Call for Applications: J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026

Overview

The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship is a two-year capacity-building program for early-career researchers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focused on poverty reduction through rigorous impact evaluations.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate on randomized impact evaluations with J-PAL affiliates and staff.
• Conduct research design, data collection and analysis, policy interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
• Design an independent randomized evaluation project in the second year.

Requirements

• Trained in Economics or related fields (Public Policy, Political Science, Public Health, Statistics, etc.).
• Track 1 (PhD Students): Currently pursuing a PhD in economics or related field; must be a national of a MENA country.
• Track 2 (Academic Scholars): Completed a PhD and affiliated with an academic institution in the MENA region.
• Native or fluent in Arabic and fluent in English.
• Experience with statistical software (Stata, R).
• Interest in impact evaluation research related to poverty reduction and development in the MENA region.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Commitment to completing all program requirements over two years.

Benefits

• USD $15,000 stipend over two years.
• Mentorship from leading researchers.
• Enrollment in MIT MicroMasters courses.
• Participation in regional policy events.
• Collaboration with global researchers.
• Professional development and research training.

Location

MENA Region

How to Apply

Visit the official website to apply.

Deadline

2026 (Implied by title, but not explicitly stated in the text)