The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative was launched by the Africa CDC in April 2019 with the aim of strengthening the African Union (AU) Member States’ biosafety and biosecurity systems and enabling them to comply with national and international requirements for biosafety and biosecurity including the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 and the multi-country Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). The World Health Organization (WHO) Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and the Global Health Security Index report confirmed the known capacity gaps in biosafety and biosecurity among Africa Union Member (AU).

The regional consultations by Africa CDC conducted between 2019-2021 highlighted the deficiency or limited availability of standardized and regionally recognized training programs in the continent, limiting biosafety and biosecurity capacity building efforts in the region. In response, Africa CDC working with AU Member States developed a home grown, implementable and accessible professional training and certification program that is both recognized and endorsed by AU Member States.

The Regional Training and Certification Program for Biosafety and Biosecurity Professionals (RTCP-BBP) has four (4) areas of specialisation, namely:

1. Biorisk Management (BRM);
2. Biological Waste Management (BWM);
3. Management and Maintenance of Facilities Handling High Risk Pathogens (Biocontainment Engineering);
4. Selection, Installation, Maintenance and Certification of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC Certification);

The RTCP-BBP is based on a proficiency matrix intended for use as a guide in assessing individuals’ competencies relative to the programs’ four (4) areas of specialisation above. There are three (3) levels of certification, Level 1, 2 and 3 as described in the Regional Training and Certification Program for Biosafety and Biosecurity Program (RTCP-BBP). Figures 1 and 2 below illustrate the BRM/BWM/Biocontainment Engineering and BSC Certification Proficiency Levels and Progression Processes respectively.

• The certified experts shall be accountable to Africa CDC and the RTCP-BBP Examination and Certification Committee (ECC);

Interested candidates who meet the criteria should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) electronically with the following details:

1. Background on the Applicant’s qualifications and experience. Supported by an indication how these qualifications and experience relate to the proposed roles and responsibilities of either Level I, II or III as specified under the RTCP-BBP;
2. Capability Statement. The Capability Statement is a description of the Applicant’s work history and/or experience in the area of specialization of (i) Biorisk Management; (ii) Biological Waste management, (iii) Management and Maintenance of High Containment Facilities, (iv) Selection, Installation, Maintenance and Certification of Biological Safety Cabinets. This should include but is not limited to, a narrative description of the work done, how it was done and the results. There should be a clear connection on how this is related to the proficiencies of the certification level being applied for.

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);

1. Letters from at least three (3) current (not older than three years) and contactable references with their contact information (e-mail and mobile number);
2. Electronic copies of all the original relevant degrees, diplomas, professional registration certifications/confirmations and in-service training certificates;

• To proceed with your application, please complete the form below before 10^th of April 2026 (11:59 pm East African Time);
• . Ensure all fields are properly filled and all required documents are attached. Once you have verified the information and attachments, click the “SUBMIT” button to finalize your submission.

The ECC will evaluate the applications based on preset standards relevant to the specific roles, responsibilities, training and experience stated in this request for EOI. An evaluation matrix with assigned weighted numerical scoring values will be used to rate each applicant.

The ECCs decision is final, and it reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to enter into discussions with one (1) or more respondents in order to obtain clarifications and/ or additional details.