The advent of the African Union (AU) can be described as an event of great magnitude in the institutional evolution of the continent. On 9.9.1999, the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity issued a Declaration (the Sirte Declaration) calling for the establishment of an African Union, with a view, inter alia, to accelerating the process of integration in the continent to enable it play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems compounded as they are by certain negative aspects of globalisation.

Purpose of Job

The Regional Director for Regional Collaborating Centre is responsible for leading and managing the strategic and operational activities of the centre, which aims to foster collaboration and coordination among regional stakeholders in the field of health and social care. The Regional Director oversees the development and implementation of the centre’s work plan, budget, and performance indicators, as well as the recruitment and supervision of staff. The Regional Director also represents the centre in external meetings and events, and builds and maintains effective partnerships with Member states and relevant regional and national authorities, organizations, and networks.

Main Functions

The Regional Director for the Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) is responsible for:

• Overseeing the implementation of the RCC’s strategic plan,
• Managing the RCC’s staff and budget, and fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• Representing the RCC in regional and global forums, and
• Ensure alignment with the RCC’s vision and mission.

The Regional Director reports to the Director General and works closely with the RCC’s Technical Advisory Committee.

Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the development of RCCs work plans for regional epidemiology and laboratory surveillance capacity strengthening.
• Fosters an enabling environment for research collaborations and information sharing among RCCs.
• Facilitate RCCs linkages to the Africa CDC Emergency Operations Centre activities to ensure appropriate and rapid deployment of staff.
• Facilitate and coordinate development of RCCs preparedness and response plans and assessment activities.
• Facilitate strengthening of RCC disease surveillance monitoring and reporting by facilitating adaptation of Africa CDC surveillance policies.
• Facilitate the execution of Africa CDC technical reference policy, guidance, plans and tools into RCC contexts to ensure consistent implementation of public health activities.
• Oversee, mentor and guide development of peer review research publications in epidemiology, surveillance or related health science.
• Represent the agency on behalf of the Director in technical meetings, conferences or similar venues where the agency seeks to be recognized.
• Represents the agencies scientific interests as a member of a scientific review committee for reviewing and developing public health scientific policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Coordinates the delivery of technical services in support of Africa CDC Emergency Response activities as appropriate and assigned.

Academic Requirements And Relevant Experience

• Masters Degree in a relevant discipline such as, but not limited to, Public Health, basic Health Science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry), and Epidemiology and Health-Services Research.
• Clinical degree (e.g., M.D, MPhil, in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing) AND a Master’s Degree in Public Health or a related discipline.
• Twelve (12) years of relevant experience in public health practice, with emphasis on infectious disease epidemiology, monitoring and surveillance, and operational research, with at least seven (7) years at managerial level with wide powers to lead and manage national, regional or global public health programmes and five (5) years of supervisory level.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing complex projects across multiple countries and sectors.
• Have successfully coordinated the delivery of high-quality technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development
• Should have also fostered strong partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, private sector, and development partners.
• Should have demonstrated strategic vision, leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence and innovation in my previous roles.

Required Skills

The following are the required skills for a Regional Director of Regional Collaborating Centres in the Africa CDC:

• Strong leadership and management skills: The Regional Director must be able to provide strong leadership and management to the RCDCs. This includes setting clear goals and objectives, developing and implementing strategies, and managing staff and resources effectively.
• Excellent communication skills: The Regional Director must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including AU officials, government officials, partners, and the public. This includes being able to clearly articulate the RCDC’s goals and objectives, as well as the RCDC’s work and achievements.
• Technical expertise: The Regional Director must have technical expertise in the areas of the RCDC’s work. This may include areas such as health, education, agriculture, or the environment.
• Political savvy: The Regional Director must be able to navigate the political landscape of the AU and its member states. This includes being able to build relationships with key stakeholders and to advocate for the RCC’s work.
• International experience: The Regional Director must have international experience. This includes experience working in a cross-cultural environment and experience working with international partners.