The TDR Implementation Research (IR) Leadership Fellowship, managed by the University of Ghana School of Public Health, is part of a WHO-TDR initiative (supported by UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, and WHO). It aims to develop leadership capacity in implementation science among professionals in LMICs, strengthen institutional research capabilities, and foster a collaborative network of IR leaders across Africa; all aligned with global health priorities like infectious diseases of poverty, antimicrobial resistance, epidemics, and climate impacts.

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Location

• Host Institution: University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
• In-person programme delivery conducted entirely in English at this campus.

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Funding

Fellowship benefits include:

• Return economy airfare to Accra
• Medical and accident insurance
• Support for fieldwork and research-related expenses
• Monthly stipend aligned with Ghana’s living costs
• Coverage for training events, international exposure, conferences, and networking opportunities

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following:

• Be citizens and residents of a WHO African Region LMIC
• Be aged under 40 years (at application time)
• Demonstrate commitment to an IR leadership career; academic or public health; especially in areas like climate/health, AMR, disease control/elimination, and outbreak management, leveraging a One Health lens
• Employed at a university, research institute, MoH, public health institution, or NGO legally registered in Africa
• Possess English proficiency; Bachelor’s degree must have been conducted in English
• Provide proof of study leave approval from their employer
• Be medically eligible under Ghanaian visa/entry/health requirements

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Academic & Experience Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A Master’s degree (MPH/MSc) in Public Health or Implementation Research plus 3–5 years post-Master’s experience, OR
• A PhD in health systems/IR, or an MD with ≥5 years of IR or health systems research or programmatic experience
• At least one peer-reviewed IR-themed publication as first or corresponding author in an open-access journal
• Skills in systematic literature searching, interdisciplinary work, and strong autonomy in project execution

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Application Date & Deadline

• Call Opens: 15 August 2025
• Deadline: 29 September 2025 (17:00 GMT)
• Selection Results: Announced on 7 November 2025

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Duration

• For programme implementers: up to 6 months
• For academics/researchers: up to 12 months
• Expected start in January 2026

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Application Process

Applicants should submit the following via email tdrscholarship@ug.edu.gh 

1. A 1-page motivation letter focused on IR leadership
2. An IR project proposal (max 5 pages, including references)
3. A CV with publication list
4. Two reference letters on institutional letterhead

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Application Website

Full details are available in the TDR call document hosted by Public Health Update:
TDR’s Implementation Research Leadership Fellowship Programme for Public Health Impact – 2025/2026

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