AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA

PAN AFRICAN VETERINARY VACCINE CENTRE
CENTRE PANAFRICAIN DES VACCINS VETERINAIRES

AU-PANVAC

Debre Zeit, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 1746 Telephone : 251 11 433 8001 Fax : 251 11 433 8844

E-mail: [email protected]

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

SERVICE PROVISION

LABORATORY EXPERT: MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIST &

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MONITOR

AU-PANVAC/LIPC/005.25

Date: October 2025

AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA

PAN AFRICAN VETERINARY VACCINE CENTRE
CENTRE PANAFRICAIN DES VACCINS VETERINAIRES

AU-PANVAC

Debre Zeit, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 1746 Telephone : 251 11 433 8001 Fax : 251 11 433 8844

E-mail: [email protected]

TERMS OF REFERENCE
SERVICE PROVISION

LABORATORY SCIENTIST MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

1. Background
The livestock sector in has consistently played a major role in poverty reduction
and food security and is considered as one of the main contributors towards the
attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
However, the persistence of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases has continued to be
a major constraint to the livestock sector by limiting productivity, access to
markets, and impacting negatively on the livelihoods and resilience of the rural
poor who depend on them.
The African Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC) is the AU
technical Centre responsible for "promoting the availability of safe, effective and
affordable veterinary vaccines in Africa.
In the implementation of its mandates, AU-PANVAC plays a critical role in the
enhancement of quality of veterinary vaccines in Africa and their adequate
utilization by producers in the field and in supporting national and regional
diagnostic laboratories to access needed reagents and enhance their diagnostic
capacities.
2. Objectives and Scope of the work
The Molecular Biology Laboratory Technician will play a key role in supporting the
day-to-day operations of the Molecular Biology Laboratory. The role involves
practical work, data management and collaboration with other laboratory staff,
researchers and external partners.
3. Specific Tasks
The service provider shall perform the following duties:
 Laboratory Operations:

 Perform routine laboratory tasks, including but not limited to DNA/RNA
extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and other molecular biology
techniques.

 Participate in the development of molecular tests for diagnosis and
control of transboundary animal diseases.
 Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents and solutions.

 Equipment Handling and Maintenance:

 Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper
calibration and functionality.
 Identify and report equipment malfunctions and coordinate with the
relevant personnel for repairs.
 Participate in the implementation safety studies for transboundary
animal diseases vaccines quality control testing according to
international standards,

 Quality Control:

 Assist in the preparation of Instruction manuals, Standard Operating
Procedures and other technical manuals for management of laboratory
animals,
 Perform routine checks to validate the accuracy and reliability of
experimental results.
 Participate in network laboratories external quality assessment and
accreditation,
 Participate in the implementation and monitoring of the AU-PANVAC
based on Good Laboratory Practice.

 Data Collection and Analysis:

 Record and organize experimental data accurately.
 Assist in basic data analysis and contribute to the preparation of
reports.
 Safety and Compliance:
 Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized
work environment.
 Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and
regulatory requirements.
 Assist in training new laboratory personnel on molecular biology
techniques.
 Provide support and guidance as needed.
4. Deliverables
The service provider shall deliver a monthly activity report related to the
scope and tasks carried out.

5. Timeline
The assignment shall be for a period of six (6) months beginning 1 st December
2025.

8. Duty Station
The service provider will be based at the Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre
(AU-PANVAC), Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
9. Service provider fee and schedule payments
a) The service provider will be paid a monthly lump sum of USD 4,500. (Four
Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars only) for the assignment.
This amount includes all the service provider's fees, reimbursables and
profits as well as any tax obligation that may be imposed on the service
provider. It excludes travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, when the
service provider is required to travel on official mission, which will be fully
paid for by the AU-PANVAC in line with the relevant Guidelines and
procedures.

b) Payments will be based on outputs/deliverables specified in the TOR and
upon certification of satisfactory work by the Supervisor. The payment will
be made on monthly basis subject to submission of satisfactory report by
the service provider and acceptance of the same by the Client.
10. Qualification and Experience of the Service Provider
 Candidates must hold at least a master’s in laboratory science in a
relevant field (e.g., biology, molecular biology, biotechnology),
Microbiology, Animal Science or related fields degree or diploma.
 Previous experience working in a molecular biology laboratory setting.
 Familiarity with a range of molecular biology techniques, including PCR
and Real-Time PCR, and Sequencing analysis.
 Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
 Effective communication and collaboration skills.
 Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
 Possesses in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience in
Molecular biology
 Integrates results-based and accountability-oriented approaches into the
development of the toolkit.

 Demonstrates integrity, a collaborative spirit, a sense of achievement, and
an understanding of risk management in past experiences.
 Good knowledge of the AU policy making processes, prospects, and
challenges will be an added advantage

11. Evaluation and Qualification criteria
For evaluation of the submission the following criteria will be applied:

Technical proposal evaluation points
1 General Education, Qualification and General training 30
2 Experience relevant to the Assignment 60

3 Understanding the assignment 10
Total 100

12. Language Requirements
Applicants must be proficient in English or French. Advanced Knowledge of one
more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.
13. Contract Management Reporting
The contract will be managed by the African Union Pan African Veterinary
Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC). The Service provider will report on its activities to
the Senior Veterinary Vaccine Officer (AU-PANVAC).
14. Invitation
AU-PANVAC now invites eligible Individual Service provider to express their
interest in providing the Services. Interested candidates must provide information
demonstrating that he/she has the required qualifications and relevant
experience to perform the Services. Any clarification requests shall be addressed
to the email address hereunder

Documents required
a) Cover letter

b) CVs

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours
8:00-13:00hrs and 14:00-17:00 hours Local Time.
15. Address for delivery of Expression of Interest and Clarification requests
Expressions of Interest must be delivered by email to the address below not later
than 15:00 local time, on Tuesday 28 October 2025.
The email subject shall clearly state the title of the assignment and procurement
number.
PAN AFRICAN VETERINARY VACCINE CENTER AFRICAN UNION
COMMISSION (AU-PANVAC)
P. O. Box 1746,
Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
Office Tel: (+251) 990 055996 (+251) 11 4338001 (+251) 11 4371347 (+251 11
4338844)
Office Mail: [email protected]