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.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

                                                         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:

  • Consistent procurement and transparency in tendering processes
  • Improved compatibility with local infrastructure and service delivery needs
  • More efficient maintenance, training and lifecycle management
  • Reduced risks associated with inappropriate or substandard equipment

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

  • Review the RDP document, associated service delivery packages, and the existing master equipment list.
  • Identify gaps in completeness, specifications, categorization, and alignment with RDP service levels.
  • Conduct field visits to selected health facilities representing different levels of care (including outer island context, as feasible).
  • Assess a) availability, and functionality of existing equipment; b) alignment between equipment and actual service delivery practices; c) infrastructure conditions (e.g., space, power supply, utilities, environmental conditions); and d) maintenance capacity, including availability of spare parts, servicing, and technical workforce.
  • Document key constraints and operational realities affecting equipment selection and use.

2. Development of a standard equipment list

  • Develop a standardized equipment list by level of care and service package, aligned with the RDP and informed by field visit findings.
  • Define for each item: equipment name and classification; minimum technical specifications; quantity norms (where applicable); functional purpose linked to service delivery. Ensure consistency and standardization across facility levels.
  • Develop a clear, procurement-ready specifications for priority equipment categories, ensuring specifications are appropriate for Kiribati context (e.g., climate, maintenance capacity, infrastructure constraints).
  • Incorporate key system considerations including: installation requirements, maintenance and servicing needs, spare parts and consumables, and lifecycle and replacement planning.

3. Validation and finalization

  • Facilitate consultation with MHMS technical teams and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Revise and finalize the equipment list based on MHMS and stakeholder feedback.
  • Ensure alignment with RDP implementation planning.

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: Download File 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...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

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:  

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.