The International Program in Public Health Leadership

The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) is an eight-month program for emerging leaders working in African Ministries of Health. A flagship program of the Evans School at the University of Washington, IPPHL expands the policy and leadership acumen of leaders to develop and implement lasting public policy solutions and transform health systems. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of policy analysis, evidence and evaluation, implementation, and personal leadership development.

About The International Program in Public Health Leadership

Since 2017, IPPHL has trained 118 public health professionals across 22 African countries. The program is fully funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and partners with the Center for Creative Leadership. The application deadline is October 13, 2022.

Fellows engage with the Evans School’s evidence-informed policy expertise and the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL)’s acclaimed leadership programs to:

Develop politically feasible, evidence-informed policies and programs
Drive organizational change & overcome resistance to set agendas for sustainable implementation
Build internal and external coalitions for change

Candidate Profile

Below are the eligibility requirements

Mid-career public health professional from Africa, working in government, for a government initiative/partner, or entity at the federal, regional, state, or provincial level
Responsible for managing public health program(s) with supervisory responsibilities, either individual staff or a team; Accountable for the performance of public health programs and/or for managing front-line health workers
Holds a degree related to public health or is a medical professional
A citizen and resident of a country in Africa
Strong English-language skills, and the ability to articulate the various policy or program implementation challenges that they deal with in public health

Program Participation Requirements

Participation & Commitment

If accepted, you will be required to attend all live virtual and in-person components of the program including completing prep work for the session. See estimated time(s) below:

Orientation – virtual sessions (March 14, 15, 16: 4 – 5:30 pm GMT, online sessions)
Policy Intensive – virtual sessions (April 11 – June 1, online classes every Tuesday and Thursday: 4 pm—5:30 pm GMT): An average of 5-7 hours per week on programmatic assignments, such as reading case studies and articles, completing self-assessments, meeting with their executive coach and faculty advisor, and participating in the live online sessions
Leadership Immersion – Seattle, WA, USA (June 19 – June 30): 2 weeks of experiential learning, workshopping, networking, and individual leadership development. Full attendance across the two-weeks is required.
Launch & Learn – virtual touchpoints (July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22: 4 pm – 5:30 pm GMT): Fellows begin applying the leadership, implementation, and policy frameworks in their places of work. The cohort convenes for four 90-minute sessions to check-in on progress with colleagues. Fellows finalize their written policy projects during these six weeks.
Capstone Seminar – Nairobi, Kenya (August 30 – September 2): The cohort convenes in-person for the final after-action to assess progress and strategize how to move projects, agendas, and teams forward. Full attendance across the five days is required.

Throughout your time in the program, you will complete a policy project that focuses on an implementation or policy challenge you are facing in your work. You will be paired with a faculty advisor who will support you in the development of your project and you will be asked to meet with your advisor for regular feedback.

You will also be asked to complete a “360-evaluation” and other leadership style assessments, which will inform your understanding of your leadership strengths and growth areas. The 360-evaluation will involve soliciting feedback from your boss, peers, direct reports, and others.

US Visa & Travel

Under extenuating circumstances (ie challenges securing a US visa or health-related issues) individual fellows who are unable to travel to the in-person portions of the program, may be eligible to participate virtually.

We encourage all interested applicants to check current US visa wait times before applying. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category (J-1 for IPPHL fellows). Please review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply and contact the team (ipphl@uw.edu) with questions.

Technology Requirements

If admitted, participants must have access to a reliable device such as a desktop computer or laptop. Live course sessions, which are roughly three hours per week during the Policy Intensive require stable internet, a webcam, speakers, and microphone. The quality and availability of internet is not always certain and that this may affect participation in some sessions.

How to Apply:

Applicants need to complete the following steps in the application to apply:

Complete the online application form
- 3 short-answer questions limited to 1500 characters each on the following topics:
  - How you have used leadership and management skills to affect change in the past (or in your current role), and what personal characteristics help you effectively work through leadership challenges and influence change
  - A critical challenge that you face in your position or in your health program that you would like to address as your policy problem throughout IPPHL
  - How the leadership, policy analysis, and skills of influence learned during this program will further your career aspirations
- Upload your resume or CV in PDF form.
- Upload a Statement of Release from your supervisor in PDF form. This statement should come from an individual or department with the authority to release you for time spent during the in-person and virtual portions of the program, some of which may occur during work hours.
- Upload a Letter of Recommendation from your employer or supervisor PDF form. Your Letter of Recommendation should include:
  - Several ways that a leadership and policy program like IPPHL would support your professional development
  - One strength or specific talent you would add to the program
  - Two ways your participation in IPPHL would benefit your larger team and organization
  - A statement of willingness from your organization to participate in elements of the program that require their input such as surveys