Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Grant Development Officer (Re-advertised)

at Amref Health Africa

🏢 About Amref Health Africa

Amref International University is a unique health sciences institution focused on developing Africa's healthcare workforce through innovative programs and research. The university is undergoing a strategic transformation to become a research university, aiming to generate 50% of its income from research initiatives by 2027, offering a chance to contribute directly to Africa's health equity goals.

About This Role

This Research Grant Development Officer role involves crafting high-quality grant proposals to secure diverse funding for health sciences research initiatives at AmIU. The position is critical for advancing the university's research agenda and ensuring sustainable growth as it transforms into a research-focused institution, with a specific focus on aligning proposals with strategic priorities and funding agency requirements.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves researching new funding opportunities from diverse sources, coordinating with researchers to develop proposal content, and crafting sections of grant applications that align with both AmIU's strategic priorities and funder requirements. You might also review draft proposals, track submission deadlines, and communicate with the USC collaboration team about joint funding opportunities.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Amref Health Africa Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience writing successful grant proposals for health sciences or public health research, particularly for African contexts or global health funders
  • Demonstrates strong research skills to identify funding opportunities from diverse sources that align with AmIU's strategic priorities (2022-2027 plan)
  • Possesses excellent organizational skills to manage multiple proposal timelines and coordinate with researchers and the USC collaboration team
  • Shows understanding of evidence-based interventions and primary healthcare research relevant to Africa's health challenges

📝 Tips for Applying to Amref Health Africa

1

Highlight specific grant writing successes in health sciences research, quantifying amounts secured and mentioning relevant funders

2

Demonstrate knowledge of AmIU's 2022-2027 strategic plan and how your skills support their research transformation goals

3

Reference the USC collaboration in your application materials to show you understand the partnership context

4

Include examples of working with diverse funding sources (government, foundation, international agencies) in health research

5

Tailor your writing samples to show capability in crafting proposals for African health research contexts

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with health sciences research grant development, specifically mentioning successful proposals', "How your skills align with AmIU's goal to generate 50% income from research and transform into a research university", "Understanding of evidence-based interventions for African health challenges as outlined in AmIU's vision", 'Ability to work in a remote setting while coordinating with international partners like USC']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AmIU's 2022-2027 strategic plan and research transformation goals (available on their website)
  • → Current research initiatives and programs at Amref International University
  • → The collaboration between AmIU and University of Southern California
  • → Major health research funders active in African health sciences (e.g., NIH, Wellcome Trust, African health foundations)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for developing a successful health research grant proposal from identification to submission
2 How would you identify and prioritize funding opportunities that align with AmIU's strategic research priorities?
3 Describe your experience working with academic researchers to develop competitive grant applications
4 How would you approach the challenge of securing diverse funding sources to support 50% of university income?
5 What strategies would you use to ensure proposals meet both AmIU's goals and funder requirements?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic grant writing experience without health sciences or research focus
  • Failing to mention AmIU's specific strategic goals or research transformation plans
  • Not demonstrating understanding of African health context or evidence-based interventions
  • Providing writing samples unrelated to research grant proposals or health topics

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Amref Health Africa!

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