Senior Technical Expert (AfCDC)

Organization Information

Reports to: Project Coordinator
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Office of the Deputy Director
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
 

Purpose of Job

Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Technical officer will be responsible for providing technical support to the PIU and the Technical Divisions of Africa CDC for the implementation of Africa CDC projects financed by the World Bank, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the project objectives and technical standards are met.

Main Functions

• Providing technical support to the PIU and the Technical Divisions of Africa CDC for the implementation of Africa CDC projects financed by the World Bank, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the project objectives and technical standards are met.
• Providing training and capacity building to project staff, partners, and stakeholders to ensure an effective implementation of the project.
• Assist in the development of guidelines, policies, and manuals that can guide programs, system improvement initiatives, and overall decision-making by higher management in the respective area of expertise.
• Support the Project Coordinator in coordinating and delivering the project, ensuring compliance with the Project Appraisal Document (PAD), financing agreement, and all relevant AU and World Bank operational policies and guidelines.
• Assist in managing day-to-day project activities at the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), including providing guidance and support to the PIU staff.
• Assist in the preparation and updating of annual work plans and procurement plans for the project and oversee their execution and reporting.
• Assist in planning the Project Technical Steering Committee and internal coordination meetings.
• Contribute to the overall communication of project activities to key stakeholders.
• Provide advice to the Project Coordinator on technical and management issues that require timely intervention.
• Perform any other duties related to the successful implementation of the project as assigned by the Project Coordinator
   

Specific Responsibilities

• Support the project coordinator in expediting the implementation of the project by liaising with the technical points and division at Africa CDC and the stakeholders. 
• Work collaboratively with the Africa CDC technical leads, implementing partner/s for RISLNET, the RCCs, and NPHI focal points to ensure effective implementation of the project, with the establishment of RISLNET in the Eastern and Southern African regions, according to defined timelines. Mainly, maintain an efficient workflow with Regional Collaborating Centers (RCCs) and National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) in Member States on the project implementation. 
• Identify and facilitate coordination for synergies and collaboration between the Africa CDC Project and other World Bank financed initiatives in Member States. 
• Provide technical and administrative support to the technical teams in tasks related to the project, particularly in areas of  cross-border surveillance, institutional strengthening, and preparedness etc.
• Support in drafting and reviewing highly technical TORs, expressions of interests and technical recommendations and supporting the Project Coordinator in the facilitation of processing of technical requests and activities with other areas of the PIU. 
• Developing technical tools and resources such as guidelines, checklists, and templates to support the implementation of Africa CDC projects.
• Prepare regular reports on technical activities, progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement, and ensure timely submission to relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify technical issues and opportunities, and provide recommendations for addressing them
• Support the Project Coordinator and technical divisions in identifying technical synergies among projects financed by different partners and facilitate a dialogue with the World Bank task team on technical collaboration.
• Any other related tasks

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s degree (e.g., MPH, or MS) with minimum 7 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, health science, health-services research or related health discipline out of which at least three (3) years should be at expert level.

           Or 

• Bachelor’s degree in public health or related with minimum 10 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, health science, health-services research, or related health discipline out of which at least three (3) years should be at expert level.
• Experience providing technical support in the implementation of public health projects, with a focus on infectious disease control and prevention.
• In-depth knowledge of public health systems in Africa, including the role and functions of regional and national institutions.
• Proficient in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting technical data and research findings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build productive working relationships.
• Experience in using project management tools and methodologies to ensure timely project delivery.
   

Required Skills

• Demonstrated involvement in the successful development and management of regional/continental public health surveillance programmes with at least 5 years of relevant practical experience in cross-border and public health surveillance, informatics and health information exchange, and related workforce capacity development at the national, regional or continental-level in any setting, including a governmental agency, academic institution, or research organization. 
• Clear understanding of cross-border and public health surveillance systems on the African continent and fair knowledge of the operations of public health institutions and other ministries that work on public health related in the AU Member States and regions,
• Knowledge of cross-border and public health surveillance guidelines, frameworks, and data capture, reporting and analyses platforms and tools on the continent. 
• Knowledge and experience in supporting cross-border and public health surveillance programmes or other disease intelligence initiatives with government ministries, regional organizations, and partners. 
• Knowledge of establishing cross-border surveillance in national, regional, or continental settings. 
• Knowledge of relevant cross-border related public health issues in Africa, and at least 2 years’ previous experience working in Africa. 
• Demonstrated project planning and management skills for organizing, planning and executing public health projects from conception to implementation and monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong technical and scientific writing skills and ability to communicate technical materials to both scientific and lay audiences for policy change. 
   

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies