To ensure the efficient and effective execution of duties, this position is established to fulfill a critical role within the organization, contributing to the achievement of strategic objectives and operational excellence.
The Regional Coordinator – Technical Programs serves as a senior technical authority, overseeing the coordination and leadership of Africa CDC’s primary technical programs and initiatives within the Regional Coordinating Centre. This role delivers advanced technical guidance, facilitates the unified execution of Africa CDC strategies across Member States, and ensures the cohesive integration of surveillance, laboratory, preparedness and response, and workforce development activities at the regional level.
The successful candidate will provide assistance in embedding the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda (AHS) pillars—particularly digital health, Public Financial Management, and the Supply Chain/African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM)—within Member States across the Regional Coordination Centre (RCC).
The incumbent operates under the direct oversight of the RCC Leadership while collaborating closely with technical divisions at the Africa CDC Headquarters.
Oversees a range of critical duties to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to established protocols, including the management of daily workflows, coordination with cross-functional teams, and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with organizational objectives. Conducts thorough reviews of processes to identify opportunities for enhancement and implement solutions that drive productivity and quality improvements. Serves as a key point of contact for stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and collaboration to resolve issues and support decision-making. Ensures compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices through diligent monitoring and proactive risk mitigation strategies. Develops and maintains documentation, reports, and performance metrics to track progress, measure outcomes, and inform continuous improvement efforts.
The Regional Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing and executing key initiatives across designated regions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with established standards. Duties include managing regional teams, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and monitoring performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Additionally, the role entails developing and implementing strategic plans, analyzing regional data to identify trends, and reporting findings to senior leadership. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are required, along with prior experience in regional management or a related field. Proficiency in relevant software and tools, as well as the ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions, are essential for success in this position.
Providing expert technical leadership and strategic direction, this role requires guiding teams through complex technological challenges while aligning projects with overarching business objectives. The position entails setting clear technical standards, fostering innovation, and ensuring scalable solutions to drive long-term growth. Responsibilities include mentoring engineers, evaluating architectural decisions, and collaborating with stakeholders to optimize performance and mitigate risks. Candidates must possess a strong background in software development or systems engineering, combined with demonstrated experience in leadership and strategic planning. Proficiency in modern technologies, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively are essential.
Develop regional technical implementation plans and standard operating procedures by converting Africa CDC continental strategies, frameworks, and guidelines into actionable directives.
Offer specialized technical guidance to RCC leadership and Member States regarding surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency preparedness and response, antimicrobial resistance, and priority disease control.
Perform in-depth technical evaluations of situations, assess risks, and identify gaps to guide regional strategic priorities and justify investment proposals.
Surveillance, laboratory, and information systems professionals are responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing systems that monitor activities, analyze data, and manage information securely and efficiently. These roles require expertise in system architecture, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards, as well as proficiency in software development, database management, and cybersecurity protocols. Duties include configuring surveillance hardware, conducting laboratory data analysis, and ensuring seamless integration of information systems to support operational and research objectives. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams are essential for success in these positions.
Coordinate the design, implementation, and enhancement of integrated disease surveillance and response (IDs) systems alongside event-based surveillance initiatives throughout the region.
Facilitate the development and enhancement of regional laboratory networks, reference laboratories, and quality management systems to ensure optimal performance and effectiveness.
Advocate for the adoption of digital health solutions, data integration platforms, and interoperable systems to enable real-time data collection, analysis, and visualization.
Consistently produce and distribute comprehensive epidemiological reports, bulletins, and risk assessments in a timely manner.
We develop and implement comprehensive strategies to ensure readiness for and effective management of emergencies, including natural disasters, public health crises, and other critical incidents. This role involves coordinating with multiple stakeholders to create response plans, conducting risk assessments, and organizing training sessions to enhance preparedness. Additionally, we oversee emergency drills and evaluate their outcomes to identify areas for improvement. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure are essential for this position.
Assist in the creation, evaluation, and refinement of comprehensive regional and national multihazard emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and Africa CDC frameworks.
Coordinate the technical components of regional emergency operations, such as evaluating risks, managing incidents, deploying serge resources, conducting field investigations, and performing after-action reviews.
Assist in sustaining operational readiness and preparedness of regional rapid response teams and the public health emergency workforce.
Maintain a regional dashboard to monitor outbreak readiness, including surveillance indicators, laboratory capabilities, workforce availability, emergency operations’ capacity, stockpiles, and surge readiness.
Provide timely assistance to RCC technical support teams in response to outbreaks and public health emergencies to ensure swift activation.
Collaborate with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RCS), National Public Health Institutes (APHIS), and key stakeholders to synchronize cross-border preparedness and response efforts.
Conduct after-action reviews, intra-action reviews, simulation exercises, and implement corrective action plans to ensure continuous improvement and operational effectiveness.
Responsibilities include overseeing a regional outbreak readiness dashboard to monitor surveillance signals, evaluate laboratory capacity, assess workforce availability, examine emergency operations’ capacity, track stockpile levels, and evaluate serge readiness.
Provide prompt assistance to RCC technical support teams during outbreaks and public health emergencies to ensure swift activation and response.
Collaborate with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, National Public Health Institutes, and pertinent stakeholders to synchronize cross-border preparedness and response initiatives.
Facilitate post-incident evaluations, ongoing performance assessments, and simulated scenario drills, while also overseeing the execution of corrective action plans to ensure continuous improvement and operational readiness.
Capacity Building and Workforce Development encompasses the strategic enhancement of skills, competencies, and organizational capabilities to drive sustainable growth and performance. This role involves designing and implementing training programs, mentoring initiatives, and professional development opportunities to empower employees and strengthen institutional capacity. Key responsibilities include assessing workforce needs, developing tailored learning solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with stakeholders to align development efforts with organizational goals, measure training effectiveness, and ensure measurable impact on workforce readiness and operational efficiency.
Oversee the strategic planning and execution of regional training initiatives, such as Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FTP), laboratory training, infection prevention and control (IPC), and emergency management systems.
Facilitate the integration of ongoing professional development and competency-based training initiatives within Member States, ensuring alignment with Africa CDC frameworks.
Facilitate the exchange of technical expertise through mentorship programs, establish twinning partnerships between national public health institutes (APHIS) and laboratories, and strengthen collaboration initiatives within the Global South.
Program Management, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), and Quality Assurance are integral to ensuring the successful implementation and delivery of projects. These functions involve establishing and maintaining robust systems to track progress, measure performance, and ensure adherence to established standards and protocols. Program Management oversees the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of initiatives, while M&E provides critical data-driven insights to assess effectiveness and inform decision-making. Quality Assurance ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and internal policies to uphold excellence and mitigate risks. Together, these disciplines work collaboratively to optimize outcomes, enhance efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across all operational activities.
Oversee the technical work planning process, ensuring alignment with results-based management principles while maintaining rigorous monitoring and evaluation of RCC technical programs.
Establish and enforce robust technical standards, benchmarks, and performance dashboards while overseeing rigorous quality assurance for every technical deliverable generated by the RCC.
Prepare technical reports, donor reports, and documentation of best practices and lessons learned as part of your responsibilities.
Technical Coordination and Partnerships involves fostering collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration of technical solutions, and aligning business objectives with partner capabilities. This role demands strong interpersonal and communication skills to negotiate agreements, resolve conflicts, and maintain productive partnerships. Responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, monitoring deliverables, and mitigating risks to uphold operational efficiency. Additionally, the position requires a deep understanding of technical processes, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning to drive sustainable growth and innovation. Candidates should possess a proven track record in partnership management, leadership experience, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies.
Act as the primary technical liaison between the RCC and various entities, including National Public Health Institutes (APHIS), Ministries of Health, Regional Economic Communities (RCS), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations agencies, academic institutions, and implementing partners.
Collaborate with regional technical working groups and communities of practice, focusing on surveillance, laboratory operations, emergency preparedness, and other key thematic areas.
Deliver expert technical contributions to policy discussions, frameworks, and guideline development processes led by Africa CDC, the African Union, or collaborating partners.
Resource Mobilization and Innovation (Technical Focus) entails securing and deploying critical resources to drive forward-thinking initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and technological advancement. This role requires a strategic approach to identifying, acquiring, and optimizing resources—including financial, human, and technological assets—while fostering an environment of continuous innovation. Key responsibilities include developing resource allocation strategies, leveraging partnerships to access specialized expertise, and implementing cutting-edge solutions to address complex challenges. A deep understanding of technical frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth principles is essential, along with the ability to translate innovative ideas into actionable plans.
Contribute technical expertise to the development of concept notes, project proposals, and investment cases aimed at enhancing regional public health systems.
Explore and champion cutting-edge tools, technologies, and methodologies designed to enhance surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, data utilization, and emergency response operations.
Offer assistance to the country pillar leads in their operational and strategic initiatives, ensuring seamless coordination and effective execution of their responsibilities.
Execute any additional responsibilities as determined by RCC Leadership as necessary.
Digital Health and Innovation is a dynamic field focused on leveraging technology to transform healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and streamline operational efficiencies. This domain encompasses the development and implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions, such as telemedicine platforms, AI-driven diagnostics, wearable health devices, and data analytics tools to optimize clinical workflows and empower patients. Professionals in this sector work at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business strategy, driving innovation through collaboration with clinicians, engineers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Key responsibilities include identifying emerging trends, designing user-centric solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering cross-functional teams to bridge gaps between medical expertise and technological advancements. Ideal candidates possess a blend of technical expertise, healthcare knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a passion for improving global health through digital transformation.
Serve as the primary regional representative for Africa CDC’s Digital Health and Innovation agenda within the Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC).
Assist Member States in the development, execution, and expansion of digital health initiatives focused on surveillance, laboratory systems, patient management, community-based reporting, training programs, and tell-mentoring solutions.
Drive alignment of digital systems—including surveillance, laboratory, health management information systems, and civil registration—with established regional and continental standards to ensure seamless interoperability.
Conduct research to identify, implement, and assess cutting-edge digital solutions—such as mobile applications, geographic information systems (GIS), AI-driven analytics, remote sensing technologies, and digital training platforms—to effectively tackle critical public health issues.
Develop and strengthen regional capabilities in digital health through tailored training programs, such as data science, epidemiological modeling, GIS, and digital platforms, in partnership with National Public Health Institutes (APHIS), academic institutions, and Africa CDC Headquarters.
Collaborate with regional teams to establish and oversee communities of practice focused on digital health, fostering peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and the dissemination of proven methodologies.
Play a key role in crafting and executing regional digital health strategies, frameworks, and investment proposals, ensuring alignment with both AU and international digital health initiatives.
Promote the ethical deployment of digital technologies, prioritizing data protection, equity, accessibility, and gender considerations to uphold responsible innovation and inclusivity.
Fulfill any additional tasks or assignments as directed by RCC Leadership.
A master’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience is required. Candidates should possess at least three years of hands-on experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of delivering measurable results. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, methodologies, or frameworks is essential, along with the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are also necessary to thrive in this position.
A Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Sciences, Health Security, Pharmacy, or a closely related discipline is required, along with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in public health practice. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong focus on infectious disease epidemiology, with particular expertise in monitoring and surveillance systems. Additionally, at least six years of this experience must be at an advanced professional level, while three years should reflect leadership in a supervisory capacity.
Or
A bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Sciences, Health Security, Pharmacy, Medicine (M. D), or a related discipline is required, along with a minimum of 12 years of professional experience in public health practice, with a specialization in infectious disease epidemiology. This experience must include at least six years of expertise in the field and three years in a supervisory capacity.
Experienced in successfully directing and overseeing intricate projects spanning diverse international locations and industries.
Strong ability to forge and nurture partnerships, collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders across multiple levels and functions.
Demonstrated practical expertise in the following areas:
Conducting outbreak investigations and coordinating responses to public health emergencies are essential duties of this role, ensuring timely and effective management of health crises.
Design and construction of surveillance systems incorporating both indicator-based and event-driven methodologies are required.
Enhancing public health and laboratory infrastructure within low- and middle-income countries represents a critical focus area. This effort involves bolstering systems to improve health outcomes and ensure robust laboratory capabilities in resource-limited settings.
Experience in collaboration with National Public Health Institutes (APHIS), Ministries of Health, or other regional and international public health organizations—such as the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), or Regional Economic Communities (RCS)—is essential.
Skilled in designing programs, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and developing technical guidelines and tools.
Experienced in leading or supervising teams within technical or public health initiatives.
Proficient communication abilities, both verbal and written, are essential for this role, along with meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in managing multiple priorities efficiently. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills and the capacity to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment. Prior experience in a similar position is preferred, particularly in fields such as project management or administrative support. Additionally, familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is advantageous. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and meet deadlines consistently is critical.
We seek a candidate with expertise in core competencies and essential skills, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The ideal applicant will demonstrate proficiency in key areas, including problem-solving, communication, and technical abilities relevant to the position. Additionally, they should possess strong analytical skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Proficiency in industry-specific tools and software, as well as a track record of successful project execution, is highly desirable. Collaboration and teamwork are critical, as the role requires effective interaction with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Individuals should possess advanced technical proficiency in epidemiology, infectious disease prevention, health security frameworks, and/or laboratory infrastructure systems.
Possesses a thorough knowledge of Africa’s public health framework, encompassing the International Health Regulations (2005), the Global Health Security Agenda, the One Health approach, and regional disease surveillance systems.
Demonstrates a strong capacity to analyze and apply epidemiological and laboratory data effectively in decision-making processes.
Possessing advanced planning, organizational, and project management capabilities to effectively oversee and coordinate multiple technical initiatives simultaneously.
Proficient in crafting clear and concise written materials—such as technical reports, guidelines, and scientific presentations—as well as delivering articulate and compelling oral communications.
Proven capability to collaborate efficiently within diverse, multidisciplinary teams and navigate intricate emergency environments.
With a proven track record in overseeing complex initiatives involving diverse stakeholders and spanning multiple countries, you will demonstrate expertise in coordinating efforts across varied geographies and organizational contexts.
Exceptional diplomatic acumen, strong representational capabilities, and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with a proven track record of effectively engaging stakeholders and decision-makers across technical and professional environments.
Proven expertise in project planning and management, encompassing the organization, coordination, and execution of projects from initial conception to final implementation.
Proficient in converting intricate technical details into clear, engaging presentations, briefings, reports, and funding proposals tailored for both specialized and general audiences.
Proficient in computer operations, with strong word-processing skills, adept use of email and internet tools, and hands-on experience with key office software applications, including MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Proficiency in at least one of the African Union’s official languages—Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Swahili—is required for applicants. Candidates with fluency in one or more additional AU working languages will receive preferential consideration.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
