The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Principal Laboratory Scientist for Molecular Diagnosis (AfCDC)
Requisition ID: 2025 Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: P4
Division: Africa CDC Reference Laboratories
Reports to: Head, Division of Laboratory Systems
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Organization: African Union
Purpose of Job
The Principal Lab Scientist for Molecular Diagnosis is responsible for the overall technical leadership and management of the molecular diagnosis laboratory in the Africa CDC Reference Laboratories department. This includes developing and implementing laboratory procedures, training and supervising staff, and ensuring the quality of laboratory results.
The Principal Lab Scientist will also work to support the development of new molecular diagnostic technologies and applications.
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 Africa CDC Lab division.
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
Responsible for planning, execution and monitoring of the functioning of the Africa CDC reference laboratory.
Conducts advanced laboratory tests for clinical diagnosis, outbreak confirmation, surveillance and research activities.
Develops SOPs and guidelines for the different laboratory methods.
Receive urine, blood or other samples for experimentation and analysis.
Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with specimens.
Manage and operate laboratory equipment.
Test and study blood, urine and other body fluids.
Evaluate test results and prepare reports.
Maintain laboratory quality assurance and safety standards.
Guide and supervise junior staff and technicians.
Write medical articles for medical journals.
Leads the functioning of microbiology, parasitology, immunology and molecular biology laboratories of the Africa CDC reference laboratories.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
Master's Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
PhD in the above fields will be an advantage.
Ten (10) years of relevant work experience, including six (6) years at expert level in molecular diagnosis
Proven ability to lead and manage a laboratory, quality assurance, data analysis,
Experience with molecular diagnostic technologies, such as PCR, qPCR, and sequencing.
Experience with laboratory quality assurance and control.
Experience in training and supervising staff.
Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles.
Experience in networking and building relationships.
Required Skills
Excellent report writing skills
Strong technical skills in molecular biology and laboratory techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong commitment to the vision and mission of Africa CDC, and a willingness to travel within Africa and abroad as needed
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in any one of the AU working languages is a must. Preference is given to fluency in English and French, while knowledge of other African languages is an asset.
Leadership Competencies:
Strategic Insight
Change Management
Managing Risk
Core Competencies:
Building Relationship
Accountable and Complies with Rules
Learning Orientation
Communicating with Influence
Functional Competencies:
Conceptual thinking
Job Knowledge and information sharing
Drive for Result
Continuous Improvement Orientation
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.
Gender Mainstreaming
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
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.
Application Closing Date
24th November, 2023; 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.