Associate, Africa CDC

Job Introduction

TBI is supporting the Africa Centres for Diseases Control (Africa CDC) on a new project to respond more effectively to public health issues and pandemics. This is focused on improving the capacity of the Africa CDC and its staff to deliver on their mandates and duties.

Following the onset of the coronavirus crisis, the public health agenda has never been more important, and the Africa CDC will continue to play a crucial role in the delivery of improved public health outcomes in Africa and within the wider global health architecture. This programme will focus on providing advice and support to Africa CDC as it develops its five-year strategic plan, building on institutional learnings, and to ensure that there are the right systems and structures to be able to deliver its mandate.

The Africa CDC Associate will provide overall support to the ACDC Lead Advisor Africa CDC and Delivery Advisors for the delivery of this project.

This is a one-year fixed term role, with potential to extend for a further year. For candidates currently residing outside of Addis Ababa, we will provide relocation support

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

• Collect relevant data from a variety of sources, analyse/contribute to sector strategies and/or policy studies.  Reliability on data collection and triangulation will be necessary, with emphasis on attention to detail
• Assist, and at times lead, preparation of brief analysis to support reform strategies
• Provide input into write ups and power point presentations including presenting our findings and recommendations to government counterparts
• Prepare a workplan to deliver on the workstream objectives as agreed with the Delivery Advisor and the Lead Advisor and communicate regular progress updates
• Act as primary liaison for Africa CDC counterparts and other partners
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with all counterparts and key stakeholders (donors/consultants)

Institutional Building and Implementation

• Provide basic training and capacity building activities to stakeholders and staff of Africa CDC
• Develop new guidelines and templates to support implementation of new strategy plan and internal policies and to institutionalize improved systems, methods, and processes
• Support the creation of a problem-solving culture, to bridge implementation gaps and accelerate strengthening of institutions

Other internal TBI responsibilities

• Actively participate and collaborate in internal team building activities and learning initiatives to enhance coordination and continuous improvement for our impact in Ethiopia
• Occasionally assist Country Head or other workstreams with short assignments related to unanticipated government requirements 

Person Specification

• Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience in a relevant field: economics, public policy, management consulting, international development, health systems strengthening, etc.
• Ability to work collaboratively with in a team, showing high flexibility as priorities change and support areas are revised according to client needs
• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills
• Excellent relationship building skills
• An ability to deliver results in complex and challenging environments, to learn fast and go the extra mile.  You must be able to operate in a highly political environment.
• An ability to communicate fluently in English.  It would be desirable to have a working knowledge of an additional African Union official language (Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese)
• Self-starter, motivated and proactive with solutions
• Good knowledge and application of Microsoft Office products Word, Excel and PPT and other relevant software and tools (e.g. think cell)

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Advisory Practice works directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It has both non-profit partners and a client base and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia. We are currently in a rapid expansion phase from c. 18 countries at present, to 30 by December 2022.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.