The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Africa is offering paid internship opportunities in 2026. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2026. These internships target students and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa who are passionate about policy, research, and development. Importantly, interns will work with teams focused on education, government partnerships, and digital finance in Africa. The program offers hands-on experience and the chance to contribute to impactful projects in Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin), or Nairobi (Kenya).
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African countries
Internship Location: Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin), Nairobi (Kenya)
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Compensation: Paid
Host Organization: J-PAL Africa
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About the Internship
J-PAL Africa seeks interns for three teams: the Education Portfolio, Benin Partnership Portfolio, and Digital Identification and Finance Initiative (DigiFI). These positions support research, policy, and training activities. Internships can be part- or full-time, with flexible start dates. Work will be in-person at one of the regional offices, depending on team needs. However, J-PAL Africa cannot sponsor work visas, so applicants must be eligible to work in the chosen location.
Responsibilities
- Support scoping opportunities for evidence use and generation in policy and research.
- Map potential partnerships and contribute to engagement strategies.
- Assist with literature reviews, research, and administrative tasks.
- Craft communications content for various partners.
- For DigiFI: Support the Request for Proposal process and assist with project development and evidence dissemination.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a degree in Economics, Statistics, Development, or a related field, or be in the final year of such a degree.
- MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy students: At least one completed course. Preference for multiple courses completed with grades of 75% or above.
- Strong interest in social policy and development research.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
- Fluency in French is required for the Benin Partnership position and advantageous for other roles.
Skills Preferred: French language skills, research experience, strong communication, and organizational abilities.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application, indicating which MicroMasters courses you have completed if applicable, and include your program record if relevant.
- Apply online through the official J-PAL Africa internship page before 31 March 2026.
- For questions, contact Lauren Roode at the email provided on the official page.
👉 Visit the official internship page for details
