About the opportunity
The Africa CDC Laboratory Leadership Fellowship (LLF) Track is a 12-month structured program designed to build the capacity of mid-level professionals to control, prevent, detect, and respond to disease threats and outbreaks. The program combines three months of in-person workshops and nine months of applied learning in a site hosted by an African Union Member State, incorporating virtual learning, mentorship, and practical outbreak response assignments and capstone projects. Fellows develop competencies across eight leadership domains to strengthen national and regional laboratory systems.
Funding and benefits
- All learning and development materials provided.
- Coverage of all costs associated with the fellowship, including travel-related costs.
- Stipends.
- Hardware and software.
- Health insurance.
Who can apply?
- Citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Under the age of 35 (as defined by the African Union).
- Currently employed in an African country with written permission from a government institution to attend the training and a guarantee to return to employment post-training.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in laboratory sciences or laboratory-related fields from an accredited university.
- Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience for bachelor's degree holders or 3 years for master's degree holders after graduation in an African country.
- Experience in a mid- to senior-level laboratory leadership or management position in human, animal, or environmental health at the national level.
- Prior training in laboratory quality management systems.
- 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 scanned copies of certificates and transcripts for acquired degrees (bachelor's and master's).
- Evidence of additional relevant qualifications in Quality Management Systems.
- Curriculum vitae using the AU template (maximum 2 pages).
- Motivation statement (maximum 500 words) outlining program fit, professional development, and expected impact on home country public health.
When to apply
- Application Deadline: 26 August 2026
- Programme Start Date: January 2027
How to apply
- Complete your profile using the mandatory African Union CV template.
- Upload all required supporting documents to the online portal.
- Submit the application online.
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…
- Mid-level laboratory professionals with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Individuals with prior training in laboratory quality management systems.
- Professionals currently working in human, animal, or environmental health at the national level.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires written permission from a government institution to participate and a guarantee of re-employment.
- The program involves a 12-month commitment with three months of in-person workshops.
- Candidates must be under 35 years of age to qualify under the AU definition.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 12-month fellowship is a strategic move for laboratory managers aiming to transition into senior leadership roles. It offers a blend of mentorship and practical outbreak response experience, perfect for those seeking to strengthen national laboratory systems and gain regional influence.
Our take
This is an excellent fit for mid-level laboratory leaders who are ready to commit to a year of intensive training and have the full backing of their home government institution.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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