Organization Information

Reports to: Director, Science and Innovation
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Science and Innovation
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade:P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Purpose of Job

The Senior Science Officer CPHIA  will work primarily on the International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) which is the annual scientific conference of the Africa CDC. This annual scientific conference provides a unique African-led platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science and align on a way forward for creating more resilient health systems in Africa. Each year, CPHIA will be co-hosted by a selected African Union Member State.

Main Functions

•    Under the guidance of the CPHIA Co-Chairs and Africa CDC Senior Leadership, coordinate the CPHIA Secretariat activities including the planning and implementation of the conference each year
•    Support the activities of the CPHIA Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) throughout each year
•    Ensure the scientific relevance of CPHIA each year, as well as production and publication of the conference report and abstract book each year
•    Publish relevant manuscripts and articles relating to the conference
•    Support and facilitate the publication of accepted conference abstracts as full manuscripts in the Journal of Public Health in Africa (or other scientific journals)
•    Assist in drafting reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Directorate of Science and Innovation

Specific Responsibilities

•    Coordinate with the CPHIA Host Country each year, as well with the event planners hired to support the conference
•    Coordinate the work of various conference workstreams including – scientific programme, abstracts, side events, exhibitions, communications and media
•    Manage assigned aspects of the conference planning, meeting strict deadlines and ensuring compliance with allocated budget
•    Nurture and build relationships with partners, vendors, venues, and other industry contacts while crafting and implementing the creative and logistical aspects of the conference
•    Remain current (or ahead of the curve) with trends in large convenings, design, and production, and proactively identify and solve operational challenges
•    Establish standard operating procedures and train staff to execute them
•    Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Master’s  or Bachelor Degree with seven (7) and ten (10) years relevant work experience in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Health Science, Health-services Research or related health discipline.
•    PhD in any of the above or related field would be an added advantage
•    Professional work experience in research and development of a wide range of communication materials for the health and development sectors.
•    Proven experience with managing large convenings with a focus on science and/or public health.

Required Skills

– Excellent organizational skills, including multitasking, time management, and attention to detail
– Excellent writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for detail, accuracy, and consistency.
– Strong knowledge of the subject matter, industry trends, and best practices.
– Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
– Leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
– Creativity and innovation, with the ability to generate new ideas and approaches.
– Experience in building and maintaining positive business relationships

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies