Job Description

The African Union Development Agency invites applicants who are citizens of African Union Member States for the post of Programme Officer - Vigilance Technology Systems African Union Smart Safety Surveillance (AU-3S).


Under the supervision of the Principal Programme Officer - Technology Strategy, the Programme Officer, Vigilance Technology Systems will be responsible for providing technical support to AU-3S participating countries in building and strengthening their existing and new vigilance technology systems. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in establishing the AfriVigilance system, a continental safety surveillance platform, while also providing ongoing technical support for existing data integration, signal detection, and reporting systems.

Required Skills and Competencies

Proficient in end-to-end safety surveillance systems for medical products, including data collection, analysis, signal management, benefit/risk assessment, and safety communication

Experience in supporting national and global vigilance technology systems, including Med Safety Suite, WHO VigiFlow, VigiLyze, VigiAccess, VigiBase, and other pharmacovigilance platforms

Expertise in developing, customizing, and optimizing pharmacovigilance (PV) systems and databases using modern programming languages such as Python, Java, R, SQL and JavaScript.

Strong knowledge of web development frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, AngularJS) for building user-friendly interfaces for PV data management platforms

Proficiency in scripting and automation tools (e.g., Bash, PowerShell) to streamline data integration, reporting, and system maintenance tasks

Advanced skills in implementing APIs and middleware to enable seamless data exchange between PV systems and national/regional/global databases, ensuring interoperability and compliance with international standards (e.g., ICH E2B)

Experience in deploying machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) models to enhance signal detection, adverse event (AE) classification, and trend analysis

Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for hosting and scaling pharmacovigilance technology solutions

Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle) to design and manage relational and non-relational databases for PV systems.

Expertise in version control systems like Git and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure efficient collaboration and system updates

Ability to write clean, well-documented, and testable code that adheres to industry best practices for safety-critical systems

Expertise in applying MedDRA and WHO-Drug dictionaries for coding, reporting, analyzing, and communicating regulatory information, including the use of Standardized MedDRA Queries (SMQs)

Proficiency in systems programming and administration to support signal detection, including regular reviews of adverse event (AE) listings and data mining techniques.

Knowledge in AI/ML workflow processes

Knowledge in data governance, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies related to data privacy, security, and quality across systems deployed across different environments

Experience in cybersecurity, particularly in securing pharmacovigilance systems and ensuring the protection of sensitive health data against unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats

Proven experience in database design and development within pharmacovigilance-wide practices at national or regional regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical companies, public health programs, or research institutions

Skilled in developing and delivering presentations and training on drug safety technology topics for professional conferences and workshops.

Demonstrates self-motivation, the ability to take initiative, sound judgment, and minimal supervision in a dynamic environment

Skilled in managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines while collaborating with diverse individuals and institutions

Upholds the highest standards of integrity, maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of work

Proven ability to work effectively in multi-cultural and multi-national environments.

Education and Experience

:

A Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information and Communication Technology, Information Management Systems, Mathematics, Computer and/or Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Bioinformatics, or a related field, with two (2) years of progressive professional experience in science-based, technology-driven, or research-focused organizations, as well as public sector institutions or similar organizations at the national, regional, or continental level.


Experience in a supervisory role is an added advantage.


Or


A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information and Communication Technology, Information Management Systems, Mathematics, Computer and/or Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Bioinformatics or a related field, with five (5) years of progressive professional experience in science-based, technology-driven, or research-focused organizations, as well as public sector institutions or similar organizations at the national, regional, or continental level, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory Level.

Application

:

To apply, please submit the following:


A motivation letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency.

A detailed and updated curriculum vitae (CV), not exceeding five (5) pages and indicating your nationality, age and gender.

Three (3) referees with good knowledge of the candidate's work, furnishing full contact details, telephone, fax and e-mail addresses.

Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

Remuneration:

Indicative basic salary of US$35,044.83 per annum plus other entitlements e.g., Post Adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($21,832.88 per annum), gratuity (15% of gross salary) in conformity with the rules and procedures applicable to internationally recruited staff of the African Union.

Applications

must be received no later than

Monday, 14 April 2025

.

Click below to register and apply:

https://e-recruitment.nepad.org:44310/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_startpage_ext_cand

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

.

If you face challenges during profile creation or application, log your problem to

audahiring@nepad.org