Public health professionals across Africa and the African diaspora can now apply for the Africa CDC Kofi Annan Scholars Program – Strategy Development Expert role under the African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC).

This prestigious opportunity deploys experienced experts to support national public health systems, strategic planning, and health policy development across Africa.

The programme contributes to Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty agenda, strengthening the continent’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.

Key Details

Organization: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Programme: Kofi Annan Scholars Program – African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC)
Role: Strategy Development Expert
Number of Positions: 20
Deployment Type: On-call expert roster
Contract Type: Volunteer roster with paid deployments
Location: Deployments across African Union Member States
Application Deadline: 2 April 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)

Successful applicants will join a roster of Strategy Development Experts who may be deployed to support Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), and public health institutions across Africa.

About the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program

The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program (KA-GHLP) was launched by the African Union Commission and Africa CDC in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation.

The initiative aims to build a new generation of African public health leaders capable of strengthening health systems and improving pandemic preparedness across the continent.

The program includes three main components:

• Public Health Leadership Fellowship
• Public Health Scholars Program
• Public Health Policy Forum

The Kofi Annan Scholars Program specifically deploys experienced professionals into time-bound technical assignments to strengthen national health systems.

Role of the Strategy Development Expert

Strategy Development Experts will support governments and public health institutions in designing and implementing evidence-based health strategies and institutional frameworks.

These assignments may involve developing:

• National public health workforce strategies
• Institutional development plans
• Health system strengthening frameworks
• Emergency preparedness and response strategies

Experts will also ensure alignment with Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order and national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Selected experts will:

• Conduct situational analyses and capability assessments
• Identify policy and operational gaps in public health systems
• Draft national strategies and institutional plans
• Facilitate strategic planning consultations and stakeholder workshops
• Develop implementation roadmaps and monitoring frameworks
• Produce technical reports, policy briefs, and planning guidance
• Support resource mobilization and partner coordination
• Design monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a:

• Master’s or PhD in Public Health
• Health Policy
• Health Systems Management
• Strategic Planning or related field

Professional Experience

Applicants should have:

• At least 7 years of experience in strategic planning or public health policy
• Experience working with Ministries of Health, NPHIs, or development partners
• Demonstrated ability to develop national strategies or institutional frameworks
• Knowledge of African health systems and policy environments

Experience with Africa CDC initiatives or African Union frameworks such as Agenda 2063 is an advantage.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Policy analysis and strategic planning
• Institutional development and system strengthening
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
• Strategic writing and policy communication

Personal Competencies

• Adaptability in complex environments
• Strong cultural awareness and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Commitment to service and impact

Language Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in at least one African Union working language:

• English
• French
• Arabic
• Portuguese
• Spanish
• Swahili

Knowledge of multiple AU languages is an advantage.

Benefits of Joining the AVoHC Roster

Although membership in the African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC) does not provide payment during the roster period, experts receive benefits during deployments.

During Deployment

• Round-trip travel tickets
• Health insurance
• Stipend and allowances
• Accommodation allowance (when applicable)
• Communications and incidentals support
• Certificate of recognition

Additional Opportunities

• Professional development training
• Mentorship opportunities
• Networking with experts from 55 African Union member states
• Participation in high-impact public health initiatives across Africa

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Completed African Union CV Template
• Updated CV
• Copy of African passport
• Academic certificates and qualifications

Only fully completed applications will be considered.

Application Deadline

2 April 2026, 11:59 PM EAT

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Gender Equality and Inclusion

Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates from underrepresented African Union member states are also encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official African Union recruitment portal:

APPLY HERE 

 

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