PHIM Responsive Header
PHIM Logo

Tag: Training

  • Call for applications for the APHR Traineeship Programme.

    Call for applications for the APHR Traineeship Programme.

    PHIM Laboratory Team
    Official Call for Applications

    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.

    How to Apply Download Application Form (.docx)

    Target Audience

    Early- to Mid-Career Staff

    BSc / MSc Qualifications

    Duration

    2 Years (Oct 2026 – Dec 2028)

    3 Workshops + Mentorship

    Cohort Size

    9 Selected Trainees

    R&D, Epi & NPHL Divisions

    Application Deadline

    09 September 2026

    Submit 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 Logo

    PHIM

    Public Health Institute of Malawi – Host institution & lead operational body.

    RKI Logo

    Robert Koch Institut

    Germany’s national public health institute – Technical collaboration & mentorship partner.

    GIZ Logo

    GIZ

    Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH – Implementation partner.

    Implemented under Team Europe Initiative (TEI PHIM) Co-funded by the European Union & German Federal Ministry (BMZ)

    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:

    Priority Setting
    Protocol Development
    Ethics & Governance
    Data & Analysis
    Scientific Writing
    Knowledge Translation

    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:

    Area 1

    Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

    Addressing health systems, equitable access, and essential healthcare delivery.

    Area 2

    RMNCH

    Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health clinical & population research.

    Area 3

    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.
    Download Application Form (.docx)

    Key Programme Timeline

    1

    26 August 2026

    Applications Open

    Call launched across PHIM divisions.

    2

    09 September 2026

    Submission Deadline

    All documents must be received by 23:59 CAT.

    3

    09–25 September 2026

    Selection Review Process

    Competitive evaluation by PHIM-led committee.

    4

    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:

    Contact Person

    Ms. Bessie Phiri

    phim-rki@health.gov.mw

    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)

    Authored & Published By

    Penjani Phiri & Moses Nyambalo Phiri

    Public Health Institute of Malawi

    Ministry of Health, Republic of Malawi

  • PHIM Staff Attend Regional Training to Boost Emergency Preparedness.

    PHIM Staff Attend Regional Training to Boost Emergency Preparedness.

    PHIM Regional Training Newsletter
    Author: Mr Noel Khunga | Location: Lilongwe, Malawi | Training Dates: 1–19 June 2026
    PHIM staff attending the regional training

    Four staff members from the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) returned from a productive three-week training programme in Johannesburg, South Africa. The training, which took place from 1–19 June 2026, aimed to enhance regional public health emergency management capabilities.

    The programme convened 24 health professionals from six Southern African nations—Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. The primary objective was to facilitate knowledge exchange and improve the collective regional response to public health crises through collaborative best practices.

    Strengthening Response Capabilities

    The training provided hands-on, practical experience, allowing participants to apply standardized methodologies directly to their professional duties. Key areas of focus included:

    • Incident Management Systems (IMS): The application of structured leadership and coordinated decision-making during emergencies.
    • Emergency Operations: The management of logistics, finance, and administration within a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
    • Effective Documentation: Enhancing proficiency in drafting Incident Action Plans (IAPs) and Situation Reports (SITREPs).

    For PHIM, this training marks a significant step forward in operational readiness. The competencies acquired will assist the institute in refining its detection and response mechanisms for disease outbreaks and climate-related emergencies. The initiative also highlights the value of regional collaboration, as partnerships remain essential to safeguarding the health of all Malawians.

    PHIM maintains a firm commitment to developing a robust and highly skilled health workforce. The institute continues to integrate the knowledge gained from this training into national systems, ensuring the country remains well-prepared to address emerging public health threats.

    Official Documentation

    Published By

    Moses Nyambalo Phiri

    Public Health Institute of Malawi

    Ministry of Health, Republic of Malawi

  • PHIM and Partners Strengthens District Public Health Emergency Response Capacity Through PHEOC Training.

    PHIM and Partners Strengthens District Public Health Emergency Response Capacity Through PHEOC Training.

    DISTRICT PHEOC TRAINING

    Dowa, Malawi – April 7th, 2025.
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Ella Chamanga, Shaibu Safali, James Jere and Settie Kanyanda.

    With significant efforts to enhance the nation’s preparedness and response framework through rolling out comprehensive Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) training targeted at district level public health officials, the Public Health Instittute of Malawi (PHIM) with funding from the World Bank has rolled out the first district training sessions.

    This crucial initiative stems from the recently rolled out National-PHEOC Training of Trainers (ToT) conducted weeks ago fulfilling the PHIM’s core mandate, to effectively prepare for, prevent, detect, respond to, and mitigate public health emergencies (PHEs) and threats across all levels of the Malawian health system, now focusing on district level. The training program has been designed to strengthen coordination and operational efficiency within the multi-sectoral multi-disciplinary response architecture managed by the PHEOC.

    In an era where public health threats, from infectious disease outbreaks like Cholera, Mpox and Measles arising from potential impacts of climate change, demand robust and rapid responses, the presence of highly skilled Health Care Workers (HCWs) at the district level is paramount. All twenty nine districts often represent the front lines of public health surveillance and initial response. Therefore, according to this critical need, PHIM has launched the first phase of this districts-focused training program, initially encompassing officers from seven key districts: Lilongwe, Dedza, Salima, Karonga, Nkhotakota, Balaka, and Phalombe.

    Group work during training session in Mponela.

    The District-PHEOC serves as the central nervous system for coordinating all activities during a public health emergency within the district. It functions as a hub for information gathering and analysis, resource mobilization and allocation, strategic decision-making, and communication among various responding agencies supporting the district, including government MDAs, NGOs, and international partners.

    By equipping district officers who are often the first responders and key data sources with indepth knowledge of PHEOC protocols, Incident Management Systems (IMS), risk communication strategies, and data reporting mechanisms, PHIM aims to significantly improve interagency synergy and streamline communication channels, clearer roles and responsibilities, and ultimately, a more timely, coherent, and effective response to diverse public health threats, ranging from disease outbreaks to natural disasters with health consequences.
    Dr. Mike Chisema, EPI Manager.
    Dr. Chitsa Banda, Deputy Director Rensiponsible for Research Division.

    dr. Mike chisema and dr. chitsa Banda lecturing.

    Participants in the training include District Environmental Health Officers, Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), DODMA officers, clinicians, and other key personnel involved in public health surveillance and response. The curriculum covers essential modules on the PHEOC structure and functions, roles within an Incident Management System, emergency coordination principles, information management, and effective communication during crises.

    Dr. Annie Chauma Mwale-PHIM, led the team of facilitators.

    This training represents a vital investment in our human resources available at the district, stated Dr. Annie Chauma Mwale – PHIM. She said “Empowering our district teams with standardized PHEOC operational skills is fundamental to building a truly resilient national public health system. When the districts are strong and coordinated, the entire national response mechanism functions more effectively, safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation.”

    PHIM plans to extend this vital training to cover all districts in subsequent phases, ensuring nationwide competency in PHEOC operations. This first phase of District – PHEOC training portrays PHIM’s unwavering commitment to proactively strengthening Malawi’s health security architecture. The skills and knowledge imparted during these sessions are expected to be instrumental in ensuring a more coordinated, rapid, and impactful response to any future public health challenges the nation may face.