the technical evaluator/member of solicitations and proposals for the supply of biomedical equipment, as well as the associated services and works.
Provide technical advice on the necessary prerequisite in order for the successful utilization of laboratory and other medical equipment.
Planning and preparation of technical requirements for the installation of the equipment, including any relevant infrastructure works that are needed for commissioning purposes.
Analyze the quality of 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.

Quality assurance

Provide technical advice to the HAMCO Procurement Team in selection of relevant quality standards for medical devices and equipment as per the UNOPS quality policy, Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority requirements and other international standards.
Verification of biomedical equipment, device and supplies for specification compliance prior to installations and handovers.
Provide technical expertise during delivery, installation and commissioning of medical devices and equipment/systems where applicable, as well as quality assurance, ensuring the installation/commissioning is carried out as per the specifications and contract agreement.
Provide technical advice during the preparation of operational and maintenance plans for all medical devices and equipment/systems installed under the project.

Guidance and Supervision

Provide technical advice and Supervision during training, installation, testing and commissioning of medical equipment/systems and follow up the provision of the installation/commissioning and client’s hand-over reports.
Perform other duties and responsibilities relevant to the functions of a Biomedical Engineer.

Impact of resultsThe key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the procurement team and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies for the procurement unit.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent is required, preferably in Biomedical Engineering. Consideration will also be given to degrees in Pharmacy or other relevant fields, such as Procurement/Supply Chain and/or Business Administration, with experience in procurement or supply chain management of healthcare equipment.
A Bachelor’s degree in the above mentioned fields with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience

A minimum of five 5 years of experience in medical equipment technical specification development, evaluation, installation supervision, and training is required.
Experience working with developing nations and/or large global donors such as Global Fund, USAID, World Bank, the EU etc., is an advantage.
Knowledge of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority policies and guidelines is an advantage.

Language