Senior Technical Officer – Diagnostic Products Manufacturing

About the role

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is seeking a Senior Technical Officer to lead the diagnostic products manufacturing component of its Platform for Harmonised African Health Products Manufacturing. Based in Addis Ababa, the officer will support the implementation of the African Diagnostics Manufacturing Strategy, strengthening the continent’s capacity to produce quality‑assured in‑vitro diagnostics, rapid tests and molecular assays.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical and analytical support for the validation of new diagnostic tests and the alignment of manufacturing processes with GMP and QMS standards.
• Lead readiness activities for ISO 13485 certification across local diagnostic manufacturers.
• Coordinate technology‑transfer projects, market‑shaping initiatives and investment partnerships to scale up diagnostic production.
• Develop and deliver capacity‑building programmes for African diagnostic industry stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on progress of strategic interventions, ensuring alignment with Africa CDC’s health security agenda.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in biomedical engineering, microbiology, public health or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in diagnostic product development, manufacturing or regulatory affairs.
• Proven experience working with GMP, QMS and ISO 13485 frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑stakeholder partnerships and lead technical teams.

Required skills

• GMP compliance
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• ISO 13485 certification processes
• Diagnostic test validation (IVD, RDT, molecular and immunological assays)
• Technology transfer and scale‑up of manufacturing