Dear Colleagues,

The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), in collaboration with the University of Bath, Vital Strategies, and WHO EMRO, is pleased to announce a regional workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of NGOs and other institutions in the Eastern Mediterranean region to monitor the tobacco industry and develop high-quality grant proposals. This initiative responds to the growing influence of transnational tobacco companies and the increasing need for robust industry monitoring and effective advocacy.

Workshop Details:

• Dates: December 3-6, 2024
• Location: Amman, Jordan

Key Features:

• In-depth training on tobacco industry monitoring techniques
• Hands-on sessions for crafting successful grant applications 
• Expert-led discussions on emerging tobacco industry challenges
• Networking opportunities with peers and sector expert

Workshop Objectives:

The training workshop aims to equip organizations with advanced skills in tobacco industry monitoring, to raise awareness of critical issues related to the tobacco industry, and to foster collaboration and networking among regional organizations. The program also aims to build capacity in grant writing and securing funding for tobacco industry-focused projects.

Who Should Apply:

We invite applications from representatives of NGOs, civil society organizations, research institutions, academic institutions, media, and other relevant bodies, within the Eastern Mediterranean region. Each organization is encouraged to nominate one representative to attend the workshop.

Before applying, please ensure your organization meets the following eligibility criteria:

• Legal Status: The organization must be a legally registered entity in its country of operation, capable of entering into contractual arrangements and receiving foreign funds for the proposed activities.

• Non-Affiliation with Tobacco Industry: The organization must not have ever received financial support from any tobacco product manufacturer, their parent companies, subsidiaries, or affiliates.

• Relevant Experience:

1. The organization should have a demonstrated track record in tobacco control and/or public health initiatives

2. The organization should have the capacity to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to enhance its tobacco control efforts and influence broader public health outcomes.

• First-Time Participant: The individual attending from the organization must not have attended similar training on tobacco industry monitoring delivered by the University of Bath.

Priority will be given to organizations where capacity building around tobacco industry monitoring and grant funding can make the most difference.

Application Process:

Interested organizations are invited to apply through our online portal. Required information includes:

• Organization name, type, and country of operation
• Representative's name, role, and contact details
• A motivation letter explaining the organization’s interest and plans for applying the workshop knowledge
• A brief summary of the organization’s experience in tobacco control/public health
• An impact statement describing the expected benefits of the training
• Supporting documents such as proof of registration, relevant reports, and publications

Download the application via the following link before submission by Clicking here. 

Submit Application by Clicking here.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: October 28, 2024

Travel and accommodation arrangements will be managed by EMPHNET, with details provided upon acceptance. Participation in the workshop does not guarantee grant funding; however, it will significantly enhance the ability to apply for grants successfully.

We look forward to receiving your applications and to an impactful workshop that will advance tobacco control efforts across the region.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Randa Saad
Senior Technical Specialist, EMPHNET
rsaad@emphnet.net