Mission description:

The training sessions will take place in Cape Town.

As the training coordinator of the mRNA vaccine hub, the expert will:

• Take part to the training of the spokes;
• Coordinate and oversee the training;
• Assess the specific needs of each spoke and assist in programming the trainings accordingly;
• Drafting the training manuals;
• Ensure that trainings are in compliance with regulatory requirements;
• Draft the proceedings of each training session.

Additionally, the expert will assist Afrigen with administrative requirements, such as visa applications, and logistics, such as travel and accommodation arrangements.

Project description:

Supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), the project is aiming at establishing a hub of production of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. The hub is localised in Afrigen, a biotechnology company established in Cape Town, Western Cape province, South Africa. The hub will subsequently transfer the technology to global spokes.

The South-African consortium implementing the programme is composed of :

• Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines, a biotechnology company, which will establish the technology
• Biovac Institute, a specialist vaccines company, which will be the first spoke
• South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is the pillar of R&D, and is coordinating a network of collaborating research centers:
• the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University
• the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
  University of Cape Town ;
• Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research ;
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ;
• North West University/ DSI Pre-Clinical Drug Development Platform.

The SA consortium is supported by the Department of Science and Innovation, as well as the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Management structure:

The expert will work daily with Afrigen leadership:

• mRNA Hub Director
• Managing Director
• mRNA Project Manager & Technical Training Manager
• Admin & Finance Department

The ETI will report to the Counsellor for Global Health at the French Embassy in Pretoria, regularly, at least twice a month.

And she/he will work closely with the SAMRC and other experts at WHO and MPP involved in the mRNA hub programme.

Description of the hosting facilities

The expert will have her/his office fully equiped with informatics, at the South African Medical Research Council (https://www.samrc.ac.za/) head quarters but most of the training will take place at Afrigen (https://www.afrigen.co.za/).

Required profile
Diploma: Ph.D in Biological Science or Health Science, Master possible depending on professional experience

Professional and knowledge experiences:
-Molecular Biology, sequencing
-Cellular Biology
-Minimun 5 years of experience of laboratory practice in molecular and cellular biology
-Proficient in oral presentation, in French and in English
-Knowledge of vaccine manufacturing is an asset.

Specific skills:
-Capacity to carry out projects in a multicultural environnement, experience of position abroad
-Drafting skills
-Capacity for analysis and synthesis
-Good sense of organisation and anticipation
-Decision-making and management skills
-Knowledge of the African continent is an asset

General skills:
-Mandatory fluent in oral and written communication in French and in English
-Organised, methodical, autonomous
-Good interpersonal skill and team spirit.

Additional information

• Duration of the assignment: 2 years
• Type of contract: private law employment contract (public officials will be seconded to Expertise France for the duration of the assignment)
• Compensation established according to Expertise France’s compensation policy
• Documents to be provided in English and French:
  CV;
  Cover letter;

Candidates interested in this opportunity are invited submit their file as soon as possible, Expertise France reserving the right to stablish a shortlist before this date.

Deadline for application : 3 April 2022 23:59

Apply here: https://expertise-france.gestmax.fr/7559/1/zaf-samrc-afrigen-2022-h-f/en_US

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash