About the opportunity
The Africa Epidemic Services (AES) – Epidemiology track is a full-time, two-year competency-based applied epidemiology training program designed to strengthen disease prevention and response capacity across African Union Member States. The program consists of three months of in-person didactic training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, followed by 21 months of applied training at a site hosted by an AU Member State. Fellows participate in Core Activities of Learning (CALs), such as data analysis, surveillance system evaluation, and outbreak investigation, under the guidance of expert supervisors and mentors.
Funding and benefits
- Coverage of all learning and development materials.
- Travel-related costs.
- Stipends.
- Hardware and software.
- Health insurance.
Who can apply?
- Citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Youth as defined by the African Union (under the age of 35).
- Currently employed in an African country with permission from the employing government institution to attend the training and a guarantee to return to employment post-training.
- Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited university in one health or related fields (e.g., human medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, public health) or other doctoral-level training.
- Satisfactory completion of coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and quantitative research methods.
- At least three years of recent full-time public health post-graduate experience in an African country.
- Ability to read and prepare technical medical and epidemiological communication materials (e.g., scientific publications, conference presentations).
- Proficiency in at least one official AU language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili).
- Advanced FETP Fellows and Graduates are not eligible to apply.
Required documents
- National passport from an African Union Member State.
- Official letter of support and permission from a government institution to attend the training with the right to return post-training.
- Letters of recommendation from two reputable professional referees.
- Official copy of degree certificate and transcripts for bachelor's or master's degree.
- Curriculum vitae using the mandatory AU template.
- Motivation statement (maximum 500 words) explaining program fit and expected impact on the home country.
- Optional: Evidence of additional relevant qualifications.
When to apply
- Application Deadline: 26 August 2026
- Programme Start Date: October 2026
How to apply
- Complete your profile using the mandatory African Union CV template.
- Submit the application via the online application form on the AU jobs portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents to the online portal.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Public health professionals under 35 with a background in medicine, nursing, or environmental sciences.
- Individuals with at least three years of recent full-time public health experience in an African country.
- Candidates with strong quantitative skills in epidemiology and biostatistics.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires a formal guarantee from your current government employer to return after the two-year program.
- The program begins with three months of in-person training in Addis Ababa, followed by 21 months of field work.
- Advanced FETP graduates are not eligible to apply for this specific track.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is a premier opportunity for those aiming to become leaders in applied epidemiology. It provides the necessary didactic and field-based training to conduct complex outbreak investigations and surveillance, directly supporting the career goal of improving disease prevention across the continent.
Our take
An ideal choice for young public health professionals who are committed to field-based epidemiology and have the necessary institutional support to undertake a two-year, fully-funded fellowship.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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