Lead Biomedical Engineer, Kassala, Sudan

General Information

Position Title: Lead Biomedical Engineer

Job Category: Engineer

Duty Station(s): Kassala

Seniority Level: Mid Level

ICS Level: ICS 10

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer

Contract Level: LICA 10

Posting Start Date: 02-Jul-2026

Posting End Date: 08-Jul-2026

Duration: One year. extendable depending on performanceand availability of fund

Job Highlight

This is a unique opportunity to apply specialized biomedicalengineering expertise to critical health infrastructure projects inSudan, contributing directly to improved public health outcomes andcommunity well-being. The role offers significant scope forindependent project management, policy adaptation, andauthoritative technical advice within a dynamic humanitarian anddevelopment context, fostering professional growth and impactfulcontributions within the UN system.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya,oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries,with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supportedby more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-countryoffices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and SouthernAfrica, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances nationalpriorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health,Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support,and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Officeprovides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversightin key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management andOversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health andSafety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery,fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement,the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparentresource management, and a better quality of life for communitiesacross the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office(HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, andinfrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, andSudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economicdevelopment. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governmentsand development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driveninitiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024,new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare,education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved andconflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resourcemanagement services, supporting the effective implementation ofdevelopment initiatives. Key efforts include equipping researchfacilities, strengthening education and health systems, buildingvaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communitiesaffected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributesto inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

About the Project Office

Established in 2005, UNOPS Sudan is a key partner in advancingcommunity well-being through infrastructure, procurement, andproject management services that support humanitarian, recovery,and sustainable development efforts. UNOPS contributes to improvedaccess to clean water, supports peacekeeping operations, andassists in implementing the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement by helpingoperationalize the Permanent Ceasefire Committee for Darfur incollaboration with UNITAMS. Ongoing initiatives focus on enhancingaccess to water and strengthening health services across thecountry, with particular efforts in Kassala state to expanddiagnostic capacity and upgrade healthcare infrastructure. Throughthese projects, UNOPS supports stability, resilience, and improvedliving conditions for communities across Sudan.

Job Specific Context

This position operates within the UNOPS Sudan Project Office, akey partner in advancing community well-being throughinfrastructure, procurement, and project management services thatsupport humanitarian, recovery, and sustainable developmentefforts. The role specifically focuses on providing technicalexpertise and project support within the health portfolio, coveringneeds assessments, health infrastructure implementations, equipmentspecifications and installation support, and health-relatedcapacity-building efforts. This work contributes to improvingaccess to public health in the region, particularly in Kassalastate, by expanding diagnostic capacity and upgrading healthcareinfrastructure.

Role Purpose

Under the supervision of The Project Manager, The LeadBiomedical Engineer role is to provide technical expertise andproject support within the health portfolio, covering needsassessments, health infrastructure implementations, equipmentspecifications and installation support, and health-relatedcapacity-building efforts.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Needs Assessments and Evaluation

• Conduct technical assessments and stakeholder consultations toidentify health system service gaps and needs within healthsystems, including but not limited to provisions of medicalequipment systems and supplies, department and section planning,facilities classifications, operational processes, andreporting.
• Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine medicalequipment requirements, needs and others considering factors liketechnology advancements, regulatory compliance, and clinicaldemands
• Evaluate the medical assets/system's operational performancesand produce reports (efficiency, reliability and safety)) andfollow up on any warranty maintenance and servicing asrequired

Medical Equipment Specification and Cost Estimates

• Definition and review of medical equipment technicalspecifications, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards,clinical requirements and facility constraints.
• Definition and development of equipment lists and layouts,considering factors like workflow optimization, space utilization,and control measures.
• Collaborate closely with design teams to review and plan forthe integration of medical equipment in health facilities
• Preparation of cost estimates for medical equipment (includingdevices, systems, tools, supplies, furniture, etc.), consideringscheduling, procurement costs, installation expenses, and ongoingmaintenance and operation requirements.

Technical Support

• Support in Drafting Terms of Reference (TORs)
• Collaborate with project teams to develop Terms of Reference(TORs) for consulting services within the healthcaresector/services (scope includes but is not limited to developing,rehabilitation, and equipping healthcare facilities).
• Provide expertise in defining the scope, objectives,methodologies, and deliverables for various consulting assignments,including feasibility studies, pre-design assessments, detaileddesign projects, and other related initiatives.
• Ensure alignment of TORs with project goals, regulatoryrequirements, and best practices in healthcare infrastructuredevelopment.
• Review and Verification of technical Deliverables:
• Assist in reviewing and verifying deliverables submitted byconsulting firms engaged in health sector projects.
• Conduct thorough assessments of reports, design documents,technical specifications, and other outputs to ensure accuracy,completeness, and compliance with established standards andcontractual agreements.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to consulting firms forimprovement, if necessary, to enhance the quality and relevance ofdeliverables.

Implementation Support

• Project implementation coordination (site visits and surveys)with government entities, ministries of health and other projectstakeholders to ensure alignment with project objectives andtimelines.
• Participate in scheduled site visits for inspection purposesduring implementation phases to ensure adherence to specifications,quality standards, and regulatory requirements
• Conduct market surveys and research to identify medicalequipment and health facility installation vendors andsuppliers
• Participation in technical evaluation assignments for medicalequipment and health facility installations to assess thefeasibility, compatibility and compliance with projectrequirements.
• Verification of supplied medical equipment for compliance withspecifications before installations and addressing anydiscrepancies or issues identified.
• Review shop drawings provided by the contractors and suppliersfor compliance with design specifications and regulatorystandards
• Supervise equipment installation, testing, commissioning andhanding over of goods and works to the beneficiary to ensure properfunctioning and integration within the health facilityinfrastructure.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)and operation manuals for medical equipment and health facilityinstallations to guide the end-users effectively
• Support in organizing and conducting the training of end-userson record keeping and basic operations and maintenance activitiesof medical equipment and health facility installations
• Check and certify supplier payment claims for medical equipmentsupplied ensuring accuracy and compliance with the contractualagreements

Skills

Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices, Needs Analysis, ProjectManagement, Regulatory Compliance, Technical Communication, WasteManagement

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinkslong term and externally in order to positively shape theorganisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implicationsof future decisions and activities on other parts of theorganisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively todifferences and encourages others to do the same. Upholdsorganisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards oftrustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.Collaborates and supports the development of others. For peoplemanagers only: Acts as positive leadership role model,motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizingappropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on allpartners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds andmaintains strong external relationships and is a competent partnerfor others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for selfand/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total taskaccomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Seesopportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understandsthat responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on ourbeneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances orrequirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursuescontinuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmaticdecisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculatedrisks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needsof others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinionand finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) preferably in BiomedicalEngineering or a closely relevant discipline, with 7 years ofrelevant experience
• OR Master's degree (or equivalent) in any of the above orrelated fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required

Desired

• Certification or specialized training in hospital planning,medical waste management, or medical equipment specification andinstallation is highly desirable.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience is work in hospitalplanning, medical waste management, medical equipmentspecification, and installation or similar fields.

Desired

• Experience in healthcare systems, regulations and practices inthe region is desired.
• Experience in the rehabilitation and construction of healthcarefacilities is an asset.
• Experience working with a variety of health sectorstakeholders, particularly governments and development partners isan asset.
• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UNsystem organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts isdesired.
• Experience in project documentation, report writing andtechnical communication is desired.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: Arabic

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process requestcandidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnightCopenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.Applications received after the closing date will not beconsidered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited toproceed to the next stage of the selection process, which mayinclude various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employmentopportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range ofnationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities,sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain andstrengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive workingenvironment where all personnel are treated with respect and haveequal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills,qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement.We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process andwelcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenousand racialized communities, individuals of diverse genderidentities and sexual orientations, and persons withdisabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at theirbest during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted andrequire support or reasonable accommodation to complete anyassessment, please inform our human resources team upon receivingyour invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse(SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct,including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. Touphold these standards, background checks are conducted for allfinal candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history ofsuch conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS,candidates acknowledge and consent to these verificationprocesses.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint acandidate at a lower level than the advertised level of thepost.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatorycourses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time,before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatorycourses may be required during your contract. Please note that youwill not receive any compensation for taking courses andrefreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please clickhere.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their dutiesin accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies andInstructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UNcore values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on allpotential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on theresults of such checks.