The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from distinguished African leaders, technical experts, policymakers, advocates, and public health professionals to serve on the newly established Continental Immunization Advisory Council (CIAC).

The Council is a high-level strategic advisory platform that will guide and accelerate the implementation of the Africa CDC Continental Immunization Strategy (CIS) 2026–2030, helping strengthen immunization systems, improve health security, and expand equitable access to life-saving vaccines across the African continent.

Individuals with demonstrated leadership, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to advancing immunization in Africa are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 21 July 2026

About the Continental Immunization Advisory Council (CIAC)

The Continental Immunization Advisory Council (CIAC) is a strategic, action-oriented body established by Africa CDC to provide independent, high-level guidance on continental immunization priorities.

The Council will support the implementation of the Continental Immunization Strategy (2026–2030), which recognizes immunization as a cornerstone of:

• Strong primary health care systems
• Epidemic preparedness
• Health security
• Health equity
• Sustainable development
• Human capital development

By bringing together influential leaders from across Africa, the Council aims to strengthen political commitment, improve financing, foster accountability, and accelerate immunization coverage throughout the continent.

Role of CIAC Members

Members will serve as senior strategic advisors and advocates, helping Africa CDC identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and promote sustainable solutions for immunization systems.

Council members will:

• Provide strategic advice on immunization priorities across Africa.
• Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and implementation bottlenecks.
• Champion immunization within primary health care and health security agendas.
• Advocate for sustainable domestic financing for immunization programmes.
• Promote stronger coordination among governments and development partners.
• Participate in policy dialogues and technical consultations.
• Join targeted working groups when needed.
• Support accountability by reviewing progress and recommending actions.
• Use their professional influence and networks to advance continental immunization priorities.

Expertise Africa CDC Is Looking For

Africa CDC seeks a diverse and balanced Council composed of leaders with recognized expertise and influence in areas critical to improving immunization outcomes.

Ideal candidates may have experience in:

Political and Policy Leadership

• Government leadership
• Parliamentary affairs
• Diplomacy
• Public policy development

Public Health Leadership

• Immunization programmes
• Primary health care
• Health security
• Health systems strengthening

Technical Immunization Expertise

• Vaccine-preventable diseases
• Immunization policy
• Zero-dose and under-immunized populations
• Outbreak prevention and response
• Life-course vaccination

Health Financing

• Public finance
• Domestic resource mobilization
• Health budgeting
• Innovative financing
• Investment case development
• Sustainable financing for health

Community Engagement

• Civil society leadership
• Community mobilization
• Risk communication
• Demand generation
• Youth engagement
• Gender equity
• Reaching underserved populations

Implementation Experience

Candidates with experience working in:

• Fragile settings
• Conflict-affected regions
• Humanitarian contexts
• Cross-border health programmes
• Urban poor communities
• Remote and hard-to-reach populations

are particularly encouraged to apply.

Membership Term

Selected members will serve:

• Initial term: Two years (2026–2028)
• Eligible for one additional two-year renewal based on:
  • Continued relevance of expertise
  • Active participation
  • Commitment to the Council’s work
  • Need for continuity and balanced membership

Expected Time Commitment

The Council has been designed to accommodate busy senior leaders while ensuring meaningful engagement.

Members should expect to contribute approximately three to five days each year, including:

• Two formal Council meetings annually:
  • One virtual meeting
  • One in-person meeting
• Reviewing background materials
• Providing written or verbal advice
• Participating in occasional consultations or working groups

The in-person meeting may be held alongside the Continental Immunization Forum or another major continental event.

What Members Will Contribute

CIAC members will help shape Africa’s immunization agenda by contributing:

• Strategic guidance on continental priorities
• Leadership in solving implementation challenges
• Advocacy to keep immunization high on political agendas
• Recommendations on sustainable financing
• Advice on reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children
• Support for integrating immunization into primary health care
• Oversight through progress reviews and accountability mechanisms
• Strategic influence through professional and institutional networks

Application Requirements

Interested individuals should submit an Expression of Interest package containing:

• A brief biography
• A letter of interest describing:
  • Relevant experience
  • Professional expertise
  • Motivation for serving on the Council
  • Specific contributions they would make to advancing immunization across Africa

Africa CDC emphasizes that applicants should possess a strong sense of urgency and commitment to improving immunization outcomes on the continent.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Leadership profile
• Technical expertise
• Professional experience
• Regional representation
• Gender balance
• Overall composition needed for an effective and representative Council

Africa CDC aims to establish a diverse, influential, and action-oriented advisory body capable of advancing immunization across all regions of Africa.

Why You Should Apply

Serving on the Continental Immunization Advisory Council offers an opportunity to influence the future of immunization policy across Africa.

Members will help shape continental strategies, strengthen health systems, improve vaccine equity, and contribute to protecting millions of lives through stronger immunization programmes.

If you are an experienced leader or expert committed to advancing public health and immunization in Africa, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact at the continental level.

Apply Here 

For more information on this opportunity, visit here

Discover more global opportunities on OFY, click here