This role is designed for public health professionals and data scientists who want to lead continental data initiatives, advanced analytics, and epidemiological modeling across Africa. The Senior Technical Officer will guide the development of enterprise-level data science capabilities to improve public health decision-making, operational efficiency, and predictive intelligence for African Union Member States.
This position provides exposure to high-level public health programs, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape Africa’s data-driven health strategies.
About the Organization
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union (AU), established to strengthen the public health capacity of AU Member States.
Africa CDC supports Member States in detecting, preventing, controlling, and responding to disease threats. Its work focuses on surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, workforce development, and emergency preparedness.
Employees at Africa CDC gain exposure to multi-country programs, international collaboration, and professional development in public health intelligence, epidemiology, and data science.
Africa CDC values integrity, transparency, teamwork, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making. Women and candidates from underrepresented AU Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Description
The Senior Technical Officer – Data Science & Analytics will act as the senior technical authority for data science, analytics, and predictive modeling. This role will:
- Lead enterprise-level data architecture, analytics, and forecasting initiatives
- Provide strategic guidance on data governance, quality standards, and emerging technologies
- Design and maintain secure, scalable data pipelines and a continental data repository
- Implement advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI techniques
- Guide technical teams in model validation, predictive analytics, and simulation frameworks
- Ensure compliance with data privacy standards and organizational policies
- Represent Africa CDC in continental and global technical forums
- Oversee analytics projects, ensuring methodological rigor and stakeholder alignment
The role is central to delivering actionable insights, optimizing operations, and supporting strategic public health interventions across Africa.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Applied Mathematics, Public Health Informatics, or a related field with at least 7 years of professional experience, including 3 years at a supervisory level
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field with at least 10 years of professional experience, including 3 years at a supervisory level
Work Experience
- Demonstrable experience in data science, analytics, epidemiological modeling, or public health intelligence
- Experience designing and implementing large-scale analytical systems
- Experience with public health surveillance data in African contexts is highly desirable
- Proven leadership in managing technical teams and complex data projects
Required Skills and Competencies
Functional Skills:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills
- Leadership and strategic thinking for guiding continental data initiatives
- Expertise in Python, R, SQL, machine learning frameworks, cloud technologies
- Knowledge of epidemiological methods, statistical modeling, and data visualization
- Experience with geospatial systems (GIS), real-time data pipelines, and API integrations
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and representational skills
Personal Abilities:
- Ability to deliver under tight deadlines and work under pressure
- High level of autonomy with a collaborative team approach
- Adaptive, patient, resilient, and solution-oriented
- Ability to operate effectively in multicultural environments
Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type and Salary
Appointment for Limited Duration (ALD) for eleven months, including a three-month probation period. Renewal may occur based on funding availability, performance, and deliverables.
Salary: US$ 88,844.56 (P3 Step 5) inclusive of allowances for internationally recruited staff, or US$ 68,255.99 inclusive of allowances for locally recruited staff.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the African Union CV template, which is mandatory. Applications without the AU CV will not be considered.
- Download the AU CV template (English or French) and complete it fully
- Upload the completed CV to the “Resume” tab of your profile
- Include an African passport and all required academic qualifications
- Submit your application no later than February 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EAT
Only candidates who meet all requirements and are shortlisted will be contacted.
Women and candidates from underrepresented AU Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position provides an exceptional opportunity for professional growth, exposure to multi-country programs, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s public health systems.