Applied Public Health Research (APHR) Traineeship Programme
PHIM-RKI Partnership Programme (October 2026 – December 2028)
Building institutional capacity and developing a dedicated cohort of research multipliers across PHIM’s core operational divisions.
Target Audience
Early- to Mid-Career Staff
(BSc / MSc Level)Duration
2 Years (Oct 2026 – Dec 2028)
(3 Workshops + Online)
Cohort Size
9 Selected Trainees
(R&D, Epi & NPHL Divisions)
Application Deadline
09 September 2026
(By 23:59 CAT)Target Audience
Early- to Mid-Career Staff
(BSc / MSc Level)
Duration
2 Years (Oct 2026 – Dec 2028)
(3 Workshops + Online)
Cohort Size
9 Selected Trainees
(R&D, Epi & NPHL Divisions)
Application Deadline
09 September 2026
(By 23:59 CAT)
Programme Overview
The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI)—Germany’s national public health institute—is pleased to invite applications from eligible PHIM staff for the Applied Public Health Research (APHR) Traineeship Programme.
Implemented under the framework of the Team Europe Initiative supporting the Public Health Institute of Malawi (TEI PHIM) and co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this 2-year capacity-building programme is designed to strengthen applied public health research competencies across PHIM’s key operational areas.
Train-the-Trainer (ToT) Multiplier Approach
The APHR Traineeship aims to establish a high-caliber cohort of public health professionals who will not only advance their own research competencies but also act as trainers and mentors (“multipliers”), systematically cascading knowledge, methodologies, and skills within their respective divisions.
Partner Institutions & Funding Attribution
This initiative is jointly organized and supported by leading public health and development entities:
PHIM
Public Health Institute of Malawi – Host institution & lead operational body.
Robert Koch Institut
Germany’s national public health institute – Technical collaboration & mentorship partner.
GIZ
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH – Implementation partner.
What Trainees Gain
- Free, competency-based training in applied public health research.
- Hands-on experience leading research projects of direct national relevance.
- Mentorship from experienced national and international public health researchers.
- Peer-reviewed publication: Expert support to publish research findings.
- Policy engagement: Guidance in translating evidence into policy briefs and dialogues.
- Certificate of Participation upon successful completion.
What is Expected
- Full participation across the 2-year programme duration.
- Attend 3 in-person training workshops and adjacent cohort meetings.
- Active engagement in monthly online seminars and mentoring sessions.
- Completion of self-paced e-learning modules and coursework.
- Conduct a small-scale applied research project in a team setting.
- Cascade knowledge and skills to colleagues within PHIM.
Curriculum Framework & Research Areas
The programme provides a broad, competency-based curriculum grounded in the WHO Global Competency and Outcomes Framework (2024), tailored specifically to PHIM’s operational research priorities. It addresses core competencies under the Essential Public Health Function 11 (EPHF 11) across the complete research cycle:
Three Strategic Focal Research Areas
Aligned with Malawi’s National Health Research Agenda II (2023–2030), trainees will execute team projects in one of the following key pillars:
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Addressing health systems, equitable access, and essential healthcare delivery.
RMNCH
Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health clinical & population research.
Health Security
Surveillance, disease outbreak readiness, emergency response, and diagnostics.
Indicative Time Commitment
Applicants must ensure they can allocate sufficient time to complete all traineeship components alongside their operational duties:
| Programme Activity | Estimated Time Commitment |
|---|---|
| 3 In-Person Workshops + Cohort Meetings | Approx. 7 days each (8 hours/day) |
| Live Online Group Sessions & Webinars | 2 hours per month |
| Self-Directed E-Learning & Exercises | At least 2 hours per month |
| Applied Research Activities | At least 4 hours per month |
| Cascading Training at PHIM (ToT) | Preparation & delivery schedule TBC |
Eligibility Criteria & Cadre Scope
PHIM Divisional Representation & Cadre Scope
Open to active early- to mid-career technical officers, researchers, lab scientists, and public health staff serving in PHIM’s 3 core operational divisions: Research and Development (R&D), Epidemiology and Surveillance, or National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL).
Educational Background
Must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, biomedical science, medicine, or a related discipline. Note: Candidates who already hold a PhD will not be considered.
Research Motivation & Commitment
Demonstrate a strong interest in applied public health research and commit to participating in all traineeship activities across the full 2-year timeline.
Multiplier Potential & Capacity
Willingness and professional standing (or demonstrated potential) to serve as a trainer and cascade learning to colleagues within their division.
Supervisor Endorsement
Provide written confirmation and signature from your direct supervisor agreeing to grant protected time for all programme activities.
Application Checklist
Complete packages must be submitted by email before the deadline.
- Expression of Interest: Max 500 words addressing motivation, alignment with role, commitment, focal area choice, and cascading plan.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date, maximum 2 pages highlighting qualifications and experience.
- Participant Application Form: Completed and signed (Annex 1).
- Supervisor Endorsement: Official signature on Section F of the form.
Key Programme Timeline
26 August 2026
Applications Open
Call launched across PHIM divisions.
09 September 2026
Submission Deadline
All documents must be received by 23:59 CAT.
09–25 September 2026
Selection Review Process
Competitive evaluation by PHIM-led committee.
28 September 2026
Applicants Notified
Selected cohort of 9 trainees announced.
October 2026
Traineeship Commencement
Programme runs through December 2028.
Submission & Enquiries
Submit all complete application components or send general inquiries to the Programme Coordinator:
Participation is free of charge. Workshop travel and project research expenses are fully covered by the programme.
Joint Partnership & Technical Collaboration
Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) · Robert Koch Institute (RKI) · Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)