Quality Assurance Officer (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: Quality Assurance Officer (AfCDC)

Req Id: 2787
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Job Grade: P2
Reports to: Head of Supply Chain Division
Directorate/Department: Administration
Division: Supply Chain Division
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Main Functions

• The Quality Assurance Officer will ensure the implementation of quality assurance policies, procedures, and systems to support the effective and efficient operation of the supply chain within Africa CDC.
• The role involves monitoring and evaluating the quality of goods and services procured, stored, and distributed to ensure compliance with international standards, regulations, and Africa CDC guidelines.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality assurance policies, procedures, and standards to uphold product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and supervise quality assurance teams or personnel in conducting inspections, audits, and evaluations of processes, products, and systems.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure quality performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct risk assessments and root cause analyses to address quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Provide guidance and support in the interpretation and application of quality standards and regulations, such as ISO standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve quality documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, validation protocols, and quality reports
• Participate in regulatory inspections, customer audits, and quality-related meetings, and facilitate corrective and preventive actions as necessary.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality systems, processes, and performance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on quality assurance matters, providing training and mentoring to staff as needed.
• Oversee the quality assurance processes from procurement to delivery, ensuring compliance with international standards and Africa CDC requirements.
• Conduct regular quality audits and assessments of suppliers and manufacturers to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Evaluate and approve suppliers based on quality assurance criteria.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure continuous improvement in quality performance.
• Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to help them meet Africa CDC’s quality standards.
• Coordinate and oversee the inspection and testing of supplies to ensure they meet quality specifications.
• Manage the resolution of quality issues, including investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain documentation and records of inspections, tests, and quality control activities.
• Work closely with procurement, logistics, and program teams to ensure seamless integration of quality assurance processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to address quality-related issues and improve supply chain processes.
• Provide training and capacity building on quality assurance to Africa CDC staff and partners.
• Prepare regular reports on quality assurance activities, including findings, trends, and recommendations.
• Analyze quality data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Keep abreast of developments in quality assurance practices and standards to ensure continuous improvement.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in quality assurance within supply chain management, preferably in public health or international development sectors

OR

• Master’s Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in in quality assurance within supply chain management, preferably in public health or international development sector.
• Experience in conducting audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews
• Proven track record in developing and implementing quality assurance systems

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in one of the AU Official working languages (Arabic English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance principles, standards, and practices.
• Proficiency in using quality management software and tools.
• Supply Chain Management: Understanding all aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, logistics, distribution, and demand planning, and effectively managing these functions to ensure seamless operations.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions to address supply chain disruptions, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in a timely manner.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborating effectively with other departments, such as sales, marketing, production, and finance, to align supply chain activities with overall business objectives and ensure a seamless flow of information and materials.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks within the supply chain, such as supplier disruptions, geopolitical issues, natural disasters, and regulatory changes, to ensure continuity of operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Implementing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the supply chain organization, seeking opportunities to enhance processes, adopt best practices, and drive efficiency gains.
• Communication Skills: Communicating effectively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and senior management to convey supply chain strategies, performance metrics, and key initiatives

Leadership Competencies:

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

Core Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing:
• Drive for Result
• 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:

• Africa CDC 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, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 85,212.07 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  66,751.81  inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
11th August, 2025;11h59 p.m. EAT.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.
• Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications, such as Diplomas, Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees and any relevant certificate in line with the area of expertise. 
• Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates from least represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that fit their profiles. These countries include: Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Sahrawi D.R., Sao Tome and Principe., Seychelles, and Somalia.