ASPIRE Fellows Program 2026: Work with Governments, Scale Evidence-Based Solutions, and Transform Public Policy in India @Based Solutions, and Transform Public Policy in India

Young professionals seeking a meaningful career in development, public policy, governance, and evidence-based social impact now have an exceptional opportunity to work directly with government systems through the ASPIRE Fellows Program hosted by J-PAL South Asia.

The ASPIRE Fellowship is a prestigious two-year professional engagement designed to bridge the gap between research and policy implementation. Through this unique initiative, fellows work alongside researchers, government departments, policymakers, and civil society organizations to integrate evidence-based solutions into large-scale government programs across India.

Hosted by J-PAL South Asia, the fellowship provides emerging development professionals with unparalleled exposure to policy implementation, government partnerships, program scaling, monitoring and evaluation, and public sector innovation.

For individuals passionate about translating research into real-world impact, the ASPIRE Fellows Program offers a unique platform to contribute to transformative change while building a strong foundation for a long-term career in the development sector.

What Is the ASPIRE Fellows Program?

The ASPIRE Fellows Program is an immersive professional fellowship that enables young professionals with two to five years of experience to work closely with J-PAL South Asia’s extensive network of:

• Researchers
• Government ministries
• State government departments
• Development partners
• Civil society organizations
• Technical experts
• Implementation agencies

The fellowship focuses on scaling evidence-based interventions through government systems.

Rather than working solely in research environments, fellows become embedded within government departments and institutions, helping policymakers implement programs backed by rigorous evidence and evaluation.

The program creates a critical connection between research findings and practical implementation, ensuring that effective interventions can be expanded to reach millions of beneficiaries.

About J-PAL South Asia

J-PAL South Asia is part of the global Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a leading research center dedicated to reducing poverty through evidence-informed policy.

Through partnerships with governments, researchers, and development organizations, J-PAL promotes the use of rigorous evidence to design, test, and scale programs that improve lives.

The ASPIRE Fellowship represents one of J-PAL South Asia’s key initiatives to strengthen the use of evidence within public systems and government decision-making processes.

Fellowship Duration and Structure

The ASPIRE Fellowship is a full-time, two-year engagement.

Phase 1: Intensive Onboarding at J-PAL South Asia

During the first two months, selected fellows are placed at J-PAL South Asia’s Delhi office.

This onboarding phase includes:

• Intensive orientation
• Technical training
• Exposure to evidence-based policymaking
• Understanding government partnerships
• Learning about implementation science
• Familiarization with program scaling methodologies
• Professional development and mentorship

This foundation prepares fellows for successful deployment within government systems.

Phase 2: Government Placement

After completing onboarding, fellows are placed within designated government departments and offices according to their assigned projects.

These placements allow fellows to work directly within government structures and contribute to the implementation and scaling of high-impact interventions.

Goals of the ASPIRE Fellows Program

The fellowship is built around two major objectives.

1. Strengthening Collaboration Between Research and Government

The program seeks to foster convergence among:

• J-PAL South Asia
• Policymakers
• Government systems
• Technical partners
• Development practitioners

By strengthening these partnerships, the fellowship supports the effective scaling of interventions proven to work through rigorous evidence.

2. Developing Knowledge on Scaling Evidence-Based Programs

The fellowship contributes to building locally grounded knowledge by:

• Documenting lessons learned
• Capturing implementation insights
• Studying challenges in scaling programs
• Identifying best practices
• Supporting continuous learning

This knowledge helps improve future development interventions across India.

What Kind of Work Do ASPIRE Fellows Do?

ASPIRE Fellows serve as critical links between research, implementation, and policymaking.

Their responsibilities may include:

Program Management

• Coordinating large-scale initiatives
• Supporting implementation activities
• Managing project timelines
• Tracking program performance

Stakeholder Engagement

• Working with government officials
• Facilitating collaboration among partners
• Supporting communication across institutions
• Building relationships with key stakeholders

Technical Assistance

• Supporting policy implementation
• Providing evidence-based recommendations
• Assisting program design and refinement
• Contributing to strategic planning

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Supporting data collection efforts
• Coordinating evaluations
• Interpreting research findings
• Translating evidence into actionable recommendations

Organizational Learning

• Documenting lessons learned
• Sharing best practices
• Facilitating knowledge management
• Strengthening institutional learning systems

Meet the Impact: Examples of Current ASPIRE Fellows

The experiences of current fellows demonstrate the breadth and significance of projects supported through the program.

Sanjana Chettri

Sanjana serves as an ASPIRE Fellow supporting the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), a flagship initiative under India’s Ministry of Rural Development.

Her work focuses on:

• Coordinating learning and knowledge-building activities
• Supporting the establishment of a Gender Impact Lab
• Designing evidence-based solutions for rural women
• Strengthening learning systems within DAY-NRLM

Prior to joining the fellowship, she worked with organizations such as:

• Oxfam
• Belongg
• 60 Decibels

She also led a preventive mental health initiative in partnership with the Government of Delhi.

Nidhi Arun

Nidhi supports innovative education programs implemented through Karnataka’s Department of School Education and Literacy.

Her work involves:

• Supporting program design
• Scaling educational interventions
• Coordinating impact evaluations
• Building policy evidence

Programs she supports include:

• ConnectED
• Maru Sinchana
• Every Child Counts
• Gender Equity Curriculum

Before joining the fellowship, she worked with:

• Indiana University Public Policy Institute
• Government Economic Service (United Kingdom)
• International Finance Corporation (IFC)

These examples illustrate the diversity of opportunities available to fellows across sectors including education, gender, livelihoods, and governance.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is designed for highly motivated professionals who want to contribute to meaningful public sector transformation.

Ideal applicants are individuals who:

• Want to build a career in development.
• Have a strong interest in public policy.
• Enjoy solving complex implementation challenges.
• Are passionate about social impact.
• Believe in evidence-based decision-making.
• Want to work directly with government systems.
• Seek hands-on experience in scaling interventions.

Skills and Competencies Sought

Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate strong capabilities in the following areas.

Stakeholder Management and Facilitation

Candidates should be able to:

• Build partnerships
• Coordinate diverse stakeholders
• Facilitate discussions
• Manage relationships effectively

Program Management

Applicants should possess:

• Project planning skills
• Organizational abilities
• Time management capabilities
• Coordination experience

Technical Assistance

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are valuable for supporting government programs and policy implementation.

Organizational Learning

Applicants should be interested in generating, documenting, and sharing knowledge to improve future interventions.

Understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation

Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation is considered highly valuable because fellows frequently engage with:

• Evidence generation
• Impact assessments
• Learning systems
• Program improvement processes

Candidates with M&E experience may be particularly competitive.

Benefits of Becoming an ASPIRE Fellow

The fellowship offers numerous professional advantages.

Professional Development

Fellows receive:

• Intensive onboarding
• Practical training
• Mentorship opportunities
• Exposure to leading researchers

Government Experience

Participants gain first-hand experience working within government systems and public institutions.

Large-Scale Impact

Fellows contribute to programs that affect millions of people across India.

Evidence-Based Policy Exposure

Participants learn how rigorous research informs policymaking and implementation.

High-Level Networking

Fellows build relationships with:

• Government leaders
• Researchers
• Development experts
• International organizations
• Civil society actors

Career Advancement

The fellowship provides exceptional experience for future careers in:

• Public policy
• International development
• Government consulting
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Research and implementation
• Program management

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Step 1: Submit an Application

Candidates must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Short Video Introduction

The video should introduce:

• The applicant
• Their background
• Their motivation for joining the fellowship
• Their interest in evidence-based development

Step 2: Case Study Assessment

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a case study or designated assignment.

This stage evaluates:

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills
• Understanding of development challenges

Step 3: Interview Rounds

Successful candidates proceed to two rounds of interviews with the J-PAL South Asia team.

The interviews assess:

• Technical competencies
• Professional experience
• Motivation
• Alignment with fellowship objectives

Projects and Government Partners

Fellows may be assigned to projects involving:

Ministry of Education

Supporting educational innovation, learning outcomes, and policy implementation.

Ministry of Rural Development

Working on large-scale livelihood, gender, and rural development programs.

Additional opportunities may emerge through J-PAL South Asia’s expanding network of government and development partners.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare:

1. An updated CV.
2. A compelling cover letter.
3. A short introductory video.

Applications are accepted through the ASPIRE Fellows Program platform.

For questions regarding the fellowship or application process, applicants may contact:

• vasharma@povertyactionlab.org
• tpande@povertyactionlab.org

Application Deadline

No fixed deadline has been announced. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Why the ASPIRE Fellowship Stands Out

Few opportunities allow young professionals to work directly at the intersection of research, government, and large-scale implementation. The ASPIRE Fellows Program provides a rare chance to embed within public systems, influence policy implementation, strengthen evidence use in governance, and contribute to meaningful development outcomes.

For ambitious professionals seeking to build expertise in development, public policy, monitoring and evaluation, and government partnerships, the ASPIRE Fellowship offers an outstanding pathway to accelerate both professional growth and social impact.

Apply here  

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here