- Post
Job title:
Senior Technical Officer Pathogen Genomics
Number of posts: Two (2)
Division: Institute of Genomics
Supervisor: RCC roles – RCC Director and HQ role – Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Lead
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Purpose
The Senior Technical Officer for Pathogen Genomics is responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance for the implementation of Saving Lives and Livelihoods pathogen genomics activity to enable timely response to outbreaks/epidemics and improved surveillance of priority pathogens of public health significance.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer for Pathogen Genomics shall:
- Support the implementation of the Africa CDC genomics pathogen program
- Provide technical oversight for the effective implementation of the pathogen genomics
program - Support National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) on sampling methods, data collection, analyses, interpretation and reporting.
- Provide technical assistance to NPHIs and other relevant institutions for strengthening the use of pathogen genomics for routine infectious disease surveillance.
- Maintains a dashboard for monitoring technical assistance and overall implementation of pathogen genomics by countries for the Programme.
- Supports the adoption and implementation of priority use-cases at both country and regional level
- Supports the creation and running of technical working groups including development of ToRs and supporting them to meet the deliverables
- Supports the establishment and function of the laboratory network including coordinating referrals as well as quality assurance systems
- Coordinates the development and implementation of minimum quality standards for genomics laboratories and subsequent certification to ensure generation of quality data for public health use
- Draft periodic reports and publications for dissemination of information
- Represent Africa CDC in a professional manner, which creates a positive image and enhances the credibility of the organization
- Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisors
Qualification and work experience required - Master’s degree in molecular epidemiology, genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, or other related science-based fields with 7 years of work experience.
- At least 3 years of supervisory and managerial experience. PhD degree is an added advantage.
OR - Bachelor’s degree in molecular epidemiology, genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, or other related science-based fields with 10 years of work experience.
- At least 3 years of supervisory and managerial experience.
Required skills and Competencies:
Functional skills - Experience in public health, molecular epidemiology, infectious diseases and health Science including diseases surveillance, or emergency preparedness and response
- Demonstrated scientific knowledge and understanding of molecular epidemiology with sound knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing
- Significant experience in programs and ability to employ different approaches to implement public health programs.
- Strong organizational skills and evidence of leading multiple workstreams simultaneously with Effective prioritization
- A good understanding of public health systems in Africa and a fair knowledge of operations of National Public Health Institutions (NPHIs) and Ministry of Health in Member States
- Excellent computer skills, including word-processing capabilities, proficiency with email and internet applications, experience in using office software applications such as MS Excel, Power Point and Word
Personal Abilities - Leadership and management abilities. Pro-active and solutions oriented.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to build strong relationships internally and with external actors.
- Proven ability to use clear, concise language in correspondence as well as when preparing written briefs and reports.
- High level of autonomy at work, yet with profound team spirit.
- Ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, and in a culturally diverse team
- Adaptive, patient, resourceful, resilient and flexible.
Language Requirement
Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Kiswahili and Portuguese) is required. Knowledge of one or several other working languages would be an added advantage.
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 months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance and fund availability.
Gender Mainstreaming
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment 46% of basic salary (US$17,228.38), Housing allowance of US$ $22,932.00, education allowance (100% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10, 000.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff.
How to apply: Submit your resume, application letter, and relevant documentation to:
- The Administration & Human Resource Office
- African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)
- https://recruitment.afenet.net and a copy on Email: sec@afenet.net
*ONLY successful candidates shall be contacted for an interview.
Please note that all applications should be sent online by close of business 5:30 pm (EAT)
Friday February 14, 2025
Note: More details about this position can be obtained from our website: www.afenet.net