AVoHC Kofi Annan Scholars Program - Procurement Specialist (AfCDC)

The AU Heads of States and Government in Assembly Decision /AU/Dec.570 (XXV) of June 2015, requested the Commission in collaboration with Member States (MS) and Development Partners to establish an African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC) to be deployed during disease outbreaks and other health emergencies. A well-trained, multidisciplinary and stand-by response team should be available and able to respond in the shortest time possible. As of October 2021 (latest available figure), more than 230 AVoHC rapid responders have been deployed across 23 countries to support COVID-19 response activities and other disease outbreaks including Ebola Virus Disease, Cholera, Measles and Meningitis from the African Volunteer Health Corps Roster. Visionary and principled leadership is critical for Africa to implement a new public health order necessary to truly safeguard the African Continent from a myriad of threats to health and economic security. This leadership is even more essential considering the complex interplay of globalization, health security, trade protectionism, and health diplomacy, which overlay the burden of disease and the emergence of new health threats like COVID-19. Furthermore, this leadership is critical to the timely and sustainable achievement of Africa's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In view of this urgent need for transformational public health leadership across the continent, the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program (KA-GHLP) was launched on 25 May 2020 by Africa CDC in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Kofi Annan Foundation, as a flagship initiative of Africa CDC. The KA-GHLP has three key components: (1) A Fellowship in Public Health Leadership, (2) a Public Health Scholars Program, and (3) a Public Health Policy Forum. The Kofi Annan Scholars Program (PHSP) aims to place experienced public health experts (from within Africa or the African Diaspora) in time-limited placements within relevant government ministries, National Public Health Institutes, and other significant national health institutions to provide targeted support. In addition, by attracting African diaspora professionals to participate in this program, it provides an opportunity to tap into additional skill sets while encouraging engagement from the diaspora, which has been officially recognized as the sixth region of the African Union since 2012. The Africa CDC, therefore, seeks to recruit Procurement Specialists from citizens of any Member State of the African Union or the African Diaspora to join the roster of the African Volunteers Health Corps as part of the Kofi Annan Scholars program. This is not recruitment for employment but volunteer services delivered within the Africa CDC/AU framework that recognizes and rewards the experts for their time and skills under the existing rules, regulations and enumeration guidelines. The overarching principle is to deliver high-quality specific deliverables and build capacity while giving back to Africa. Main Functions The Procurement Specialist will serve as a technical advisor embedded within key national institutions, working to improve procurement systems, governance, and institutional efficiency. The Specialist will guide the development of policies, manuals, and capacity-building strategies, while supporting Africa CDC's broader vision, including pooled procurement and local manufacturing under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Specific Responsibilities Lead diagnostic reviews of existing procurement frameworks, identifying systemic gaps and opportunities for reform. Develop or update comprehensive procurement manuals aligned with national and AU regulations. Facilitate adherence to both Member State procurement laws and international procurement standards. Analyze procurement trends (e.g., vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics), identify challenges, and conduct SWOT analyses to guide national strategies. Support efforts to design or optimize pooled procurement mechanisms, aligned with Africa CDC's strategy and AfCFTA commitments. Deliver targeted capacity-building workshops for procurement and finance teams. Introduce contract negotiation, supplier evaluation, and risk mitigation practices into daily operations. Establish internal controls, procurement KPIs, and performance monitoring tools. Engage stakeholders across government and development partners to promote transparency and accountability. Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience Master's or Doctoral degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field. Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent is highly desirable. Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, or policy development. Demonstrated experience in procurement planning, evaluation, and supplier management. Familiarity with public procurement regulations and institutional reform processes in Africa. Prior experience collaborating with ministries, government agencies, and policy- makers. Excellent writing, reporting, and communication skills. Required Skills Functional Skills Proven ability to conduct procurement gap analysis and lead strategic planning. Advanced knowledge of AU and international procurement standards. Capacity to draft high-quality procurement manuals and regulatory frameworks. Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement abilities. Personal Abilities Resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to work autonomously while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Demonstrated experience in multicultural and multidisciplinary settings. Language Requirement: Proficiency in at least one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili). Knowledge of two or more additional AU working languages is an asset.