Technical Assistant (TA) to the Director-General at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET),  is a non-profit networking and service alliance of Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory) Training Programs (FELTPs), and other applied epidemiology training programs. AFENET has operations in over 31 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or the World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHO – AFRO). Established in 2005, AFENET is dedicated to helping Ministries of Health in Africa build strong, effective, sustainable programs and capacity to improve public health systems on the African continent.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Assistant (TA) to the Director-General

Location: Abuja

Main Purpose

• Accountable to the Director-General (DG) of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and with reporting relationship to the Public Health England IHR Strengthening Programme Nigeria Country Lead, this position's primary responsibility is ensuring organisational development and management effectiveness by providing technical advisory support to the Director-General and strategic/technical leadership for NCDC’s human resource (HR)and operational functions. 
• To provide strategic level advisory support to the DG’s office in the development and implementation of NCDC Organisational Development initiatives and plans
• To provide a Strategic level of support to the HR and Administration Directorate and other Directorates in the development and implementation of NCDC HR and Workforce Strategy
• To provide Organisational transformational and change management support to the DG, the HR and Administration Directorates and other Directorates
• To provide technical leadership to the Human Resources and Administration Directorate in the development of workforce management policies and other policies that will facilitate organisational effectiveness and sustainability.
• To facilitate the development and implementation of all necessary Human Resources management processes and practices working with the HR and Administration Directorate.
• To take a lead role in driving the HR/ER agenda forward throughout the organisation, working in partnership with Directorate heads, union representatives, staff and relevant NCDC partners in ensuring that NCDC is an employer of choice and adopting excellent employment practices
• This will include the breadth of human resources, employee relations and operational functions of NCDC, as well as other relevant tasks. Working with the management team, the position will lead the development and implementation of systems for the organisational development of NCDC as well as human resource and employee relations policies and practices.

Terms of Reference:

• The Technical Assistant to the NCDC DG (Management and Operations) will form strong linkages across NCDC Directorates to ensure the optimal operational contribution of all directorates involved in delivering and/or supporting the delivery of NCDC programmes and activities:
• The Technical Assistant to the NCDC DG (Management and Operations) is responsible for:
• Leading the development and driving the implementation of relevant HR and Employee Relations policies and strategies that take account of existing employment legislation
• Leading continuous organisational development and service improvement for NCDC.
• Working with NCDC Directorates, senior management and their teams to ensure that workforce requirement is identified, with support planned and delivered in a timely manner supported by a good understanding of relevant business plans
• Supporting the management of the HR interface with management, line managers and staff, providing advice and support on employee relations issues such as grievance, disciplinary, fair treatment and absence management procedures, ensuring problems are identified and resolved quickly.
• Developing the people management capabilities of line managers facilitating opportunities that will help equip them with the knowledge and skills to handle staff management responsibilities in line with NCDC’s strategic direction
• Working with the Human Resources and Administration Directorate in providing technical leadership and guidance to all NCDC Change management initiatives and activities
• Developing and actively supporting the delivery of organisational development interventions that support effective and efficient operational delivery
• Working in partnership with the Director of Administration and wider HR Team to develop interventions to address the leadership and management agenda within NCDC that promote cultural change and supports appropriate behaviours and values
• Supporting the management and improvement of the efficiency of Support Services and ensuring effective business management. This will include business planning and performance reporting, risk management, business continuity, change management, sustainable practices, HR processes for staff, and health and safety.
• Supporting the delivery of a workforce development strategy for NCDC, including ensuring sufficient resourcing for the work of staff, staff development and succession planning.
• Providing operational advice and support to NCDC DG and others for effective programme delivery.
• Carrying out any other Organisational Development and Effectiveness duties as may reasonably be required by the DG of NCDC.
• Taking a significant role in organisation-wide long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence, including the development of long-range forecasts and maintenance of long-range organisational delivery plans.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

• Graduate / Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or an equivalent level of relevant experience (Public Administration, Personnel Management, Human Resource Management, etc.)
• Minimum of four (4) years experience in Human Resource Management, Leadership or Workforce Development
• Additional qualification or relevant experience in project management, public sector administration, health or other relevant field or equivalent experience.  Good knowledge of management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organisational effectiveness and operations management.
• Experience in an organisation with complex stakeholder interactions
• Knowledge of the Nigerian public health sector
• Experience in business planning development, monitoring and reporting on performance
• A commitment to social justice and the mission of the NCDC. 
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to nurture relationships, network and work in effective partnerships with complex stakeholders
• Innovative – ability to find solutions to challenging problems 
• High level of organisational skills - able to organise, plan, prioritise and deal with conflicting demands and pressures in a fast-paced environment. 
• Capable of providing and receiving highly complex, sensitive and contentious information, and presenting information to a wide range of stakeholders 
• Able to manage work and large complex projects across a number of functions and staff, including effective delegation. 
• Able to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change, and challenge/debate on issues of importance
• Demonstrated leadership and vision – ability to manage and lead groups and major projects or initiatives. Lead and work effectively as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style, with the ability to understand differing perspectives
• Excellent computer skills and proficient in excel, word, outlook, and access
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Experience of partnership working - linking with staff across varied organisational functions to address inter-dependencies and ensure alignment
• Experience in managing projects with multiple partners
• Experience in leading change management.

Required Competencies:

• Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Building Capability for All, Managing a Quality Service.

Application Closing Date
13th September, 2021.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:     
Click here to apply online