UNICEF Job Opportunity | National Consultant – Preventive Maintenance Strategy Development (Zanzibar)

UNICEF Job Opportunity | National Consultant – Preventive Maintenance Strategy Development (Zanzibar) | August 2025

Organization: UNICEF

Duty Station: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Position Type: National Consultant (Short-Term)
Application Deadline: Not specified – apply as early as possible
Contract Type: Consultancy

Introduction

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a global leader in child welfare, working across 190+ countries to protect and empower children from early childhood through adolescence. As part of its ongoing support to health systems, UNICEF seeks to recruit a National Consultant to assist the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar in developing a Preventive Maintenance (PM) Strategy for medical and related equipment.

This role is critical for improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare service delivery in Zanzibar.

Background and Rationale

Zanzibar’s healthcare system is undergoing major modernization, with the expansion of district, regional, and specialized hospitals. This growth has led to a surge in the quantity and complexity of medical equipment, yet no unified preventive maintenance strategy is currently in place. This gap leads to:

• Frequent breakdowns

• Increased operating costs

• Equipment inefficiency

• Safety risks for patients

A comprehensive PM strategy is needed to standardize processes, prolong equipment life, reduce repair costs, and ensure reliable healthcare delivery.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultant will support the Ministry of Health in:

• Developing a comprehensive preventive maintenance strategy for all healthcare equipment.

• Aligning the strategy with global best practices, national policies, and sector-specific realities.

• Providing clear operational guidelines for implementation, monitoring, and sustainability.

Scope of Work

1. Desk Review & Work Plan Development

• Review current national and global PM literature, frameworks, and policies.

• Submit an inception report detailing scope, methodology, data collection tools, and timeline.

2. Assessment of Current Landscape

• Analyze previous PM assessment reports.

• Collect new data (if needed) on:

  • PM cost estimates and funding sources

  • Equipment inventory systems and compliance

  • Capacity of biomedical engineering units

  • Risk analysis of current maintenance practices

3. Drafting the PM Strategy

• Develop a detailed and actionable PM strategy that includes:

  • Equipment maintenance schedules

  • Calibration and validation procedures

  • Third-party service engagement protocols

  • Maintenance models: time-based, usage-based, condition-based

  • Annual budget estimates and sustainable funding models

  • Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks

4. Stakeholder Consultation

• Present the draft strategy to key stakeholders (including UNICEF and MOH).

• Gather feedback and revise accordingly.

5. Dissemination and Orientation

• Develop orientation materials for PM strategy rollout.

• Organize training sessions and stakeholder orientation forums.

Expected Deliverables

• Inception report with methodology and timeline

• Consolidated findings from assessment and literature reviews

• Draft and final Preventive Maintenance Strategy document

• Presentation decks and stakeholder orientation materials

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, or a related field

• At least 8 years of experience managing biomedical equipment in Tanzania or similar contexts

• Proven experience in:

  • Developing healthcare maintenance guidelines or strategies

  • Working with the Ministry of Health (Zanzibar or mainland)

  • Facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations

• Strong understanding of:

  • Preventive maintenance models

  • Medical equipment lifecycle management

• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English; Swahili proficiency is a plus

Core Competencies

Applicants must demonstrate UNICEF’s core values and competencies:

• Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability (CRITAS)

• Strategic thinking and innovation

• Strong collaboration and facilitation skills

• Ethical and culturally sensitive conduct

• Drive to achieve results with impact

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNICEF is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, and individuals from all backgrounds and identities.

UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment. All offers are subject to background checks and verification of academic and professional credentials.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to:

1. Visit the official UNICEF Careers Page

2. Search for the listing titled: “National Consultant – Preventive Maintenance Strategy Development”

3. Submit:

   • Updated CV

   • Cover letter addressing relevant experience

   • Relevant academic and professional certifications

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Important Notes

• This position supports UNICEF’s goal of improving child health and safety through stronger health systems.

• Government employees selected for this position must resign from government roles before starting.

• All consultants are expected to comply with UN medical and vaccination requirements.

• Sustainability is at the heart of this project. Applicants with a background or passion in environmental sustainability are highly encouraged to apply.

Final Words

This consultancy is a unique opportunity to drive systemic change in Zanzibar’s health sector. If you have a background in biomedical engineering and a passion for public service, this is your chance to make a lasting impact on healthcare quality and children’s lives.