AVoHC Rapid Responder - Environmental Health Expert (AfCDC) - Volunteer at the African Union (AU) - 50 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 - Environmental Health Expert (AfCDC)

Req Id: 2643
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: NA
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: 50
Contract Type: Volunteer

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 Environmental health expert will support to assess environmental health risks contributing to the outbreak, develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, and provide technical support and guidance to local health authorities and stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities
During the deployment, the Environmental Health expert shall perform the following major duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of environmental conditions in affected areas.
• Identify potential sources of contamination and vectors contributing to the outbreak.
• Develop and implement action plans to address identified environmental health risks.
• Recommend and oversee the implementation of sanitation and hygiene measures.
• Provide technical guidance to local health authorities on environmental health issues.
• Train local health workers and community members on best practices for environmental health.
• Collaborate with other response teams, including epidemiologists, case management teams, and social mobilization units.
• Participate in coordination meetings and provide updates on environmental health activities.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented measures and adjust strategies as needed.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on environmental health activities and outcomes.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
Essential:

• University Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in environmental health, preferably in outbreak response.

Desirable:

• Advanced Degrees in Environmental Health, Public Health, or a related field, with at least 2 years of experience in environmental health, preferably in outbreak response.

Knowledge and experience:
Relevant experience at the national and/or international level at least in the following areas: 

• Proven experience in managing and responding to public health emergencies, including outbreak investigations, risk assessments, and implementation of control measures.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute emergency response plans in collaboration with local and international health authorities. 
• Relevant work experience in UN agencies, relevant non-governmental, health cluster partners or recognized humanitarian organizations.

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 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.