Consultant-technical Committees, Standards Development, Knowledge and Project Management (Avaref Program)
Organizational Context
AVAREF (AdVancing ClinicAl TRials Excellence in AFrica) is a WHO-established network of National Regulatory Authorities and Ethics Committees focused on capacity building. It aims to enhance vaccine research and development through excellence in clinical trials. The AVAREF Secretariat, within the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Programme, coordinates activities, provides technical assistance, and manages partnerships. AVAREF is transforming into a WHO-AFRO Programme to adapt to a competitive environment and funding changes.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to support the AVAREF Programme in delivering its workplan and advancing critical deliverables. This involves managing and coordinating expert working groups, developing and finalizing guidelines for clinical trials, and supporting programme operations. The role contributes to strengthening regulatory capacities in Africa, facilitating research and development, and establishing new networks for R&D, vaccine manufacturers, and clinical trial sites. It also involves data collection, analysis, reporting, and knowledge translation to enhance the clinical trial ecosystem across the region.
Responsibilities
Manage and coordinate AVAREF Expert Working Groups for studies such as Challenge Human Infection Model and Snakebite Antivenoms. Consolidate, review, and update draft guidelines for clinical trials, including those for CHIM studies and snakebite antivenoms, and revise guidelines for trials during public health emergencies. Support AVAREF Programme operations by designing, deploying, collecting, and analyzing data from ecosystem surveys, and establishing links with focal points in WHO Country Offices and reliance networks. Track and report on performance indicators to produce state of the ecosystem reports. Provide project management support for the annual workplan and deliverables. Organize and support technical workshops, virtual trainings, and convenings, with a focus on Francophone member countries. Establish new networks for Research and Development, Vaccine Manufacturers, and Clinical Trial Sites, leveraging the existing reliance network. Maintain and support the AVAREF website and social media presence with regular updates and contribute to the development of an Internal Communications and Media Strategy.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 5 years of combined experience in a regulatory agency, clinical research, laboratory environment, or research institution. Experience in policy development within a science-based organization or regulatory agency is required. Proven skills in results communication, ability to work in a team under tight deadlines and in a multicultural environment, and confirmed experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders are essential. Experience working in Africa or low-to-middle income countries, as well as in advanced economies, is also required.
Skills
Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Excellent knowledge of data collection tools, statistical packages, communication packages, and Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), XML. Knowledge of project management software. Ability to work internationally, including in Africa and developed economies. Excellent knowledge of English and French.