Vacancy Announcement

Job title

Biomedical Engineer

Work Location

Kono

Department

Operations

Reports to

Biomedical Manager

Line Management

Biomedical Technicians (2)

Requisition Number

4583

Duration of Contract

Twelve (12) Months with possibility of extension.

Application Status

Internal & External Advert

Organization Profile

Partners In Health (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change. Our delivered services in the field are based in our partnership with the Governments and Ministries of Health and the support to education, training and mentorship to Health care workers and students is one of our pillars for the Health care system strengthening.

PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world.

Our Work In Sierra Leone:

Partners In Health (PIH) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Biomedical Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of our medical equipment and technologies. The Biomedical Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and functionality of medical devices, assisting in the improvement of patient care and healthcare outcomes. The ideal candidate should possess a strong technical background, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for advancing healthcare through engineering. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in biomedical engineering, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record. PIH seeks individuals committed to the mission and values (see PIH Values) of the organization to join the team.

If you are a dedicated and forward-thinking individual with a passion for biomedical engineering and a drive to enhance healthcare through technology, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Biomedical Engineer. Join our team and contribute to the advancement of patient care and well-being.

The Biomedical Engineer role is a fully on-site position based in Koidu Town, Kono District, Sierra Leone, travelling within Sierra Leone and providing support as required.

~80% of the biomedical engineering activities are located at Koidu Government Hospital/Maternal Center of Excellence in Koidu Town, with occasional technical support visits to other facilities within Sierra Leone.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Job Duties

1. Equipment Maintenance and Repair

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and repairs on a variety of medical equipment and devices to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues, collaborating with manufacturers and vendors as needed to facilitate timely repairs.
• Provide technical input during procurement processes to ensure equipment specifications meet clinical and operational needs.

2. New Equipment Installation and Testing

• Assist in the installation and setup of new medical equipment, ensuring proper functionality, integration, and alignment with operational requirements.
• Conduct testing and quality assurance procedures to validate the performance and safety of newly installed equipment.
• Support the commissioning of new biomedical systems and provide technical oversight during hospital expansions.

3. Equipment Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of equipment maintenance, service history, repairs, and modifications.
• Generate technical documentation, including manuals and reports, to support regulatory compliance and knowledge sharing.
• Act as key user and implementer of PIH’s new Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to efficiently track, triage, and document corrective and preventive maintenance.

4. Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for equipment performance enhancement, process optimization, and workflow improvements, and collaborate with the team to implement solutions.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in biomedical engineering and recommend technology upgrades when appropriate.

5. Training and Support

• Provide training to medical staff on the proper use, handling, and maintenance of medical equipment, ensuring safe and effective utilization.
• Provide mentorship to junior BMETs at the hospital and lower-level facility technicians, arranging periodic visits to health centers to proactively address issues before they become emergencies.
• Offer technical support and guidance to clinical personnel in resolving equipment-related issues.
• Lead, mentor, and train medical gas plant operators in the daily operation, monitoring, and routine maintenance of the medical gas systems.

6. Regulatory Compliance

• Stay informed about relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., FDA, ISO, AAMI) to ensure equipment and processes adhere to industry requirements.
• Participate in audits and inspections to demonstrate compliance and maintain necessary documentation.

7. Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinicians, IT professionals, and vendors, to integrate biomedical systems seamlessly into the healthcare environment.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders, providing updates on equipment status and project progress.

8. Medical Gas Systems (Specialized Responsibility)

• Lead the installation, operation, and preventive maintenance of medical gas systems, including PSA oxygen plants, medical air compressors (e.g., Kaeser, RIX 2B3V), medical vacuum plants, and medical gas piping networks.
• Ensure continuous functionality, safety compliance, and emergency preparedness of the entire medical gas infrastructure.
• Develop SOPs and safety protocols for medical gas operations to meet international best practices.
• Serve as the primary technical lead for the medical gas systems within PIH Sierra Leone, ensuring sustainability and reliability of oxygen and gas delivery services.
• Strong team spirit, interpersonal skills, and patience to work effectively in high-pressure environments.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

Partners In Health Sierra Leone is dedicated to preventing unwanted behavior in the workplace, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, financial misconduct, and ensuring the welfare of those we serve. We expect all staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, and volunteers to uphold these values as outlined in our code of conduct.

The successful candidate will receive appropriate training and must adhere to the organization’s safeguarding policies. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references and screening checks, which may include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

As a participant in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, we request information from previous employers about any instances of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. Additionally, Partners In Health Sierra Leone will share records of such misconduct with other agencies upon staff departure, ensuring transparency and accountability. By applying, candidates acknowledge and agree to these recruitment procedures

Education and Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus. Candidates with 8+ years of hands-on biomedical engineering experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on biomedical engineering operations and maintenance experience in healthcare facilities in a limited-resource context. Global South experience required, experience in rural healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa strongly preferred
• Experience directly managing a team of biomedical technicians/apprentices, including scheduling both preventive and corrective maintenance, managing equipment training for technical and clinical staff, and inspecting/certifying other team members’ work.
• Extensive hands-on experience with installation, operation, and maintenance of PSA oxygen plants, medical air and oxygen compressors (Kaeser, Rix Industries 2B3V/2PS), medical vacuum plants, and medical gas piping networks.
• Strong knowledge of medical equipment life cycle management (Medical gas, neonatology, surgery, etc.) of surgery, neonatal care, medical gas systems, and their operating principles.
• Demonstrated familiarity with regulatory standards and guidelines applicable to medical devices and medical gas systems, especially HTM 02-01, SANS 1409, NFPA 99, and/or ISO 7396-1.
• Proficiency in diagnostic tools, test equipment, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Proficient use of MS Office and relevant Computerized Maintenance Management System software (CMMS).
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interactions with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to technical challenges.

Social Justice

We are a global health and social justice organization that responds to the moral imperative to provide high-quality health care globally to those who need it most. We strive to ease suffering by placing patients at the center of all care, bringing the benefits of modern medicine to all.

Method of application

Interested candidates are required to apply through our website: www.pih.org/employment. In your application, please ensure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) referees not later than 12:00pm GMT (Midnight) on Friday, October 24th 2025.