Director General of the African Medicines Agency 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: Director General of the African Medicines Agency

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Reports to: Conference of the States Parties and Governing Board 
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Medicines Agency
Number of Direct Reports: 6
Number of Indirect Reports: 18
Job Grade: SP3
Contract Type: Regular

Main Functions

• Provide strategic guidance on the development of administrative guidelines of the Secretariat, for approval by the Conference of the States Parties;
• Provide strategic guidance on the development of operating rules and regulations for adoption by the Conference of the States Parties.
• Oversee the preparation of the strategic plan, work programmes, budget, financial statement and annual report on the activities of the AMA, for consideration and approval by the Governing Board.
• As per the approved structure, ensure the recruitment and retention of adequate numbers of staff that is well-motivated, trained and developed to ensure that it achieves its mission.
• Lead the Agency and ensure effective management of personnel, budget, systems, employees’ relations matters and training in conformity with relevant applicable rules and procedures.
• Oversee performance management at individual and collective levels as per the performance management policy and system.
• Lead and direct the development and implementation of systems and best practices and promote an effective and efficient organizational culture.
• Manage risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the design and development of business continuity plan to address unforeseen circumstances.
• Act as Secretary of the Governing Board.
• Oversee the design of policies and guidelines consistent with the AMA’s goal and objectives in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area.
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top level stakeholders in National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) of States Parties, AU recognized RECs and with partners.
• Initiate and take necessary actions to mobilize resources for the execution and sustainability of AMA’s activities.
• Oversee the collection of contributed funds to the Agency.
• Oversee the coordination of the programmes and work of all AMA Technical Committees.
• Provide leadership in establishing and maintaining capacity building and regulatory systems strengthening programmes for the benefit of States Parties.
• Promote and advocate for the adoption of the AU Model Law on medical products regulation in States Parties and RECs to facilitate regulatory and legal reforms at continental, regional and national levels.
• Promote AMA and advocate for the signing and ratification of the AMA Treaty by African Union Member States.
• Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as are vested in, or assigned by the Governing Board or Conference of the States Parties.

Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure that the vision, mission, and guiding values of the AMA are developed, communicated, and implemented at all levels. 
• Develop strategic goals and objectives and provides leadership and guidance in the development of supporting policy and program planning for adoption by the Conference of the States Parties.
• Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of the Agency’s policy and program objectives, development of operating plans, and evaluation of progress.  
• Ensure coordination of the Agency’s activities in collaboration with other multi-lateral agencies, national governments, RECs, and other partners.
• Ensure that the Agency has an annual work plan in place, along with the financial resources necessary to achieve its core purposes, outcome-oriented goals, and objectives; and submit the annual budget to the Governing Board for approval.
• Promote and foster an employment culture at the AMA that attracts and retains highly qualified staff, and ensures the appropriate mentoring and continuing education for staff’s professional growth and success.
• Provide leadership and direction in efforts to identify and secure donor and technical assistance support for the Agency’s programs and initiatives.
• Ensure overall accountability for the effective management of the Agency including financial control and budgeting, quality of work, personnel, performance management, discipline, and training in conformity with relevant policies and procedures.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson for the AMA and authorized to comment on any issues related to AMA, representing the Agency in all internal and external activities.  
• Advocate on behalf of the Governing Board and the Agency at large to ensure that the positions and actions of the Agency are successfully presented to all interested parties.
• Facilitate effective dialogue on continental and global policy issues in various meetings related to medical products regulation.
• Represent the Agency at all meetings, conferences, or similar platforms where the Agency seeks to be recognized to advance its mission and strategic goals.
• Work closely with the Conference of the States Parties and Governing Board to effectively carry out their respective roles according to the AMA governance structure. 
• Work closely with the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of national, regional and international public health institutions, and environmental organizations, other government agencies, academic and research institutions, and with other key partner organizations.  
• Produce and submit periodic or ad hoc reports of activities as required.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Candidates must hold a degree in Pharmacy (PharmD or B.Pharm), or a Degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) from a recognised institution or ‎university.
• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent from a recognised institution or ‎university is required OR an equivalent specialised degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences / ‎Regulations and/or Pharmaceutical Quality Management is required.
• Progressive experience of 15 years in the pharmaceutical or medical field is required, including:
  • Proven experience in the regulation of medical products and/or clinical research.
  • At least 8 years' proven experience in pharmaceutical regulatory bodies, out of which 6 years must be at director level.
  • Experience in leading international programmes in collaboration with multilateral and bilateral organisations would be an asset.
  • Proven experience as a manager and supervisor in a multicultural professional team.
  •  Proven experience in the field of public health would be an additional asset.

Required Skills:

• Ability to use strong managerial delegation, political tact and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives. 
• Ability to work effectively in a bilateral and multilateral system, and with people from various backgrounds and create an environment where diversity is respected. 
• Ability to communicate and negotiate at international level, and collaborate effectively with top level stakeholders. 
• Ability to identify key strategic opportunities and risks. 
• Ability to actively seek, identify and apply appropriate technology to improve programme delivery. 
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development. 
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with proven ability to plan and organize work of the team while providing in-depth understanding of the strategic direction of the Agency. 
• Effective leadership anchored on creativity, vision and decision making.
• Ability to make sound judgment and decisions as may be required and delegated. 
• Integrity driven and self-motivated high performer.
• Good grounding on regional and international policy frameworks and strategies on the African developmental agenda and specifically Agenda 2063 and the SDGs
• Demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills in medical product regulation.
• Practical knowledge in medical products regulation, capacity building in the field of medical product regulation, policy research, formulation and implementation would be an added advantage. 
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili) is a must. Knowledge of one or all of the other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Focus
• Developing Organizational Capability
• Change Leadership
• Strategic Risk Management.

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships
• Drives Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Fosters Innovation.

Tenure of Appointment:

• TIn accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the AMA the term of service for the Director General shall be 4 (four) years, renewable only once subject to regional rotations and attainment of agreed performance objectives and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AMA Secretariat is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 143,306 per annum plus other related entitlements e.g., post adjustment (42% of basic salary), housing/accommodation costs up to $6,000 covered by the Organization, education allowance (100% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$10,000 per child per annum for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of US$ 3,300.00 per child per annum for every eligible dependent for national and locally recruited staff.)

Application Closing Date
2nd February, 2025, at 11:59 pm EAT