FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities, and countries we serve–improving lives for millions. FHI 360 is seeking qualified individual for the following position:

Short Term Consultant: Technical Advisor – Liquid Oxygen (LOX)

Background

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is an eight-year, global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). EpiC is dedicated to achieving and maintaining HIV epidemic control and maintenance through local partnerships and to improve global health security through strengthened public health systems for pandemic preparedness by addressing emerging threats, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 and Mpox. EpiC Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s goal is to deliver efficient, affordable, results-based technical assistance and direct service delivery while closing remaining gaps in Papua New Guinea’s efforts to address the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and be prepared for future pandemics.

In collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDoH), the EpiC project has recently commenced a project focused on strengthening the capacity of liquid oxygen (LOX) delivery in two hospitals and supporting the government of PNG in advancing the national medical oxygen policies, standards, and guidelines. The project is comprised of four primary activities, these include:

1. Installing 2 x 15,000L tanks Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE) LOX system at Port Moresby General Hospital and Angau Memorial Hospital, including the construction of a concrete slab, fencing, and connection to water and electricity.

2. Undertaking infrastructure improvement to complement VIE installation of both PMGH and Angau Memorial Hospital.

3. Building capacity of the health system at PMGH and Angau Memorial Hospital to safely use and maintain the newly installed LOX system, including training for biomedical technicians and clinicians at the hospitals on quality assurance and safe and sustainable use of the LOX system.

4. Coordinating, documenting, and sharing lessons learned for sustainability through a technical working group and support on the national policies and guidelines. Epic is seeking the services of a vendor with the capabilities and expertise to provide advisory services on LOX technical aspects of the above activities and to oversee quality assurance of LOX installation and infrastructure improvements.

The qualified candidate for the role of Technical Advisor – LOX is to provide guidance and technical expertise and support for the installation of LOX VIE Systems and LOX capacity building for EpiC PNG.

Scope of Work

The Technical Advisor-LOX (TA-LOX) is a member of the EpiC PNG LOX Expansion Project team. The TA-LOX's primary role is to provide engineering technical oversight on all aspects of the project. This includes reviewing technical proposals, plans, drawings, and submissions from vendors, as well as overseeing the technical aspects of project delivery, implementation, and commissioning. The TA-LOX will also support capacity development plans and training with relevant stakeholders and serve as the technical focal point representing EpiC in stakeholder engagements. This position will be based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Responsibilities

• Participate in various strategic meetings at the national and regional levels.
• Participate in relevant technical working groups (TWG) and work closely with EpiC, NDoH, other stakeholders and target facilities.
• Support and liaise with the NDoH and other relevant stakeholders throughout the project's implementation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure equipment compliance.
• Ensure the quality of the implementation of the project is in accordance with national, regional and USAID regulations.
• Ensure the quality of the installation of LOX systems at the two facilities, inclusive of, but not limited to, site-level civil works, installation of medical oxygen piping and/or installation of VIE tanks and associated equipment.
• Serve as point of contact for management to assess and determine training needs and schedule training sessions.
• Assist in preparing teaching materials for hospital staff involved in maintaining the LOX system.
• Assist in facilitating seminars, workshops, individual training sessions and targeted technical assistance.
• Participate in the elaboration and development of programmatic reports and project documents.
• Ensure timely and technically correct completion of all activities, with careful attention to the harmonization of strategies, approaches, and tools.
• Advise partners on the implementation of activities to ensure the completion of project tasks and the quality of their execution.
• Review and provide feedback on submissions from technical experts and potential suppliers of LOX infrastructure and LOX supply.
• Support facilities to develop LOX sustainability plans in collaboration with NDoH, hospital administrators and other key stakeholders.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in biomedical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or an equivalent field is required.
• At least 5+ years of relevant experience in the regulation of health products, with a focus on medical oxygen systems
• Experience with medical oxygen systems, particularly liquid and gaseous medical oxygen equipment, and infrastructure, would be a bonus.
• Applicable local licensure in the technical area of expertise.
• Extensive experience in developing standard technical specifications, medical device manuals, quality references, evaluating technical files prior to listing, and performing quality audits for medical device manufacturers.
• Experience in the management of health structures, including infrastructure and equipment.
• Good understanding of the organization of the health system in PNG.
• Highly organized to meet deadlines.
• Experience in providing technical assistance for organizational capacity development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and independently.
• Experience in capacity building and program coordination with state institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Period of Engagement:

2^nd December 2024 – 31^st August 2025 (Subject to change depending on the schedule)

Location of Work:

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Travel:

Frequent visits may be conducted between the health facilities located in Lae and Port Moresby where the entity will provide support and supervision.

Interested?

Please apply! Application must include resume/CV with at least 3 referees and supporting documents. Email: recruitmentpng@fhi360.org

ATTENTION: Human Resource Manager

FHI360 is an equal opportunity employer, Women, People Living with HIV and/or with different sexual orientation and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on Friday 29^th November 2024

Only short- listed candidates will be notified for an interview.

Note: Only Electronic applications will be accepted.