Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Job Type: Regular
Job Category: Public Health / Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems
Job Grade: D1
Number of Positions: 1
Req ID: 3098
Closing Date: 26 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EAT
Important Notice to Applicants
Dear Candidates,
Thank you for your interest in the African Union.
Applicants must complete their profiles using the official African Union CV template. Use of this template is mandatory. Download the appropriate template, complete it, and upload it when applying for the position.
- English CV template: Available through the AU recruitment portal.
- French CV template: Available through the AU recruitment portal.
AU Recruitment Team
AU Values
- Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
- Think Africa Above All
- Transparency and Accountability
- Integrity and Impartiality
- Efficiency and Professionalism
- Information and Knowledge Sharing
Organisational Information
- Reports to: Deputy Director General
- Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
- Division: Office of the Deputy Director General
- Number of Direct Reports: Not specified
- Number of Indirect Reports: Not specified
- Contract Type: Regular
- Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Purpose of the Job
The Director of the Center for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems provides strategic leadership and oversight to strengthen laboratory systems and networks across Africa. The role focuses on improving laboratory infrastructure, introducing advanced technologies, and building laboratory capacity to respond to diseases of public health importance.
Main Functions
- Provide strategic direction to Africa CDC and the African Union on continental efforts to strengthen laboratory systems and networks.
- Lead the development and implementation of initiatives to improve laboratory infrastructure and technologies.
- Oversee and coordinate the development of national laboratory strategic plans and policies, including those addressing dangerous pathogens.
- Promote comprehensive laboratory quality management systems, including laboratory accreditation.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programmes and projects designed to strengthen laboratory capacity.
- Lead efforts to improve laboratory systems, standards, biosafety, and networks supporting disease surveillance and clinical care.
- Guide research and laboratory investigations into new or improved diagnostic and preventive tools and technologies.
- Strengthen the capacity of the Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Network (RISLNET) in advanced molecular technologies and surveillance networks.
- Manage strain banks that support diagnostic and vaccine development for emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
- Establish partnerships with public and private sector organisations, professional associations, universities, and research institutions.
- Represent Africa CDC at relevant meetings, conferences, and committees in laboratory science.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee, mentor, and guide the development of peer-reviewed research publications in laboratory science.
- Promote and support innovative laboratory practices that improve patient care and treatment and strengthen disease surveillance.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Oversee the translation of programme needs into research projects and the application of new research findings to improve programmes.
- Coordinate laboratory service delivery in support of Africa CDC emergency response activities, as assigned.
- Maintain communication with key laboratory science stakeholders and encourage collaboration in addressing public health challenges.
- Advocate for the advancement of laboratory diagnostics and systems within the continental public health framework.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
Applicants should meet the following academic and professional requirements:
- An advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in Clinical Laboratory Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- A Master’s degree in Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, or Epidemiology.
- At least fifteen (15) years of experience in laboratory management.
- At least eight (8) years of managerial experience.
- At least five (5) years of supervisory experience.
- A proven record of leadership within public health or scientific research organisations.
- Experience working in international organisations is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme implementation, and research in a laboratory or public health setting.
Essential Experience and Requirements
- Significant experience developing senior-level external relationships and securing high-level advocacy, including building and maintaining strong networks across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Advanced understanding of stakeholder engagement.
- Extensive experience leading, motivating, and managing teams, with the ability to promote high performance, continuous improvement, and innovation.
- A successful track record of working in diverse, complex, fast-paced environments and influencing positive change.
- Strong leadership and strategic management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Proficiency in risk management and organisational resilience.
- Demonstrated capability in resource mobilisation and financial management.
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural environment.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in international affairs within an international organisation.
- Experience working with external partners, funders, and the media.
- Understanding of changing economic, political, and social environments affecting Africa CDC.
- Understanding and analysis of African and global political developments.
- High standards of diplomatic and communication etiquette.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
Required Skills and Competencies
1. Results Orientation
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute at senior leadership, Board, or Council level.
- An entrepreneurial approach and the ability to contribute to strategic planning from a commercial perspective.
- Ability to anticipate future opportunities and challenges and take proactive strategic action.
- Ability to set and achieve comprehensive performance and growth goals.
- Passion for working in developing countries and creating positive change.
2. Leadership
- Ability to inspire confidence and promote the shared values of the African Union and Africa CDC.
- Visible, adaptable, and authentic leadership that builds trust.
- Ability to promote collective leadership and guide teams through major programmes of change.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Personal drive to succeed, develop professionally, and support teams in achieving excellence.
- Strong political and diplomatic skills.
3. Building and Managing Teams
- Ability to direct, coach, and support colleagues throughout the organisation so they can perform at their best.
- Ability to identify and develop emerging talent.
- Ability to create a positive team environment.
- Ability to build team cohesion, develop synergies, and achieve shared goals.
4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- High emotional and social intelligence.
- A collaborative, supportive, calm, and solution-focused approach under pressure.
- Ability to lead others in ways that encourage high performance and engagement.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
5. Relationship Management
- Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
- Credibility and professional standing to influence people within and outside the organisation.
6. Analytical Skills
- Strong conceptual thinking, innovation, and complex problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and make considered, well-informed decisions.
7. Results and Personal Effectiveness
- Strong motivation to achieve success and continuously improve.
- Ability to manage organisational complexity.
- Resilience and the ability to initiate and drive decisions.
- Persistence, adaptability, and a practical approach to getting work done.
- High levels of self-awareness, commitment, and integrity.
- Demonstrated commitment to fairness, inclusion, equality, diversity, and transparency.
- Strong commitment to African Union and Africa CDC values.
Additional Notes
The requirements and responsibilities in this job description do not constitute an employment contract and are not intended to cover every possible duty. The role manager may amend them as necessary during employment.
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a regular-term contract for three (3) years, with the first twelve (12) months serving as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for further two-year periods, subject to satisfactory performance and the achievement of deliverables.
Gender Mainstreaming
The African Union is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in at least one African Union working language—Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish—is required. Fluency in another AU working language will be an added advantage.
Remuneration
The indicative remuneration package includes:
- Basic salary: US$78,138 per annum (D1 Step 1).
- Post adjustment: 46% of the basic salary.
- Housing allowance: US$26,208 per annum.
- Education allowance for internationally recruited staff: 100% of tuition and other eligible education-related expenses, up to a maximum of US$10,000 per child per annum.
- Education allowance for locally recruited staff: Up to US$3,300 per child per annum.
Other applicable entitlements may also be provided.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a fully completed online application, including:
- A completed African Union CV template.
- A valid African passport.
- Relevant academic qualifications, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and any certificates relevant to the area of expertise.
Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.
Countries Encouraged to Apply
Candidates from less represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that match their qualifications and experience.
Less represented countries:
Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Sahrawi Democratic Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Somalia, and Tunisia.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official African Union recruitment portal:
Applicants must complete the online application and upload all required documents, including the mandatory AU CV template.
Closing Date
Applications must be submitted no later than 26 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT).
Only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted.