Eligibility: Open to citizens of African Union Member States and the African Diaspora.
Directorate / Department: Africa CDC
Division: Health Workforce Division
Contract Type: Volunteer
Job Grade: Rapid Responder
Number of Positions: 20
Application Deadline: 3 August 2026 (11:59 p.m. EAT)
Purpose of the Job
The AU Heads of State and Government, through Assembly Decision AU/Dec.570 (XXV) of June 2015, requested the African Union Commission, in collaboration with Member States and Development Partners, to establish the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC) to be deployed during disease outbreaks and other health emergencies. A well-trained, multidisciplinary standby response team should be available and able to respond in the shortest time possible.
As of October 2021, more than 230 AVoHC rapid responders had been deployed across 23 countries to support responses to COVID-19 and other disease outbreaks, including Ebola Virus Disease, Cholera, Measles, and Meningitis.
Visionary and principled leadership is critical for Africa to implement a new public health order capable of safeguarding the continent from health and economic security threats. This leadership is also essential for achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program (KA-GHLP), launched on 25 May 2020 by Africa CDC in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Kofi Annan Foundation, comprises:
- Fellowship in Public Health Leadership.
- Public Health Scholars Program.
- Public Health Policy Forum.
The Kofi Annan Scholars Program aims to place experienced public health experts from Africa and the African Diaspora in time-limited assignments within government ministries, National Public Health Institutes, and other key national health institutions.
Africa CDC is seeking Financial Specialists to join the African Volunteer Health Corps roster under the Kofi Annan Scholars Program.
This is not recruitment for employment but a call for volunteer service within the Africa CDC/AU framework that recognizes and rewards experts for their expertise while strengthening public health capacity across Africa.
Main Functions
The Financial Specialist will provide technical expertise to develop and implement financial policies and procedures for National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), strengthening financial operations and governance frameworks.
The specialist will ensure that financial processes align with international best practices and Member State financial regulations.
Specific Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments of existing financial policies and procedures.
- Develop a comprehensive financial management manual for National Public Health Institutes, covering budgeting, accounting, disbursement, and auditing while ensuring compliance with Member State regulations, international best practices, and donor requirements where applicable.
- Ensure compliance with Member State financial regulations and international standards.
- Work with finance teams to institutionalize and strengthen budgeting, reporting, disbursement, and auditing procedures.
- Provide training and capacity building for finance teams.
- Establish and strengthen internal controls to mitigate financial risks, prevent fraud, and enhance transparency and accountability.
- Develop or strengthen financial risk management plans, including internal control systems.
- Engage key stakeholders to promote financial sustainability and accountability.
- Advise senior leadership on strategies to improve financial sustainability, including resource mobilization planning, cost recovery strategies, and donor engagement.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or CFA is an advantage.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in financial management, auditing, or policy development.
- Experience developing and implementing financial systems, policies, and manuals in accordance with national regulations and international best practices is an advantage.
Required Skills
- Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and risk management within the public sector or development contexts.
- Knowledge of public financial management systems in Africa.
- Experience engaging with government agencies and policymakers.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
- Understanding of international accounting and financial reporting standards, including IPSAS and IFRS, and their application in government or donor-funded programmes.
- Ability to conduct financial gap analyses and recommend strategic solutions.
- Strong understanding of public financial policies and compliance frameworks.
- Ability to draft high-quality financial manuals and strategic documents.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and coordination skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, including the flexibility to remain on standby and deploy at short notice.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent knowledge of at least one African Union working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili). Knowledge of two or more additional AU working languages is an added advantage.
Tenure of Appointment
AVoHC Kofi Annan Scholars Team Members will be deployed on an on-call basis in response to requests from Member States.
The duration of deployment will be determined by Africa CDC in consultation with the requesting Member State.
Gender Mainstreaming
Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration
This is a call for AVoHC membership. Successful applicants are not entitled to monetary incentives during membership.
During deployment, selected experts will receive:
- Economy class round-trip air tickets and related travel expenses.
- Health insurance during the deployment period.
- Stipend, communications, incidentals, and risk allowance.
- Accommodation allowance for deployments outside their city of residence.
- Certificate of recognition upon completion of deployment.
Advantages of Becoming an AVoHC Member
As an AVoHC member, you will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in professional development, training, and mentorship.
- Be deployed at the request of Member States to strengthen national institutions.
- Work alongside professionals from all 55 African Union Member States.
- Gain valuable professional and cross-cultural experience while contributing to public health across Africa.
Important Notes
- Applications must be submitted no later than 3 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EAT.
- Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.
- Candidates must submit a fully completed online application, curriculum vitae (CV), African passport, academic qualifications, and any relevant professional certificates.
- Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Candidates from less-represented African Union Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.