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TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Government of Kiribati, with technical support from UNICEF, has developed a Role Delineation Policy (RDP) to guide the organization of health services and define service delivery packages across levels of care.
As part of the RDP operationalization, a master equipment list was prepared to support service delivery at each level. However, this list was developed through a rapid desk review and does not yet provide the level of detail and standardization required to guide procurement, deployment and maintenance of biomedical equipment.
Standardization of medical devices and technical specifications is critical to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable health service delivery. According to WHO guidance, well-defined technical specifications improve access to high-quality, safe and efficacious medical devices, while enabling appropriate planning for their installation, functioning, and decommissioning. They also support effective management of financial, infrastructural, and human resources throughout the equipment lifecycle.
In addition, standardized equipment lists and harmonized specifications facilitate:
Given the central role of medical devices in achieving quality care and strengthening health systems, the development of a comprehensive, context-appropriate standard equipment list aligned with the service packages and infrastructure readiness in Kiribati is a critical next step to support effective implementation of RDP.
In this context, UNICEF seeks to engage a biomedical engineer consultant to develop a standardized, fit-for-purpose equipment list, including technical specification and system-level considerations.
Scope of Work:
The objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive, standardized biomedical equipment list aligned with the Kiribati RDP, enabling: a) appropriate equipping of health facilities by level of care; b) standardized specifications to guide procurement and costing; c) improved functionality, maintenance, and sustainability of equipment; d) alignment between service delivery packages and infrastructure capacity.
To achieve this objective, a consultant is expected to perform the following, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in Kiribati.
1. Review and baseline analysis
2. Development of a standard equipment list
3. Validation and finalization
Travel to Kiribati is required as part of the assignment. The consultant will undertake in-country field visits to selected health facilities and conduct in-person consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), to ensure that the equipment list and specifications are grounded in operational realities and aligned with national priorities.
If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: Terms of Reference TMC0002400.pdf
Minimum requirements:
Education:
An advanced degree in biomedical, mechanical, or hospital engineering, or a related field with demonstrated understanding of the clinical use and context of medical devices within health service delivery.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant engineering field may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, with minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
Work Experience:
At least 5-7 years of experience in biomedical engineering, including development of medical equipment lists, technical specifications, or health facility equipment planning.
Experience in equipment needs assessment, specification development, and procurement planning.
Familiarity with health facility environments in low-resource settings, including infrastructure and operational constraints
Skills:
Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to apply practical, field-based experience to assess equipment needs and develop context-appropriate solutions.
Proven ability to translate technical standards into feasible, fit-for-purpose equipment specifications, taking into account operational realities, infrastructure limitations, and maintenance capacity in low resource and small-island settings.
Good communication skills (written and verbal), including preparation of technical documents.
Ability to facilitate technical discussions and consultations with government and stakeholders.
Strong coordination and interpersonal skills to engage with health facility staff and technical teams.
Strong drive for results, with demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
Language Requirements
English proficiency (oral and written) is required.
Desirables:
Experience working with Ministries of Health or international partners is an asset.
Knowledge and familiarity with the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) context; prior work experience in the Pacific region is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
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UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):
Remarks:
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