Principal Technical Officer - Infectious Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases (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 - Infectious Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases (AfCDC)

Requisition ID: 2238
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: P4
Reports to: Director for Centres for Health Systems Strengthening and Public Health Institutes
Directorate/Department/Organ: Centres for Health Systems Strengthening and Public Health Institutes
Division: Division of Infectious Diseases (ID) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Unit

Purpose of Job

• The Principal Officer plays a critical role in strengthening Africa CDC's efforts to combat Infectious Diseases (IDs) and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across the continent.
• This position requires expertise in public health, program management, and policy development, with a specific focus on ID/NTDs.

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 Office’s support to AU.
• 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
Programmatic:

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of ID/NTD programs aligned with Africa CDC's strategic plan and regional health priorities.
• Partner with national governments, regional bodies, and development partners to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control efforts for ID/NTDs.
• Secure funding and resources to support ID/NTD programs and initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of technical guidelines and policies for ID/NTD control.

Technical:

• Provide technical expertise on ID/NTDs to member states, partners, and stakeholders.
• Conduct research and analyses to inform program development and policy decisions.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ID/NTD programs and interventions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific developments and best practices in ID/NTD control.

Management:

• Supervise and mentor staff within the ID/NTDs Unit.
• Manage the Unit's budget and resources effectively.
• Represent Africa CDC in regional and international meetings and forums related to ID/NTDs.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related discipline with ten (10) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in public health, with a focus on NPHIs of which Six (6) should be at expert level and (3) years of experience at supervisory role OR Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline and twelve (12) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in public health, with a focus on NPHIs of which Six (6) should be at expert level and (3) years of experience at supervisory role.
• PhD in Public Health or a related field is an added advantage.
• Experience in developing and implementing public health programs.
• Experience in outbreak response.
• Experience in health systems strengthening.
• Experience in public health research.
• Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles.
• Experience in working with international organizations.

Required Skills:

• Experience in setting up and managing ID & NTDs.
• Proven ability to provide technical assistance and training.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in English and French or any other AU official working languages.

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 Results
• 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.

Language:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, 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
3rd June, 2024.