Organization Information
Reports to: Local Manufacturing Coordinator
Directorate/Department: Local Manufacturing of Health Commodities
Division: Vaccines and Biologicals Manufacturing
Purpose of the Job
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), under the African Union, is implementing a continental strategy to strengthen local manufacturing of vaccines and other health products in Africa. The Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) was established in 2021 to increase Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capacity from 1% to 60% by 2040. In 2024, the mandate was expanded to include therapeutics, diagnostics, and other health products, transitioning PAVM into the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM). Africa CDC seeks a Vaccine Manufacturing Specialist to support the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen vaccine manufacturing capacity across the continent in alignment with Africa CDC’s agenda.
Main Functions
Provide technical expertise in vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing including technology transfer, intellectual property, regulatory frameworks, research and development, and talent development. Ensure coordinated implementation of PHAHM activities across bold programs. Coordinate PHAHM activities with other Africa CDC divisions. Facilitate coordination among partners and stakeholders. Support talent development activities.
Specific Responsibilities
Coordinate program management to ensure operational plans contribute to milestones and objectives. Monitor and report implementation progress. Lead coordination of vaccine manufacturing activities across Africa. Ensure alignment with Africa CDC priorities. Provide technical advice to manufacturers, Member States, and National Regulatory Authorities. Identify synergies across programs. Review technical papers, proposals, and concepts. Deliver training and capacity building. Coordinate drafting of reports, proposals, presentations, and briefing notes. Represent Africa CDC at regional and international meetings. Build partnerships with Member States, manufacturers, donors, private sector actors, and international organizations. Support resource mobilization efforts. Identify best practices and lessons learned.
Academic Requirements and Experience
Master’s degree in Pharmaceuticals, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of relevant experience. Experience in vaccine or pharmaceutical manufacturing, market analysis, technology transfer, or regulatory frameworks is required. A PhD is an added advantage. Strong knowledge of the African manufacturing ecosystem is required.
Required Skills
Experience in vaccine, biological, or pharmaceutical manufacturing. Expertise in policy development, regulatory frameworks, and technology transfer. Strong coordination and program management skills. Proactive and results-oriented approach. Experience in training and talent development. Excellent technical writing and presentation skills. Experience presenting at international forums. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and internet applications. Work experience in an African country is an asset.
Leadership Competencies
Managing risk. Change management. Developing others. Strategic insight.
Core Competencies
Building relationships. Accountability. Learning orientation. Effective communication.
Functional Competencies
Conceptual thinking. Job knowledge and information sharing. Drive for results. Continuous improvement.
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment is for a fixed-term period of one year, with the first three months as probation. Renewal is subject to performance and funding availability.
Remuneration
Internationally recruited staff: USD 110,951.49 per annum inclusive of allowances.
Locally recruited staff: USD 92,867.97 per annum inclusive of allowances.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and candidates from under-represented African Union Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Use of the African Union CV template is mandatory. Applicants must complete their online profile and upload the completed AU CV template under the Resume section. Required documents include an African passport, completed AU CV template, and relevant academic certificates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.