Senior Technical Officer for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and IHR Core Capacity Development 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: Senior Technical Officer for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and IHR Core Capacity Development

Location: Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Reports to: Head of EPR Division
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Emergency Preparedness and Response
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Fixed-Term

Main Functions

• Under the supervision and guidance of the head of EPR Division, the Senior Technical Officer will be responsible for providing technical support in the development, management, and evaluation of simulation exercises, providing technical assistance to member states with IHR core capacity assessment through conducting joint external evaluation.
• The senior Technical Officer will also conduct training needs assessment in MS in Pandemic/emergency prevention and preparedness, develop or adapt the training package and coordinate the capacity building activities.
• Additionally, the senior technical officer will also engage in various preparedness activities to support the hazard mapping, risk assessment and risk ranking among various regions and support the development of hazard atlas for Africa CDC and contingency plans for identified hazards.
• Finally, it is pertinent that these activity findings being included in action plan for health security, as such the senior technical officer supports in Africa CDC’s plan to support member states develop and implement their national action plan for health security.  

Specific Responsibilities
The Senior Technical Officer for Public Health Emergency and IHC core Capacity development, shall perform the following major duties and responsibilities:

• Map or assess the capacity building needs in area of Pandemic/Emergency Prevention, and Preparedness 
• Provide training and support to member states in conducting, evaluating simulation exercises.
• Support member states in conduct IARs/AARs and capacity building training on AAR/IARs.
• Create a regional pool of trainers for simulation exercises and AAR/IARs.
• Develop a culture among the key stakeholders in evidence-based decision making.
• Work closely with Africa CDC work streams and Divisions on developing multi hazard multisectoral contingency plans.
• Coordinate the development of the risk ranking and prioritization for various hazards and risks which member states would face.
• Support member states in improving their preparedness for public health emergencies and enhance capabilities by providing guidance and strategic planning, and resource allocation.
• Conduct joint external evaluation in different AU member states 
• Conduct assessment among member states conducted their preparedness national action plan for health security and support its implementation.
• Focus on developing capacity and sustainable health system and resilience across member states.
• Prepare reports for the management stating trends, patterns, and predictions using relevant data
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
The Minimum academic requirements are:

• Master’s Degree in Public Health or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least 7 years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated involvement in the successful development and management of emergency preparedness and response programs,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in related fields.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work under pressure, stay on track and meet deadlines
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to produce precise and intelligible reports and office briefs in line with the requirements of the African Union.
• Able to operate in a multicultural environment
• High level of autonomy at work, yet with profound team-spirit
• Adaptive, patient, resourceful, resilient and flexible
• Pro-active and solutions oriented
• Knowledge of results-based management

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• .Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation.

Application Closing Date
3rd March, 2025.