Senior Technical Officer – Public Health Institutes & Capacity Building (AfCDC)
Grade: P3
Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Number of Openings: 5
Posting Organization: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), African Union
Application Deadline: May 27, 2025
Position Overview
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), an agency of the African Union, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Technical Officer in Public Health Institutes and Capacity Building. This role is integral to strengthening National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) across Africa, enhancing their capacity to respond to health threats and contribute to the continent’s public health security.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Assistance & Programme Implementation: Provide expert support in the establishment and strengthening of NPHIs, ensuring alignment with the African Public Health Institutes Collaborative (APHIC) programme. Collaborate with Member States, Regional Coordinating Centres (RCCs), and the Africa CDC headquarters to coordinate and monitor NPHI activities and capacity-building initiatives.
- Capacity Assessments & Mentorship: Lead and participate in capacity assessments of NPHIs, identifying areas for improvement and providing mentorship to enhance their operational effectiveness.
- Networking & Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate networking opportunities and peer-to-peer experience sharing among NPHIs, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous learning and improvement.
- Strategic Planning & Resource Mobilization: Contribute to the development of strategic plans for public health institutions, including resource mobilization strategies to support NPHI activities.
- Reporting & Documentation: Prepare comprehensive reports, budgets, and work plans related to NPHI operations and capacity-building efforts, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
- Staff Management & Development: Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff under their guidance, supporting professional development and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Qualifications & Experience
- Educational Requirements: A Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems Management, or a related field from an accredited institution. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with additional years of relevant experience may be considered.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in public health programme implementation, with a focus on establishing and strengthening NPHIs. Experience in health systems management, public health research, and workforce development is highly desirable.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrable experience in managing complex public health programmes, with a deep understanding of the operations of Africa CDC, RCCs, and NPHIs. Practical experience in setting up new institutions, preferably in the health sector, is essential.
Skills & Competencies
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to conduct complex analyses and generate accurate reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in at least one of the African Union’s official languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish). Fluency in additional languages is an asset.
- Technical Proficiency: High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with data visualization and statistical analysis tools.
- Leadership & Management: Proven leadership abilities, including strategic insight, change management, and risk management. Ability to develop others and foster a culture of accountability.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, demonstrating respect for diversity and promoting inclusivity.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, one-year contract with a three-month probationary period. Renewal is subject to performance and funding availability.
- Locations: Positions are available in various African Union Member States, including Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Nairobi (Kenya), Libreville (Gabon), Lusaka (Zambia), and Abuja (Nigeria).
- Remuneration: Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by the specified deadline. The application should include:
- A completed online application form.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) tailored to the position.
- Copies of relevant academic qualifications and professional certifications.
- A valid African passport.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Africa CDC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Qualified women and candidates from underrepresented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
Please refer to the official Africa CDC careers page for the most current application deadlines and submission guidelines.
For more information and to apply, visit the Africa CDC Careers Page.
