Project title: Developing evidence and action towards a double-duty food-based policy bundle to ensure healthier diets in Ghana (Healthier Diets for Healthy Lives Project)
The Healthier Diets for Healthy Lives (HD4HL) Project is seeking highly qualified individuals to apply for a PhD Studentship tenable at the University of Ghana. The details applicable to the position are provided below.
Project Description:
By 2030, non-communicable diseases are predicted to become the leading cause of death in Africa amidst prevailing challenges of infectious diseases, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Unhealthy food environments hinder progress in overcoming this double burden of malnutrition. There is increasing evidence for and recognition of the effectiveness of a set of policies that change consumer food environments and enable more nutritious diets. Food systems and public health experts, including the World Health Organisation, refer to them as “Best Buys” for their cost-effectiveness and feasibility for combating the double burden of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. Together, these policies aim to inform and empower; guide and influence; incentivize or discourage consumer action within their food environments. These are achieved through bold, and truthful information for all consumers; healthier food availability in public institutions and markets and adjustment of the relative price of foods to equitably promote health and economic value.
The HD4HL project aims to build evidence and mobilize multi-stakeholder actions toward developing a policy bundle for healthier and more equitable consumer food environments that reduce the double burden of malnutrition in Ghana. This project is jointly implemented by Ministry of Health, University of Ghana, National Development Planning Commission, Food and Drugs Authority and Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy.
PhD Studentship:
The HD4HL Project is seeking to engage well-qualified and highly motivated individuals to undertake cutting-edge research that contributes to the overall objective/ one of the specific objectives of the HD4HL project (for more information please visit: https://www.hd4hl.org).
Only applicants currently enrolled in a PhD programme (preferably first year students) at the University of Ghana are eligible to apply. PhD students are expected to be full-time and ready to conduct high-quality research leading to the publication of at least 3 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Benefits:
Selected candidates will receive funding covering research costs, conference attendance, and tuition, where applicable for the duration of the PhD programme.
Other Benefits:
- Professional development training and mentoring from HD4HL project team.
- Participation in food environment stakeholder engagement meetings/workshops
How to apply:
All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents may not be considered.
- A cover letter demonstrating your motivation and suitability for the studentship
- A one-page summary outlining your research interests and how this opportunity may advance your future professional trajectory
- A concise PhD research proposal (four pages maximum) that responds to the HD4HL Project objective.
- A full up-to-date curriculum vitae, including any publications or research output
- Copies of all qualification certificates and academic transcripts
- Names and contact details of at least two referees who have supervised or worked with you, and can speak about your experience and skills
Completed applications should be sent as a single PDF file by email to info@hd4hl.org by May 10th, 2024. Applicants should use the email subject heading: Application for HD4HL PhD Studentship
Selection and notification:
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the submission deadline for an interview, after which awards will be made.
For further information contact: the HD4HL Project Secretariat via email <info@hd4hl.org >
