Quality Assurance Officer at African Union(AU)

Req Id: 2787
Job Grade: P2

Main Functions

• The Quality Assurance Officer will ensure the implementation of quality assurance policies, procedures, and systems to support the effective and efficient operation of the supply chain within Africa CDC.
• The role involves monitoring and evaluating the quality of goods and services procured, stored, and distributed to ensure compliance with international standards, regulations, and Africa CDC guidelines.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality assurance policies, procedures, and standards to uphold product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and supervise quality assurance teams or personnel in conducting inspections, audits, and evaluations of processes, products, and systems.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure quality performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct risk assessments and root cause analyses to address quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Provide guidance and support in the interpretation and application of quality standards and regulations, such as ISO standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve quality documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, validation protocols, and quality reports
• Participate in regulatory inspections, customer audits, and quality-related meetings, and facilitate corrective and preventive actions as necessary.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality systems, processes, and performance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on quality assurance matters, providing training and mentoring to staff as needed.
• Oversee the quality assurance processes from procurement to delivery, ensuring compliance with international standards and Africa CDC requirements.
• Conduct regular quality audits and assessments of suppliers and manufacturers to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Evaluate and approve suppliers based on quality assurance criteria.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure continuous improvement in quality performance.
• Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to help them meet Africa CDC’s quality standards.
• Coordinate and oversee the inspection and testing of supplies to ensure they meet quality specifications.
• Manage the resolution of quality issues, including investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain documentation and records of inspections, tests, and quality control activities.
• Work closely with procurement, logistics, and program teams to ensure seamless integration of quality assurance processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to address quality-related issues and improve supply chain processes.
• Provide training and capacity building on quality assurance to Africa CDC staff and partners.
• Prepare regular reports on quality assurance activities, including findings, trends, and recommendations.
• Analyze quality data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Keep abreast of developments in quality assurance practices and standards to ensure continuous improvement.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in quality assurance within supply chain management, preferably in public health or international development sectors

OR

• Master’s Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in in quality assurance within supply chain management, preferably in public health or international development sector.
• Experience in conducting audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews
• Proven track record in developing and implementing quality assurance systems

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in one of the AU Official working languages (Arabic English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance principles, standards, and practices.
• Proficiency in using quality management software and tools.
• Supply Chain Management: Understanding all aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, logistics, distribution, and demand planning, and effectively managing these functions to ensure seamless operations.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions to address supply chain disruptions, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in a timely manner.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborating effectively with other departments, such as sales, marketing, production, and finance, to align supply chain activities with overall business objectives and ensure a seamless flow of information and materials.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks within the supply chain, such as supplier disruptions, geopolitical issues, natural disasters, and regulatory changes, to ensure continuity of operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Implementing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the supply chain organization, seeking opportunities to enhance processes, adopt best practices, and drive efficiency gains.
• Communication Skills: Communicating effectively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and senior management to convey supply chain strategies, performance metrics, and key initiatives

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Managing Risk....
• Change Management

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Communicating with Influence
• Foster Accountability Culture.
• Learning Orientation

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing:
• Drive for Result
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Tenure of Appointment:

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables. 

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Language:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.