This position is designed for experienced public health professionals seeking to advance epidemic intelligence and surveillance systems across Africa. The Senior Technical Officer will play a pivotal role in operationalizing the Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS) framework, strengthening early warning capacities, and supporting AU Member States in disease prevention and control.
The role offers professional growth opportunities, exposure to continental programs, and the chance to work on high-impact initiatives that influence public health policy and practice across Africa.
About the Organization
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union (AU) established in 2017.
Africa CDC’s mission is to strengthen public health institutions across Africa to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to health threats. The institution supports Member States in implementing integrated surveillance systems, epidemic intelligence, laboratory capacity, and emergency response programs.
Africa CDC’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan prioritizes integrated health systems and proactive surveillance, including the operationalization of IBS and complementary Event-Based Surveillance (EBS).
Employees at Africa CDC gain exposure to multi-country public health programs, international collaboration, and professional development opportunities in epidemiology, surveillance, and public health leadership.
The organization values teamwork, diversity, integrity, transparency, efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making. Women and candidates from underrepresented AU Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Description
The Senior Technical Officer – IBS will provide strategic and technical leadership in the operationalization and implementation of Africa CDC’s IBS framework.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing technical guidance on IBS operationalization, including standards, case definitions, indicators, thresholds, and reporting timelines
- Supporting Africa CDC in developing guidance documents, tools, and training materials for Member States
- Facilitating integration of IBS with Event-Based Surveillance, laboratory networks, and digital health platforms
- Advising on alignment of IBS with International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), One Health strategies, and Africa CDC’s Digital Transformation agenda
- Supporting capacity building, mentorship, and training of Africa CDC staff and IBS focal points in Member States
- Representing Africa CDC in high-level technical meetings, regional consultations, and partner coordination forums
- Monitoring and evaluating IBS implementation, reporting progress, and recommending improvements
- Preparing scientific publications, technical briefs, and presentations on IBS
- Performing other duties as assigned by the Division Director
This role is essential for strengthening early warning capacities, harmonizing disease reporting across the continent, and supporting timely public health interventions.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold one of the following:
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Surveillance, or a related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience, including 3 years at senior/expert level
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Surveillance, or a related discipline with at least 10 years of relevant experience, including 3 years at senior/expert level
Work Experience
- Experience supporting national or regional surveillance systems, preferably in Africa
- Practical knowledge of IDSR, IHR (2005), epidemic intelligence, and One Health approaches
- Proven record in technical advisory roles, guideline development, and training
Required Skills and Competencies
Functional Skills:
- Leadership and strategic thinking for driving continental initiatives
- Ability to build consensus and partnerships across multiple sectors and stakeholders
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, representational, and interpersonal skills
- Project planning and management skills for multi-country programs
- Ability to translate technical information into reports, presentations, and funding proposals
- Proficiency in computer applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, statistical and analytic tools
Personal Abilities:
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks
- High degree of autonomy with a collaborative and team-oriented approach
- Adaptive, resilient, patient, and proactive
- Commitment to Africa CDC’s mission and values, including equity, solidarity, and evidence-based action
Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type and Salary
Appointment for Limited Duration (ALD) for eleven months, including a three-month probation period. Contract may be renewed based on funding availability, satisfactory performance, and agreed 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 for submission. 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 24, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EAT
Only candidates who meet all requirements and are shortlisted will be contacted for interviews.
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.