Countdown to 2030 Fellowship Program: Strengthening Evidence and Analytic Capacity for RMNCAH+N By The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC); February 5, 2025
.
.
.
.
Introduction
The Countdown to 2030 Fellowship Program is a key initiative led by APHRC in sub-Saharan Africa as part of a global partnership known as Countdown 2030 for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (CD2030). Through this program, APHRC seeks to strengthen the analytical capacities of researchers committed to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the continent.
By participating in this fellowship, analysts and scholars will gain hands-on experience in data analysis and research, expanding their ability to generate and use evidence around life-saving RMNCAH+N interventions. Fellows will benefit from mentorship, skill-building workshops, and high-level networking opportunities designed to foster both scientific excellence and meaningful policy impact.
Background
About APHRC
The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is an African-led, Africa-based research institution committed to addressing critical population and health issues. APHRC uses multidisciplinary, evidence-informed policy research to guide decision-makers toward solutions that improve the well-being of individuals and communities across the continent.
About Countdown 2030
Countdown 2030 (CD2030) is a global collaboration comprising academic institutions, universities, and UN agencies. The primary goal of CD2030 is to enhance the measurement and monitoring of RMNCAH+N, focusing on:
- Tracking intervention coverage trends and inequalities
- Analyzing health system drivers that influence RMNCAH+N outcomes
- Strengthening regional and national capacities to generate and use evidence for policy and programmatic decision-making
As the regional leader of CD2030 in sub-Saharan Africa, APHRC collaborates with national research and public health institutions, as well as ministries of health, to strengthen evidence generation and advocacy for RMNCAH+N interventions.
Fellowship Overview
The Countdown to 2030 Fellowship is a one-year program designed to:
- Build Analytical Skills
Fellows will take part in training workshops and short courses at APHRC. Possible course topics include Scientific Writing, Data Analysis (R/Stata), Research Governance, and Policy Analyses. - Foster Mentorship
Each fellow will be paired with one or more mentors from the Countdown Data & Analysis Centers or other collaborating institutions. These mentors will guide fellows through the design, execution, and dissemination of their research projects. - Encourage Collaborative Research
Fellows will either directly or indirectly collaborate with APHRC and other CD2030 country partners. This collaboration will help in monitoring country-level progress, strengthening data analysis, and producing evidence that informs health policies. - Promote Scientific Dissemination
Fellows will produce technical reports, policy briefs, and/or scientific papers aligned with their project work. They will be encouraged to submit at least one article to an international peer-reviewed journal by the end of the fellowship.
Key Activities & Deliverables
During the 12-month fellowship, each fellow will:
- Actively Contribute to Country Collaboration
Fellows will lead the drafting of reports, technical documents, and communication materials relevant to RMNCAH+N. - Attend Two Training Workshops at APHRC
These workshops will cover various research and analysis tools to help enhance analytical proficiency. - Engage Regularly with Mentors and Technical Facilitators
Virtual and in-person meetings will be key components for guidance and feedback. - Publish Scientific Work
By the end of the fellowship, fellows are expected to draft and submit at least one article to a peer-reviewed international journal. - Submit Progress Reports
A brief report will be due every three months to track progress and share insights or challenges.
Fellows will also present their findings during the annual CD2030/GFF analysis meetings for countries. This platform offers an excellent opportunity for networking, peer learning, and receiving feedback from leading experts in the field.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship runs for a maximum of 12 months. During this period, fellows will have two one-month residential stays at APHRC’s offices to receive on-site training and mentorship, with remote support during the remainder of the program.
There may also be an opportunity for a short visit to global-level partners (such as WHO, UNICEF, and GFF) as part of expanding fellows’ learning and networking experiences.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Countdown to 2030 Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality
Be a national of one of the African countries working with the CD2030 Program. - Academic Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Global Health, Demography, Biostatistics, or any related field with a specialization/focus on RMNCAH+N.
- Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree and extensive research experience in the above areas may also apply.
- Age Requirement
Applicants should be below 45 years old at the time of application. - Research Experience and Proposal Quality
The research proposal submitted should be relevant to the fellow’s home country context in RMNCAH+N. Strong consideration will be given to proposals that align with country-level needs and strategies. - Demonstrated Commitment to RMNCAH+N
Previous research or work experience in this area will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their applications online through the designated platform. The application deadline is 12:00 pm GMT on February 28, 2025. Any submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Application Components
Typically, the application will require the following:
- Updated CV or résumé
- Research proposal (clearly stating objectives, methodology, and relevance to RMNCAH+N)
- Cover letter explaining your motivation and how this fellowship will support your career goals
- Letters of recommendation (if requested)
Ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly and that your application reflects your commitment to advancing RMNCAH+N research.
Why You Should Apply
- Strengthen Analytical Skills
Gain access to leading experts in health research, data analysis, and policy. - Access to Mentorship
Work closely with mentors from top institutions, receiving invaluable guidance. - Expand Your Network
Collaborate with an international team of researchers and stakeholders in RMNCAH+N. - Contribute to Policy Impact
Help shape national and regional health policies through evidence-based research.
For more information and to submit your application, please visit:
.
.
.
For more fellowship alerts like this Countdown to 2030 Fellowship Program: Strengthening Evidence and Analytic Capacity for RMNCAH+N By The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), join us on Telegram