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Principal Technical Officer Infectious Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases (AfCDC)

Date: May 1, 2024

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9000043

Organization: African Union

AU Values  

            • Respect for Diversity and Team work             • Think Africa Above all                     

            • Transparency and Accountability                    • Integrity and Impartiality                       

            • Efficiency and Professionalism                       • Information and Knowledge Sharing

Organization Information

Reports to: Director for Centres for Health Systems Strengthening and Public Health Institutes
Directorate/Department/Organ: Centres for Health Systems Strengthening and Public Health Institutes
Division: Division of Infectious Diseases (ID) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Unit
Number of Direct Reports: 
Number of Indirect Reports: 
Job Grade: P4
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Purpose of Job

The Principal Officer plays a critical role in strengthening Africa CDC’s efforts to combat Infectious Diseases (IDs) and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across the continent. This position requires expertise in public health, program management, and policy development, with a specific focus on ID/NTDs.

Main Functions

This job involves the following main functions that are generally applicable for this category:

  • Take technical and intellectual lead in the management of various elements related to the area of expertise
  • Identify best practices and monitor effectiveness of the Office’s support to AU.
  • Provide support in the development of the strategies and business continuity plan and participate in/ensure their implementation
  • Foster and ensure implementation of initiatives related to area of specialization;
  • Provide support in the organization of thematic networks, consultations and meetings on development cooperation and international relations.
  • Develop materials and provide necessary training and support to Organization Units as required.
  • Provide technical guidance on matters relating to system review and implementation project in area of specialization, as required.

Specific Responsibilities

Programmatic:

  • Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of ID/NTD programs aligned with Africa CDC’s strategic plan and regional health priorities.
  • Partner with national governments, regional bodies, and development partners to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control efforts for ID/NTDs.
  • Secure funding and resources to support ID/NTD programs and initiatives.
  • Contribute to the development of technical guidelines and policies for ID/NTD control.

Technical:

  • Provide technical expertise on ID/NTDs to member states, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Conduct research and analyses to inform program development and policy decisions.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ID/NTD programs and interventions.
  • Stay abreast of the latest scientific developments and best practices in ID/NTD control.

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Management:

  • Supervise and mentor staff within the ID/NTDs Unit.
  • Manage the Unit’s budget and resources effectively.
  • Represent Africa CDC in regional and international meetings and forums related to ID/NTDs.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

  • Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline with ten (10) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in public health, with a focus on NPHIs of which Six (6) should be at expert level and (3) years of experience at supervisory role OR Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline and twelve (12) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in public health, with a focus on NPHIs of which Six (6) should be at expert level and (3) years of experience at supervisory role.
  • PhD in Public Health or a related field is an added advantage.
  • Experience in developing and implementing public health programs.
  • Experience in outbreak response.
  • Experience in health systems strengthening.
  • Experience in public health research.
  • Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles.
  • Experience in working with international organizations.

Required Skills

  • Experience in setting up and managing ID & NTDs.
  • Proven ability to provide technical assistance and training.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Fluency in English and French or any other AU official working languages.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Insight

Change Management

Managing Risk

Core Competencies

Building Relationships

Accountable and Complies with Rules

.Learning Orientation

Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies

Conceptual Thinking

Job Knowledge and information sharing

Drive for Results

Continuous Improvement Orientation

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables. 

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

LANGUAGES:

Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

REMUNERATION:

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 110,951.49  (P4 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  92,867.97 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Applications must be submitted no later than  June 3,2024 11h59 p.m. EAT.
-Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted. -Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications, such as Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees and any relevant certificate in line with the area of expertise.
-The African Union is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
-Candidates from less represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that fit their profiles. These countries include Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Sahrawi D.R., Sao Tome and Principe., Seychelles, Somalia and Tunisia.

Requisition ID: [[2238]]