AVoHC Rapid Responder - Infection Prevention and Control Expert (AfCDC) - Volunteer at the African Union (AU) - 125 Openings

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: AVoHC Rapid Responder - Infection Prevention and Control Expert (AfCDC)

Req Id: 2652
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR)
Number of Direct Reports: NA
Number of Indirect Reports: NA
Job Grade: Rapid Responder
Number of Positions: 125
Contract Type: Volunteer
Location: NA

Purpose of Job

• The Africa CDC seeks to recruit a national and citizen of any Member State of the African Union to be a roster member of the African Volunteers Health Corps.
• This is not recruitment for employment but volunteer service for Africa CDC.
• The potential AVoHC Volunteers candidates are those who have experience in Public Health Management, social and behavioural science, epidemiology, communication, Infection Prevention and Control, laboratory, mental health, etc., from Africa Union Member States.
• The potential applicants are encouraged to be fully employed and willing to volunteer for the skills and competencies any time requested by Africa CDC. 

Main Functions

• In the context of the Africa CDC Public Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the different levels, the IPC specialist will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners on organizational and operational aspects of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control programme activities, at the subnational/national/regional level.
• S/he will manage IPC activities to ensure alignment with the recommended standards for IPC, monitor and ensure accountability of the implementation of the IPC programme activities.

Specific Responsibilities
During deployment, the IPC Expert shall perform the following major duties and responsibilities:

• Work in coordination with the host MS incident management team to ensure IPC priorities and activities are managed effectively within the overall outbreaks and/or health emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities, in compliance with the national standard operating procedures and the Africa CDC or WHO IPC guidelines
• Provide specialized advice and expertise in reviewing existing MoH infection prevention guidelines and incorporate measures related to the specific infectious disease of concern (Public health emergency of concern) considering the internationally recommended standards.
• Technically support development of job aides, training materials, information sheets on Public health emergency related infection prevention and control.
• Provide advice, education and support to frontline health workers in select health facilities caring for specific public health emergency patients.
• Provide advice to health facilities designated for specific public health emergency patients on IPC requirements and if possible, to other health facilities.
• Support development of basic IPC measures for home care for cases of specific public health emergency quarantined at home, if applicable.
• Provide advice on the procurement of IPC equipment and supplies.
• Provide training to frontline health workers at health facility as well as community level on infection prevention and control.
• Review IPC data on regular bases in collaboration with local partners (Hospitals, health facilities, community level teams etc) and ensure compliance with standards using improvement methods.
• Support health facilities in developing infection prevention and control annual plan.
• Support development of tools on IPC for patients, families and communities and conduct training and orientation on how to implement and use these tools.
• Develop basic tools for monitoring specific public health emergency related IPC indicators and data collection tools.
• Activate IPC committees in communities and health facilities with training, tools, measurement packages, job aides.
• Coaching IPC coordinators on leadership role in driving reliable practices.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
Education Qualifications:

• At least first level clinical degree (Medical Doctor, nurse or equivalent) is required with 5 years of relevant experience
• Specialized training in infectious diseases with at least one year of experience after the specialization
• Certified training in IPC from an accredited/recognized institute is added advantage. 
• Having a master’s level degree in public health or related field is an asset. 

Knowledge and experience:

• Relevant experience in developing, implementing and evaluating infection and prevention control policies, procedures and tools in low resource settings, and outbreaks and or health emergency response.
• Experience of teaching and training of healthcare professionals on IPC
• Previous experience with Africa CDC, WHO, in UN organizations/agencies, international institutions, health cluster partners, humanitarian organizations or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in developing countries. 
• Demonstrable experience and an in-depth knowledge of operations of the Africa CDC, Regional Collaborating Centers and National Public Health Institutes.

Required Skills:
Functional Skills:

• Demonstrable technical expertise and experience in supporting and/or managing complex, public health programmes with special emphasis on infection prevention and control
• Skills in programme monitoring and evaluation is an asset.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills and a proven ability to deliver under tight deadlines and works well under pressure. 
• Excellent skills and abilities applied to translating technical information into presentations, briefings and report for both technical and lay audiences 
• Knowledge of oral communication techniques and skill in presentation delivery, programme consultation and credible verbal response to inquiries. 
• Knowledge of interpersonal relationship practices and skills to meet and deal with persons of diverse backgrounds. 
• Demonstrable proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, Power Point, data visualization and statistical packages as well as data analysis skills is an asset. 

Personal Abilities:

• 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 Africa CDC. 
• 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.

Tenure of Appointment

• The AVoHC Team Members will be deployed on on-call basis, based on the incident.
• The Africa CDC will determine the duration of deployment in consultation with member state authorities. 

Gender Mainstreaming:

• Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
This is call for AVoHC membership. Successful applicants are not entitled to any monetary incentives during membership.  However, during assignment, deployed experts will have rights to the following:

• Economic class round-trip ticks and other travel related expenses
• Health insurance during the deployment period
• Stipend , communications, Incidentals and Risk allowance
• Accommodation allowance in case of deployment outside of the city of residence
• Certificate of recognition of your contribution at the end of deployment.

Application Closing Date
20th April, 2025 (11h59 p.m. EAT).