Publication date: 8 July 2025
AFRICA CENTRES FOR DISEASE CONTROL SUPPORT PROGRAM TO COMBAT CURRENT AND FUTURE PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS PROJECT (P178633) – IDA-E1110
Background
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental health agency of the African Union that works to strengthen public health institutions across Africa. Established in 2017, Africa CDC provides leadership in disease surveillance, emergency response, and prevention efforts. It collaborates with AU Member States to enhance their public health capabilities and ensure rapid responses to health threats.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in infodemic management and social listening across Africa. Misinformation and disinformation fueled vaccine hesitancy, stigma, and distrust in public health interventions.
To address this, Africa CDC seeks an experienced individual consultant to develop an integrated infodemic management system. This includes establishing a robust digital platform, enhancing the capacities of internal staff, and ensuring effective mechanisms for monitoring and responding to misinformation during public health crises.
Objective of the Assignment
The primary objective of this assignment is to develop an infodemic management system that integrates social listening, rumor tracking, and media monitoring. The consultant will support Africa CDC in:
- Establishing a comprehensive digital platform for real-time tracking and analysis of misinformation.
- Strengthening the capacity of Africa CDC staff in infodemic management and social listening.
- Developing guidelines, SOPs and tools to enhance infodemic response efforts.
- Ensuring system interoperability with existing Africa CDC and national surveillance or RCCE platforms if applicable.
- Integrating gender equity and inclusive communication principles into the design, content, and implementation approach.
Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the Director of Communication and Public Information and the core team in the Advocacy, Social Mobilization, and Risk Communication Division, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:
1. Digital Infodemic Management System Development
- Design an integrated digital platform for tracking, analyzing, and responding to misinformation and rumors in real time.
- Develop a systematic rumor-tracking tool to assess the impact of misinformation on public perceptions and behaviors.
- Incorporate AI-driven data analytics for automated identification of misinformation trends.
- Develop a data visualization dashboard for Africa CDC.
2. Capacity Building for Internal Africa CDC Staff
- Develop an SOP on operationalizing and managing the integrated digital platform
- Conduct training for Africa CDC staff on operating and managing the system
Deliverables
- Infodemic Management Platform: A fully functional digital system for rumor tracking and misinformation analysis.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Clear guidelines for data collection, monitoring, and response mechanisms.
- Training and Capacity Building Report: Documented training sessions of Africa CDC staff.
- Midterm and Final Reports: Comprehensive project progress reports with key milestones, challenges, and recommendations.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Information, Data Science, or related fields.
- At least 7 years of experience in infodemic management or digital data systems for public health emergency response and event-based surveillance
- Proven expertise in developing digital platforms for health data management.
- Strong experience in capacity building and training delivery for public health professionals.
- Previous experience working in the African public health landscape is an advantage.
Language Requirement
- Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili) is required.
- Knowledge of additional AU languages is an added advantage.
Duration and Consultancy Fee
- Duration: 4 months from the contract start date.
- Consultancy Fee: USD 40,000 (inclusive of fees, accommodation, travel to Addis Ababa, and tax obligations). Governance and Support
The consultant will work under the guidance of the Director of Communication and Public Information, with day-to-day oversight by the Principal Advocacy, RCCE and Social Mobilization Coordinator and the Digital Health information System team. Africa CDC will provide office space, visa facilitation, and internet access.
Post-Deployment Support and Knowledge Transfer
The consultant will be expected to provide limited technical support following the deployment of the digital platform to ensure smooth transition and early-stage troubleshooting. In addition, the consultant will prepare and deliver a structured handover package—including user manuals, technical documentation, and training guides—for Africa CDC. A knowledge transfer session will be organized with designated Africa CDC staff to build internal capacity for future system maintenance and sustainability.
Evaluation Criteria
- Education and Qualifications: 20 points
- Technical Experience and Expertise: 80 points
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Cover letter
- Updated CV with relevant supporting documents
- Portfolio of previous work related to infodemic management
- Two professional references with full contact details
Invitation
The African CDC now invites eligible Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to submit their CVs in providing the Services and required documents as listed above. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised March 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:00-13:00hrs and 14:00-17:00 hours, Addis Ababa Time.
CVs must be delivered in a written form following the above shortlisting criteria to the emails below before 15:00 Hours Local Time on 23 July 2025.
Africa CDC,
Africa Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention,
Supply Chain Division
Administration Directorate
Lafto Square, Haile Garment, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Africa CDC Office, Dr. John Nkengasong,
4th floor, Room No. 408
E-mails: tender@africacdc.org copying selamg@africacdc.org .