Principal Program Officer for Emergency Response and Recovery (AfCDC)

Organization Information

Reports to: Head Of Division Emergency Preparedness and Response
Directorate/Department/Organ: Centres for Public Health Emergency Management
Division: Division of Preparedness and Response
Number of Direct Reports:
Number of Indirect Reports:
Job Grade: P4
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Purpose of Job

The Principal Program Officer for Emergency Response and Recovery is responsible for leading and coordinating the Africa CDC's emergency response and recovery efforts. This includes developing and implementing plans, mobilizing resources, and providing technical support to countries affected by public health emergencies. The Principal Program Officer will also work to build partnerships with other organizations to strengthen Africa's capacity to respond to emergencies.

Main Functions

This job involves the following main functions that are generally applicable for this category:
•    Take technical and intellectual lead in the management of various elements related to the area of expertise
•    Identify best practices and monitor effectiveness of the Office’s support to Africa CDC.
•    Provide support in the development of the strategies and business continuity plan and participate in/ensure their implementation
•    Foster and ensure implementation of initiatives related to area of specialization.
•    Provide support in the organization of thematic networks, consultations and meetings on development cooperation and international relations.
•    Develop materials and provide necessary training and support to Organization Units as required.
•    Provide technical guidance on matters relating to system review and implementation project in area of specialization, as required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and programs for emergency response and recovery in Africa CDC
• Coordinate and oversee the activities of the Emergency Response and Recovery Team, including the deployment of rapid response teams, the provision of technical and operational support, and the monitoring and evaluation of emergency interventions
• Liaise and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as national public health institutes, regional economic communities, international organizations, donors, and civil society, to ensure effective and coordinated emergency response and recovery efforts
• Manage the budget, human resources, and logistics of the Emergency Response and Recovery Team, ensuring compliance with Africa CDC policies and procedures
• Represent Africa CDC in high-level meetings, forums, and media events related to emergency response and recovery
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to staff and partners on best practices and standards for emergency response and recovery
• Conduct regular assessments and reviews of the emergency response and recovery situation in Africa, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement
• Foster a culture of learning and innovation within the Emergency Response and Recovery Team, promoting the use of evidence-based approaches and tools
• Prepare and disseminate timely and accurate reports, briefs, and updates on the emergency response and recovery activities and outcomes
• Mobilize resources, such as financial, human, and technical, for emergency response and recovery.
• Provide technical support to countries affected by public health emergencies.
• Build partnerships with other organizations to strengthen Africa's capacity to respond to emergencies.
• Represent the Africa CDC at regional and international meetings and events related to emergency response and recovery.
• Publish articles and reports on emergency response and recovery.
• Performa any other related duties as required.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Master’s degree or equivalent in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, disaster management, or related fields or a related discipline and ten (10) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience, at least six (6) of which should at expert and (3) years of experience at supervisory role.                          
OR
•    Bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, disaster management, or related fields and twelve (12) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience, out of which six (6) years should be at expert level, and 3 (three) years at supervisory role.

•    Experience in developing and implementing emergency response plans.
•    Experience in mobilizing resources for emergency response.
•    Experience in providing technical support to countries affected by emergencies.
•    Experience in building partnerships to strengthen emergency response capacity.
•    Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles.
•    Experience in networking and building relationships.

Required Skills

Required Skills
•    Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
•    Extensive knowledge of the African health context, the African Union framework, and the Africa CDC mandate and functions.
•    Proven ability to design, implement, monitor and evaluate complex emergency response and recovery programs and projects in diverse settings.
•    Strong skills in strategic planning, policy development, resource mobilization, partnership building, communication, coordination and advocacy.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills in English or French. Knowledge of other African Union languages is an asset.
•    High level of professionalism, integrity, ethics and commitment to the vision and mission of Africa CDC.
•    Proven ability to lead and manage complex projects.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies

Download CV Template Here