Researcher – Human Development Opportunity at APHRC, Nairobi

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on Africa’s education, health, population, aging, urbanization, and well-being? Join the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) as a Researcher in Human Development. We are an African-led international research institute committed to evidence-based policy research, and we’re seeking dynamic individuals to contribute to our multidisciplinary team.

About APHRC

Discover a fulfilling career at APHRC, an International Research Institution (INGO) focused on addressing critical challenges in Africa. Engage in meaningful work with policymakers to influence decisions that enhance the quality of life across the continent. Join us in making a difference!

Role Overview

As a Researcher in Human Development, your responsibilities will vary based on the appointed level. You may provide leadership to scientific research teams, contribute to policy engagement, lead proposal development, mentor young researchers, secure resources, and represent the Center at national and international forums.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Scientific Leadership:
   • Provide leadership to a scientific research team or project in education and/or youth empowerment.
2. Policy Engagement:
   • Contribute to policy engagement and strategic planning within the Human Development theme.
3. Proposal Development:
   • Lead and contribute to proposal development and fundraising for research projects.
4. Mentoring:
   • Mentor young researchers and facilitate in the Center’s training programs.
5. Resource Management:
   • Secure and manage human, financial, and material resources in the theme, project, or program.
6. Representation:
   • Represent the Center at national, regional, and international forums.
7. Publications:
   • Contribute to institutional publications, including policy/research briefs and fact sheets.
8. Data Oversight:
   • Oversee data quality and analyses.

Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD: In literacy and/or numeracy-related studies, mathematics education, economics with a focus on education, or any related discipline.
• Experience: Research institution experience, leading research programs, and managing projects.
• Skills: Excellent scientific writing, quantitative or qualitative skills, and strong proposal writing.

Job Levels:

Successful candidates may be appointed at various levels based on experience and track record:

• Postdoctoral Level (0-2 years after PhD)
• Associate Research Scientist (3-5 years after PhD)
• Research Scientist (6-11 years after PhD)
• Senior Research Scientist (12+ years after PhD)

Application Process

Interested candidates, submit your application in English, including:

1. Letter of Application
2. Statement of Research Interests and Goals (1-2 pages)
3. CV with Contact Details of Three Referees

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

APHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided upon request for applicants with disabilities.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant

1. Tailor Your Application:

Craft a personalized letter of application highlighting how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Human Development role at APHRC.

2. Showcase Impactful Research:

In your statement of research interests, emphasize previous impactful research projects related to education, youth empowerment, or relevant areas.

3. Highlight Leadership Experience:

Emphasize your leadership experience in scientific research teams or projects, showcasing your ability to guide and inspire a team.

4. Demonstrate Fundraising Success:

Highlight your track record of successful proposal development and fundraising for research projects within your CV.

5. Prioritize Mentorship:

Detail your experience in mentoring young researchers, emphasizing how you contribute to the development of emerging talents in your field.

6. Showcase International Representation:

If applicable, highlight instances where you’ve represented your institution at high-level international forums, demonstrating your global engagement.

7. Emphasize Data Oversight Skills:

Underline your expertise in overseeing data quality and analyses, showcasing your commitment to rigorous research standards.

8. Multilingual Advantage:

If you are multilingual (English and French), emphasize this skill, as it is considered an advantage for the role.

9. Writing Excellence:

Demonstrate your excellent scientific writing skills through clear and concise communication in all application documents.

10. Research Grants Track Record:

Detail your successful track record of winning research grants, providing evidence of your ability to secure funding for impactful projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How Can I Stand Out as an Applicant?

A1: Tailor your application to showcase specific experiences, skills, and achievements relevant to the Human Development role at APHRC. Highlight your leadership, mentorship, and fundraising successes.

Q2: What Is the Application Deadline?

A2: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Act promptly to maximize your chances of consideration.

Q3: Are Multilingual Candidates Preferred?

A3: While fluency in English is a requirement, being multilingual (English and French) is an added advantage for the role.

Q4: Is International Representation Required?

A4: Yes, candidates should be prepared to represent APHRC at national, regional, and international forums, showcasing the Center’s commitment to global engagement.

Q5: Can I Apply Without a PhD?

A5: A PhD in a relevant field is a requirement for this role. Ensure your application reflects your advanced academic qualifications.

Q6: How Are Candidates Selected?

A6: Candidates will be selected based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with APHRC’s research focus in Human Development.

Q7: What Should I Include in the Statement of Research Interests?

A7: Provide a concise yet comprehensive statement outlining your research interests, goals, and their relevance to the Human Development theme.

Q8: How Long Does the Recruitment Process Take?

A8: The recruitment process duration varies, and shortlisted candidates will be notified. Be patient and stay engaged.

Q9: Is a Police Clearance Certificate Mandatory?

A9: Yes, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate as part of the recruitment process.

Q10: How Can I Request Accommodations for Disabilities?

A10: APHRC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. Request support during the application process if needed.

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Cover Letter Sample

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

Hiring Manager African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

[APHRC Address]

Nairobi, Kenya

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Researcher position in Human Development at APHRC, as advertised. With a Ph.D. in [Your Relevant Discipline], extensive experience in [Research Areas], and a proven track record of [Your Achievements], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to APHRC’s impactful work.

In my previous role at [Previous Institution], I successfully [Highlight Key Achievements], demonstrating my ability to [Your Strengths]. I am confident that my expertise in [Your Skills] aligns seamlessly with the responsibilities outlined for this role. My commitment to [APHRC’s Mission] and passion for [Specific Area of Interest] make me a valuable asset to your team.

Enclosed is my application, including my detailed CV, statement of research interests, and references. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with APHRC’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Relevant Hashtags

#APHRCResearch #HumanDevelopment #ResearchJobs #ImpactfulScience #EducationResearch #YouthEmpowerment #PolicyEngagement #ResearchGrants #AfricanOpportunities #MultidisciplinaryResearch #CareerInAfrica #InternationalJobs #NGOJobs #AfricanResearch #ScientificLeadership #PhDJobs #ResearchInstitution #JobOpportunity #CareerDevelopment #GlobalImpact #DiversityInResearch

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Note: Adjust the placeholders “[Your Name],” “[Your Relevant Discipline],” “[Your Achievements],” “[Your Skills],” “[Previous Institution],” “[APHRC’s Mission],” and “[Specific Area of Interest]” with your actual information in the cover letter sample.