Principal Technical Officer, Institute of Genomics (AfCDC) at the African Union (AU)

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 Technical Officer, Institute of Genomics (AfCDC)

Requisition ID: 2028
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: p4
Reports to: Head, Division of Laboratory Systems
Directorate/Department/Organ: Centres for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems

Purpose of Job

• The Principal Technical Officer is responsible for the overall technical leadership and management of the Institute of Genomics Unit.
• This includes developing and implementing research projects, managing staff, and providing technical support to the unit's activities.
• The Principal Technical Officer will also work to build partnerships with other organizations to support the unit's work.

Main Functions

• 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 the 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 the Area of Specialization, as Required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Research Projects in the Areas of Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology.
• Design and Implement the Strategic Vision and Operational Plan for the Institute of Genomics Unit at Africa CDC.
• Lead and Coordinate the Development and Execution of Genomic Research Projects and Initiatives in Collaboration with Internal and External Partners.
• Provide Technical Guidance and Oversight to the Staff and Consultants of the Institute of Genomics Unit, Ensuring Quality Standards and Best Practices Are Followed.
• Manage the Budget, Resources, and Contracts of the Institute of Genomics Unit, Ensuring Compliance with Donor Requirements and Africa CDC Policies.
• Represent the Institute of Genomics Unit at Regional and International Meetings, Conferences, and Forums, Promoting Its Achievements and Advocating for Its Interests.
• Establish and Maintain Effective Relationships with Key Stakeholders, Including Governments, Academic Institutions, Research Organizations, Donors, and Civil Society.
• Identify and Pursue New Opportunities for Funding, Partnerships, and Innovation to Advance the Goals and Objectives of the Institute of Genomics Unit.
• Monitor and Evaluate the Performance and Impact of the Institute of Genomics Unit, Ensuring Timely Reporting and Dissemination of Results and Lessons Learned.
• Provide Thought Leadership and Technical Expertise on Genomics and Related Fields to Africa CDC and Its Member States.
• Foster a Culture of Excellence, Learning, and Collaboration Within the Institute of Genomics Unit and Across Africa CDC.
• Manage Staff and Ensure That They Have the Resources They Need to Do Their Jobs.
• Provide Technical Support to the Unit's Activities, Such as Data Analysis and Interpretation.
• Build Partnerships with Other Organizations to Support the Unit's Work.
• Represents the Unit at Regional and International Meetings and Events.
• Publish Articles and Reports on the Unit's Work.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's Degree in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a Related Field.
• A PhD Degree in the Above Areas of Study Will Be an Advantage.
• At Least Ten (10) Years of Relevant Work Experience in Genomic Surveillance, Preferably in Public Health or Infectious Diseases, Including Six (6) Years at Expert Level.
• Experience in Working in Africa or with African Institutions.
• Knowledge of the African CDC Mandate, Vision, and Strategic Priorities.
• Experience in Research and Development in Genomics.
• Proven Ability to Manage and Lead Teams.
• Experience in Developing and Implementing Research Projects.
• Experience in Managing Staff.
• Experience in Providing Technical Support.
• Experience in Building Partnerships.
• Experience in Writing and Publishing Scientific Articles.
• Experience in Networking and Building Relationships.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated Leadership and Management Skills, Including Project Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Reporting.
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills, with the Ability to Work Effectively with Diverse Stakeholders and Audiences.
• Proficiency in One AU Working Language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili) is Required; Proficiency in Any Two (with Focus on English and French) Will Be a Highly Desired Advantage.
• Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills.
• Ability to Work Independently and as Part of a Team.

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 Result.
• 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, Kiswahili, 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.

Application Closing Date
27th November, 2023; 11h59 p.m. EAT.

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

Note

• 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, GuineaBissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Sahrawi D.R., Sao Tome and Principe., Seychelles, Somalia and Tunisia.