Principal Technical Officer, Emergency Preparedness

About this role

Africa CDC is recruiting a Principal Technical Officer to lead emergency preparedness and response for Ebola and Bundibugyo virus disease in Tanzania. Based in the Emergency Preparedness and Response Division and reporting to the Country Director, Cross Border Country Lead, the postholder provides technical leadership and operational oversight in the assigned country. The officer supports national preparedness and response plans, operational readiness, field coordination, surveillance, rapid response, and community engagement. Core duties include coordinating preparedness assessments, readiness reviews, contingency planning, drills, and after-action reviews.

The officer helps supervise rapid response deployments, monitors field performance, and supports emergency response activation with national authorities, Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, partners, and frontline responders. The post also supports integrated and community-based surveillance, case investigation, contact tracing, alert management, risk assessment, and digital tools. Additional duties cover risk communication, community engagement, infection prevention and control, safe burials, partner coordination, reporting, and knowledge management. Candidates need a bachelor's or master's degree in public health, epidemiology, medicine, emergency management, health security, nursing, or a related field.

The source requires at least 10 years of experience with a master's degree, or 12 years with a bachelor's degree, including six years at expert level and three years supervising staff. Required experience includes Ebola or viral haemorrhagic fever outbreak response; surveillance; emergency operations; field coordination; health emergency management; and work with government, UN agencies, NGOs, and development partners. Experience in fragile settings is desirable. Proficiency in one AU working language is mandatory, and another AU language is an advantage.

The appointment is a full-time 11-month contract with three-month probation and possible renewal subject to funding and performance. The duty station is Tanzania, with frequent travel to Ebola-affected areas, high-risk districts, border locations, and coordination meetings. The source lists a monthly P4 Step 5 salary inclusive of all allowances. Applications must be submitted online by November 11, 2026.