Biomedical Engineer

From March 16, 2020 when the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Liberia to date, 7998 cases have been confirmed, including 294 deaths, 412 health worker infections, while 7,696 patients have recovered. Currently, there are 8 active cases under home based care (COVID 19-SitRep-October 28, 2022).  The burden of COVID 19 has reduced in Liberia (like in many parts of Africa), and frontline healthcare workers continue to work tirelessly to scale up COVID-19 vaccination.

Most of the deaths in the course of the COVID outbreak in Liberia were reported during the 3^rd wave which started in May 2021. The 3^rd wave was propagated by the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, poor compliance to public preventive measures and inadequate capacity for oxygen supply and therapy, and contributed to severe-critical COVID-19 and high case fatality rate. Many of the patients who were admitted at the national COVID-19 TU required oxygen therapy- at least 10-15 LPM (i.e. at least 6 cylinders daily- 2,200 psi)

In response to the unprecedented demand for oxygen to treat COVID patients, as well as critically ill patients in routine care, the government of Liberia, with support from WHO and other partners, conducted an assessment to understand the Country’s oxygen production capacity. The assessment team (led by a TA from WHO) developed a roadmap and a costed plan to improve oxygen production and distribution in Liberia. The results from this assessment have motivated the government to set up 8 oxygen plants. Some of the progress made by the MOH along partners to improve oxygen availability included assessment of oxygen needs at 55 health facilities, establishment of oxygen technical group, identification of oxygen production plans, quantification of oxygen demand, initiation of procurement and shipment of oxygen plans, commissioning of two oxygen plans recently and training of health care workers on oxygen therapy.

Thus, Jhpiego through CDC EGHS GFTA funding mechanism is recruiting a biomedical engineer to provide technical support to the government of Liberia through the Emergency Medical Response Unit of the Ministry of Health to improvement the availability and management of medical Oxygen in the country.

• Supports the operationalization of strategic (road map) plan for oxygen therapy, including the coordination mechanism to guide oxygen production, supply, distribution and monitoring
• Supports to set up national and sub national governance structures and systems for oxygen plants management (production, distribution and utilization)
• Supports to develop technical specifications for oxygen technologies and adapt national quality standards for the production, distribution, and utilization of medical oxygen
• Provides guidance and tools for the programmatic implementation and strengthening of oxygen use for COVID-19 and for the health system
• Supports to develop and utilize standard operating procedures and job aids for planned preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance of oxygen equipment and devices
• Reviews, updates, and implements pre-service and in-service training packages to strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers and biomedical technicians in oxygen therapy
• Supports to build local capacity of biomedical technicians, operators, and frontline healthcare workers technologies for the utilization, monitoring, and maintenance of oxygen technologies
• Supports to develop logistics and supply chain management system for the production, distribution, and utilization of medical oxygen
• Supports the implementation of the national roadmap, policy, and clinical guidelines on oxygen systems
• Supports to update and revise national donation guidelines to incorporate oxygen technologies and supplies
• Supports to establish a procurement and supply management process for the procurement and distribution of oxygen, oxygen technologies, and supplies
• Supports to develop national indicators and integrate oxygen data into routine health information systems
• Supports to develop oxygen system dashboards and information
• Strengthens stakeholders' engagement (coordination and management) to improve oxygen availability and utilization
• Performs other relevant duties as will be required

• An advanced university degree in Biomedical Sciences or Bio-medical Engineering, and/or Biotechnological sciences, Pharmacy or related field with clear focus on oxygen management systems, health systems strengthening, health policy planning and implementation, primary health care, health system analysis, and other related fields with experience in coordination, capacity building.
• At least seven (7) years' demonstrable technical experience in oxygen management systems, including oxygen production, distribution, maintenance and capacity building; Public Health, Health systems strengthening program design; health system assessment & reporting; policy development, review and strategic planning.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in installation of different models of oxygen plants and establishing critical care systems.
• Capacity to develop training material and SOPs for oxygen and train health workers/technicians on the use of PSA plants
• Proven understanding of the issues surrounding inter-sectoral collaboration at all levels of the health system.
• Demonstrable expertise in establishing, managing, monitoring and reporting systems for complex programs, including oxygen production, distribution, use, monitoring and reporting
• Attention to details and ability to work under pressure. Strong analytical, writing and evaluation skills
• Negotiating and communication skills, including good interpersonal skills.
• Tolerance and commitment to working flexibly to achieve objectives
• Stakeholders' engagement and advocacy/lobbying
• Knowledge and skills in the use of computer and programs, including Word, Excel and Power Point.