Call for Proposals: Study on Digital Manufacturing for Prosthetics and Orthotics Services in Uganda – Humanity and Inclusion

Job Overview

Humanity and Inclusion invites qualified consultants to undertake a study on digital manufacturing for prosthetics and orthotics services in Uganda. The research will compare conventional and 3D printing approaches to improve service delivery.

This consultancy aims to generate operational evidence on cost, efficiency, clinical effectiveness and user outcomes of prosthetic and orthotic devices produced through digital technologies.

The study will support HI Uganda’s mission to enhance access to assistive devices for people with disabilities across underserved regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a comparative study assessing conventional versus 3D printed prosthetic and orthotic devices in selected Ugandan health facilities, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop comprehensive data collection tools to capture cost, production time, material usage, clinical outcomes and user satisfaction scores for each manufacturing method across all study sites.
• Train local technicians and clinicians on digital scanning, CAD modelling and 3D printing workflows, providing hands‑on sessions and reference materials to ensure consistent and accurate data gathering.
• Conduct user satisfaction interviews with prosthesis and orthosis recipients using standardized questionnaires to evaluate comfort, fit, functional performance, long‑term device durability and overall quality of life impact.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to compare total cost per unit, lead time, material waste and durability between conventional and digital manufacturing processes, applying statistical tests where appropriate.
• Prepare detailed reports highlighting advantages, limitations and recommendations for scaling digital manufacturing within Uganda’s prosthetic and orthotic service network, including cost‑benefit analysis and implementation roadmap.
• Coordinate with HI Uganda programme staff, Ministry of Health officials, local partners and disability advocacy groups to ensure alignment with national assistive technology policies and strategic priorities.
• Present findings at stakeholder workshops, national conferences and community forums, disseminating results through policy briefs, academic journals, online repositories and community outreach activities.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation technology, industrial design or a related field, with a strong focus on assistive device innovation.
• Minimum five years of experience managing research projects or consultancy assignments in assistive technology, prosthetics or orthotics sectors, preferably within low‑resource or humanitarian contexts.
• Proven expertise in 3D scanning, CAD software (such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or Blender) and 3D printing technologies for medical device prototyping, including post‑processing and quality assurance.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including data analysis using SPSS, R, Excel or Stata, and ability to produce clear technical reports, policy briefs and scientific publications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to engage with clinicians, technicians, policy makers and end‑users in diverse Ugandan settings, facilitating workshops and focus group discussions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, delivering high‑quality outputs within agreed timelines and budget constraints while maintaining rigorous documentation standards.

Desirable

• Experience working with NGOs or international development organisations in low‑resource settings, particularly in disability inclusion programmes.
• Knowledge of Ugandan health system policies related to assistive technology and disability inclusion, including referral pathways and funding mechanisms.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines for research involving human participants and data protection standards, such as GDPR principles and Uganda’s Data Protection Act.
• Publications in peer‑reviewed journals on prosthetics, orthotics, additive manufacturing or rehabilitation engineering, demonstrating impact on service delivery or cost reduction.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in a local Ugandan language such as Luganda, Swahili or Luo for effective community engagement, enabling clear consent processes and culturally appropriate communication.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to field sites across Uganda for data collection, stakeholder meetings and device fitting sessions, with ability to navigate remote terrains.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive consultancy fee commensurate with experience and the scope of the study, paid upon delivery of approved milestones, with potential for follow‑on contracts based on performance.
• Opportunity to contribute to evidence‑based improvements in prosthetic and orthotic services that benefit thousands of Ugandan persons with disabilities, informing national scaling strategies and resource allocation.
• Access to HI Uganda’s technical resources, including prosthetic component libraries, connections with local fabrication workshops and technical advisory support from experienced engineers.
• Professional development through collaboration with international experts in assistive technology and digital manufacturing, gaining exposure to cutting‑edge research and best practices.
• Recognition as a key contributor to a study that may influence national policy on assistive technology adoption in Uganda, with findings disseminated through HI Uganda’s advocacy channels.

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit a detailed CV, copies of academic certificates, a cover letter outlining relevant experience and a technical proposal addressing the study objectives. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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