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.