AFRO-NETS> The African Population Policy Research Center (APPRC)

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@harare.iafrica.com>]

The African Population Policy Research Center (APPRC)
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Researchers from sub-Saharan Africa now have a unique and exciting 
opportunity to conduct high quality research at the newly established 
African Population Policy Research Center (APPRC). The Center aims to 
strengthen the professional capacity of scholars from sub-Saharan Af-
rica by allowing them to explore population issues relevant to formu-
lating policies, allocating resources, and improving programs in the 
region.

The Program consists of four components: 
1) research studies; 
2) dissemination and utilization of research; 
3) technical workshops; and 
4) a regional exchange program.

The Center was established in 1995, as a program of the Population 
Council, with funds provided by the Rockefeller Foundation. Although 
designed as an independent entity, the Center is presently based at 
the Population Council's office in Nairobi, Kenya. The Council is 
providing administrative and substantive support through the forma-
tive years of the APPRC. An independent Advisory Board, comprised of 
leaders in the population and development field, provides guidance to 
the Center until it achieves institutional autonomy.

What is the APPRC's Research Agenda?

The core of the Center's Research Agenda comprises four themes:
1) explaining the fertility decline in Kenya; 
2) enhancing the pace of fertility transition through family planning
   programs and socioeconomic development; 
3) investigating sexual and fertility behavior in the era of AIDS;
   and 
4) understanding the changing environment of the transition to adult-
   hood. 

These themes will help the Center determine which projects fall 
within its established research focus, and therefore, are likely to 
be undertaken.

The improved understanding of the ongoing fertility transition in 
Kenya will benefit population-related policies and programs in Kenya 
and other African countries and broaden the Center's dissemination 
and utilization program.

The Center is currently staffed by Fellows who devote at least 80% of 
their time to work related to the Center's four research themes and 
may utilize up to 20% of time for individual research interests. Fel-
lows are encouraged to establish collaborative relationships with 
scholars from outside the Center and the region.

The Center also hosts scholars from within and outside the region who 
can cover partially or fully their own expenses and are willing to 
work in collaboration with one or more Fellows.

The Center will organize two technical workshops per year to address 
policy-relevant issues, facilitate exchange among professionals from 
sub-Saharan Africa, and to upgrade the professionals' technical 
skills in research methodologies.

Who Should Apply for an APPRC Fellowship?

Candidates wishing to be considered for an APPRC Fellowship should 
hold a Ph.D. in the population sciences or related social/health sci-
ences with at least two years of postdoctoral research experience. 
Candidates must be interested in conducting collaborative research as 
well as carrying out independent projects. Successful candidates 
should possess strong English communication skills and be proficient 
in at least one sub-Saharan African language. It is anticipated that 
Fellows would remain in the region upon completion of their Fellow-
ship. Applications by women are particularly encouraged.

What is the length of an APPRC Fellowship?

The APPRC Fellowship is awarded for a two-year period with the possi-
bility of an extension for an additional year.

What Expenses are Covered by an APPRC Fellowship?

All Fellows

All Fellows will receive a monthly stipend, health insurance for self 
and immediate family, an annual book allowance, and basic expenses to 
attend one conference per term of Fellowship.

Fellows recruited outside of Kenya

Fellows recruited outside of Kenya, in addition to the above bene-
fits, also receive coach-class airfare for self and immediate family 
to and from Nairobi, an allowance for shipping personal belongings to 
and from Nairobi, a relocation allowance for airport fees/taxes, and 
a housing allowance.

Details regarding these benefits can be obtained by contacting either 
of the APPRC Coordinators listed below.

For an application form and additional information contact:

Ms. Raji Mohanam, APPRC Coordinator
International Programs Division
Population Council
One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
New York, NY 10017
USA
Tel: +1-212-339-0636
Fax: +1-212-755-6052
mailto:rmohanam@popcouncil.org

OR, in Kenya:

Ms. Carol Libamira, APPRC Coordinator
Population Council
Mutichoice Towers, Upper Hill
P.O. Box 17643
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-2-713-480/1-3
Fax: +254-2-713-479
mailto:clibamira@popcouncil.or.ke

*When writing, include a brief description of your academic and
professional qualifications and a short statement about your re-
search plans.

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