Role Summary

The Plant Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe, continuous, and efficient production, storage, and distribution of medical oxygen while supporting the maintenance and functionality of biomedical equipment and oxygen infrastructure. The role contributes to uninterrupted oxygen supply for health facilities.

The Plant Operator works closely with the Biomedical Technician, Biomedical Engineer, and Ministry of Health facility teams to ensure compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer guidelines. The incumbent is expected to maintain operational records, identify equipment faults, support preventive maintenance activities, and contribute to the overall reliability and sustainability of oxygen generation systems across Neno District and neighboring districts supported by PIH/APZU.

The position requires a highly safety-conscious and technically skilled individual with the ability to work effectively in a healthcare environment where uninterrupted oxygen availability is critical for patient care and clinical outcomes.

3.0 Core Responsibilities

3.1 Oxygen Plant Operations

Operate the PSA Oxygen Plant in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturer recommendations, and plant operational guidelines to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Monitor plant parameters, including oxygen purity, pressure levels, compressor performance, and system alarms to ensure safe and continuous operation.

Ensure uninterrupted production and supply of medical oxygen to healthcare facilities through oxygen piping systems and cylinder distribution networks.

Conduct routine operational inspections of the oxygen plant, compressors, manifolds, dryers, and associated equipment to identify potential issues and prevent system failures.

Record and maintain accurate daily operational data, production records, equipment logs, and maintenance activities using UPKEEP, CommCare, and other approved systems.

Monitor cylinder inventory, filling requirements, storage levels, reserves, and distribution needs, and communicate status updates to the Biomedical Technician.

Support oxygen supply and distribution logistics for neighboring districts in accordance with established guidelines and operational plans.

3.2 Equipment Maintenance and Technical Support

Support troubleshooting activities for medical equipment, oxygen plant systems, and oxygen piping infrastructure.

Assist in implementing preventive maintenance schedules for oxygen plant equipment, oxygen networks, cylinders, compressors, and biomedical equipment.

Identify equipment malfunctions, operational abnormalities, and safety concerns, and promptly escalate issues to the Biomedical Technician for resolution.

Assist technical teams during repairs, servicing, installations, and system upgrades of oxygen generation and biomedical equipment.

Support monitoring and testing activities to ensure equipment performance, functionality, and compliance with quality standards.

Safeguard tools, spare parts, consumables, oxygen cylinders, and other equipment assets entrusted to the department.

3.3 Safety, Quality, and Compliance

Maintain strict adherence to occupational health and safety standards, plant operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Ensure oxygen cylinders, accessories, and plant components meet safety and quality requirements before use and distribution.

Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safe working conditions within the oxygen plant and surrounding operational environments.

Participate in risk assessments, safety inspections, and incident reporting processes to strengthen workplace safety culture.

Ensure proper storage, handling, transportation, and tracking of compressed oxygen cylinders and related accessories.

Promote compliance with environmental and safety regulations related to oxygen production and plant operations.

3.4 Data Management and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of plant operations, maintenance activities, oxygen production volumes, cylinder filling, and distribution data.

Prepare routine operational reports and submit timely updates to the Biomedical Technician.

Monitor performance indicators and report plant faults, operational deviations, shortages, or breakdowns for timely intervention.

Support inventory tracking and documentation of consumables, spare parts, and equipment utilization.

Ensure all operational documentation is completed accurately and maintained according to departmental requirements.

3.5 Professional Development and Team Collaboration

Participate in continuous professional development activities related to biomedical technology, oxygen systems, plant operations, and workplace safety.

Collaborate effectively with Biomedical Technicians, Biomedical Engineers, clinical teams, logistics staff, and external service providers to ensure reliable oxygen supply.

Support orientation and knowledge-sharing activities on oxygen plant operations and safe oxygen handling where required.

Contribute positively to a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

4.0 Expected Competencies, Attributes, and Behaviors

4.1 Core Competencies

Plant Operations Expertise: Demonstrated ability to safely operate and monitor oxygen generation systems, industrial plant equipment, and associated infrastructure.

Technical and Mechanical Skills: Strong understanding of electrical systems, compressors, pressure regulation systems, cylinder filling processes, and equipment troubleshooting.

Data and Record Management: Ability to maintain accurate operational records and effectively utilize computerized maintenance management systems such as UPKEEP and CommCare.

Safety and Compliance Management: Strong knowledge of industrial plant safety procedures, risk mitigation measures, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Quality Assurance: Ability to maintain oxygen quality standards and ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of oxygen cylinders and accessories.

4.2 Behavioral Attributes

Attention to Detail: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in monitoring plant performance, recording data, and identifying operational issues.

Reliability and Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and ensures continuity of essential oxygen supply services.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve departmental and organizational goals.

Adaptability and Resilience: Responds effectively to operational challenges, emergencies, and changing priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Service-Oriented Mindset: Maintains commitment to supporting quality patient care through reliable oxygen production and distribution systems.

4.3 Operational Competencies

Problem-Solving and Fault Identification: Ability to identify equipment malfunctions, analyze operational issues, and support corrective actions.

Communication Skills: Communicates operational concerns, safety issues, and technical information clearly and effectively to supervisors and colleagues.

Preventive Maintenance Support: Demonstrated ability to participate in planned maintenance activities and equipment inspections.

Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workloads, and meet operational reporting requirements.

Continuous Improvement: Proactively identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, safety, and equipment performance.

5.0 Qualifications and Experience

TEVETA Electrical Level 3/Grade 1 in Electrical Engineering.

Diploma in Biomedical Engineering or Electrical Engineering will be an added advantage.

Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience operating industrial plants, machinery, or oxygen generation systems.

Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience using Microsoft Office applications for reporting and documentation.

Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience implementing safety procedures and protocols in industrial or technical environments.

Minimum of 1-2 years’ hands-on experience in cylinder filling, pressure regulation, compressor operation, and basic maintenance.

Demonstrated understanding of electrical systems and basic troubleshooting techniques.

Experience using computerized maintenance management systems will be an added advantage.

Membership with the Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI) and Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) is required.

6.0 Additional Notes

Willingness to live and work in a rural setting.

The position may require flexibility to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, or during emergency maintenance activities as needed.

Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational reliability.

Opportunity to contribute directly to the safe and reliable supply of medical oxygen to health facilities and communities served by PIH/APZU.

7.0 Method of application 

All interested and qualified candidates based in Malawi should apply strictly through https://www.pih.org/employment on or before 13th September 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

8.0 Safeguarding Commitment

Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) is committed to safeguarding staff, children and communities with whom we work from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. Therefore, any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks.

The Organisation does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to make a payment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact bmsowoya@pih.org and speakup@pih.org.

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