JOB VACANCY AT AFRICAN UNION: Ending soon.

Job Posting Title
Director of Africa CDC
Start Date
16.02.2016
End Date
17.03.2016
Reference Code
BCP05
Job Title
Director of Africa CDC
Organization

50028948

Taking into account the health challenges faced by the African continent and the necessity for an accountability framework for health security to protect citizens of Africa and beyond, the AU Heads of States and Governments approved the establishment of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) through the Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 554(XXIV), at the AU Summit in January 2015 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Africa CDC is a structure to support African countries in their efforts to effectively respond to emergencies, address complex health challenges, and build needed capacity.
The proposed Aims of the Africa CDC include:
a) Establish event-based surveillance in order to detect potential disease threats from informal, non- structured sources that often circulate outside the official health sector

2. b)  Assist Member States to address gaps in International Health Regulation compliance
   
3. c)  Support public health emergency preparedness and response
   
4. d)  Regional- and country-level hazard mapping and risk assessments for Member States
   
   

These four aims either represent novel public health initiatives for the continent or they will provide additional support to Member States for observed needs.
Department
Job title: Director of Africa CDC
Grade: D1
Department: Africa CDC
Supervisor: Africa CDC Governing Board Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tasks

The Director of the Africa CDC will establish and support the organization’s strategic direction. The Director of the Africa CDC is also responsible for formulation and implementation of substantive work programmes for the Regional Collaborating Centres and ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion. The Director of Africa CDC shall:

1. a)  As the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall management of the Africa CDC;
   
2. b)  Implement directives from the Board and the Commission as may be applicable;
   
3. c)  Prepare the program, financial and operational reports of the Africa CDC;
   
4. d)  draft and submit Africa CDC’s budget, report on activities, rules of procedure and Plan of Action of the
   

Africa CDC to the Board and the Commission for approval;
e) Attend meetings of the Board and the Africa CDC Advisory and Technical Council and act as Secretary to the Board and Council;

6. f)  Collect and disseminate findings on disease control and prevention related research;
   
7. g)  Ensure the production and publication of the periodical bulletin of the Africa CDC;
   
8. h)  Bear final responsibility for the scientific integrity of technical data, bulletins, publications,
   

recommendations, or guidelines issued by the Africa CDC

9. i)  Build, direct, manage, and ensure implementation and effectiveness of the Africa CDC;
   
10. j)  Act in a leadership capacity during activation of the Africa CDC Emergency Operations Center, which
    

may include in certain circumstances, either appointing another staff member or serving as the public health Incident Manager
k) Establish and forge relationships with international organizations to collaborate and facilitate the development and integration of operating public health program initiatives and activities across broad areas; l) Perform any other functions as may be assigned in line with the objectives of the Africa CDC.
Requirements
1. Minimum Qualifications
Degree equivalent to Doctor of Medicine, or Doctor of Philosophy in health or scientific discipline from recognized institute or university;

2. In addition to (a) above, Master’s degree in public health (MPH), or epidemiology
   
3. More than 15 years of experience in public health management, planning or public policy development
   

with evidence of ever-increasing levels of responsibility
2. Required Experience
a) More than 15 years’ experience providing scientific leadership in formulating, implementing, and evaluating both event and indicator-based surveillance;
b) More than 15 years’ experience in management of high public health structure at regional or continental level;
c) High degree of public health prominence and expertise, and a distinguished record of accomplishments in public health;
d) Strong leadership experience in creating a vision; setting direction in an organization; and recruiting, developing, and retaining good, diverse staff;
e) Senior management experience in directing and managing an organization, including establishing strategic plans and policies, developing and presenting budgets, organizing and prioritizing issues, coordinating partner engagement, and evaluating program accomplishments;
f) Senior technical experience in leading a team of public health and non-public health specialists during major public health events (including but not limited to communicable disease outbreaks, natural disasters, acts of violence, or large displacements of people).
g) Proven ability to deal effectively with high-level officials from a diverse range of national contexts, governmental public health agencies, scientific and academic communities, national and international medical and health-related organizations, diverse private sector organizations, and non-governmental groups, media, and the public at large.
h) Having served as a Minister of Health would be an added advantage.

3. Skills and competencies required A. Functional Skills
Data analytic skills, including familiarity with common statistical software packages
Computer literacy, including but not limited to word processing (using programs such as MS Word or Excel), office and personnel management, email/internet, and financial accounting software
Writing skills using modern technology, as evidenced by history of research publications, concept notes, briefs, programme reports, or position papers
Narrative and Financial reporting skills
B. Personal Abilities
Excellent strategic management skills, including planning, coordination and organizing skills, with pro-
activeness and multi-tasking;
Big-picture outlook and approach;
Excellent skills in policy analysis and development and programme/project management,
implementation and monitoring;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize, support and motivate others and to work in a multi-
cultural environment;
Excellent writing and presentation skills (statements, position papers, reports, briefs and
correspondence) including by modern technology;
Commitment to personal performance and self-development;
Leading and managing change with integrity, trustworthiness and confidence; Team management and supervisory skills;
Diplomacy
Delegation skills.

4. Performance Management
   Delegates decision-making powers and responsibilities;
   Clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the staff;
   Monitors progress from established benchmarks;
   Discusses performance, provides feedback and evaluation in a spirit of fairness and equity.
   
5. AU Language Requirement
   

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement; Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.
6. Travel
Ability to regular travel across Africa and other continents in order to carry out directives of Africa CDC Governing Board, Advisory and Technical Council, and/or specific mission requirements of the Africa CDC
7. Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of four years (4) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as probationary period. This contract is renewable only Once subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.
8. Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US $70,139.00 per annum (D1 Step1) plus other related entitlements e.g. Post Adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($16,819.20 per annum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum for internationally recruited staff and other allowances in accordance to the African Union Staff Regulations and Rules governing the employment of International Civil Servants of the Union.
9. Least Representative Countries
Candidates from the following least represented countries are encouraged to apply: Eretria, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Namibia, Sahrawi Arab Republic, SaoTome and Principe, Seychelles and Somalia.