The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is an African-led and Africa-based international research institute engaged in multidisciplinary, evidence-based policy research. Our researchers address important issues and challenges facing Africa in areas such as education, health, population, aging, urbanization and wellbeing. We engage with policymakers in the region to disseminate our research findings and influence policy decisions to improve the quality of life in Africa.

APHRC seeks to recruit two Researchers to work within the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program of our Human Development Theme. 

Responsibilities (dependent on level appointed):

• Provide leadership to scientific research teams or projects in an area related to early childhood development (ECD); 


• Contribute to policy engagement and the Theme’s strategic planning activities;


• Lead and contribute to proposal development and fundraising for research projects in the Theme;


• Mentor young researchers, and facilitate sessions in the Center’s training programs as needed;


• Secure and manage the necessary human, financial and material resources in the Theme, project or program;


• Represent the Center at high level national, regional and international forums, including relevant technical working groups and expert committees;


• Contribute to institutional publications including and not limited to lay dissemination materials such as policy/research briefs and fact sheets; and


• Oversee data quality and analyses.

Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in developmental psychology, educational psychology, early childhood development, or any other related discipline;


• Experience working in a research institution, conducting research, leading or managing research programs or projects;


• Experience with conducting impact evaluations of ECD and/or early years’ interventions will be an added advantage;


• Fluency in English. Being multilingual (English and French) will be an added advantage;


• Excellent scientific writing skills;


• Good quantitative or qualitative skills. Experience with mixed methods will be an added advantage provided one is very strong in either quantitative or qualitative methods;


• Strong proposal writing skills and a track record of winning research grants.

Successful candidates may be appointed at postdoctoral (0-2 years after PhD), Associate Research Scientist (3-5 years after PhD), Research Scientist (6-11 years after PhD) or Senior Research Scientist (12+ years after PhD) levels depending on experience and track record. These positions are classified under Internationally Recruited Positions (IRP), Grades III to VI in our scales.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application in English, and include:

1. A letter of application;


2. A statement of research interests and goals (1-2 pages); and


3. CV with contact details of three referees through RESEARCHERS-ECD.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to have a Police Clearance Certificate.

Special Notice

APHRC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.