The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship is a two-year capacity-building programme designed to support early-career researchers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The fellowship is hosted by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a global research center that promotes evidence-based policymaking through rigorous impact evaluations. Through the fellowship, scholars gain practical experience designing and conducting randomized evaluations focused on poverty reduction and social development policies. The programme is implemented by J-PAL MENA, the regional office of J-PAL, which works closely with researchers, policymakers, and implementing partners across the MENA region. Supported by Community Jameel and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, the fellowship aims to strengthen local research capacity while expanding the evidence base for development policies across the region. About the Fellowship The MENA Scholars Fellowship was established to create a pathway for emerging scholars to deepen their expertise in impact evaluation methodologies, particularly randomized evaluations. These methods allow researchers to rigorously assess the effectiveness of social programs and policies. Over the course of two years, fellows engage in academic training, research collaboration, mentorship, and networking opportunities that enable them to contribute meaningfully to policy-relevant research. The programme also supports the development of local expertise to ensure that policy research in the MENA region is contextually grounded and locally driven. The inaugural cohort of fellows was selected in 2023, followed by a second cohort in 2024 representing countries including Egypt, Morocco, and Lebanon. Scholars in these cohorts have conducted research on areas such as: Climate finance Labor markets Gender equality Public health policy Through these cohorts, J-PAL MENA continues to expand its research portfolio and strengthen partnerships with regional academic institutions. Fellowship Components The fellowship includes eight key components designed to develop research expertise and professional networks. Work on a Randomized Evaluation Fellows will collaborate on a randomized impact evaluation alongside a J-PAL affiliate, J-PAL MENA staff, and implementing partners. This experience exposes fellows to the full lifecycle of impact evaluation research. Key stages include: Research design Data collection and analysis Policy interpretation Dissemination of findings Mentorship Each fellow is paired with a mentor drawn from the J-PAL affiliate network, J-PAL MENA Scientific Directors, or post-doctoral fellows. Mentors provide guidance on: Research design and methodology Academic publishing Career development Networking Opportunities Fellows join a growing network of scholars connected to Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. Networking opportunities include: Engagement with other MENA Scholars Fellows Collaboration with global J-PAL fellows Connections with policymakers and development practitioners Academic Education Participants will enroll in two online courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) MicroMasters programme in Data, Economics, and Development Policy. The courses strengthen skills in: Randomized evaluation design Econometric analysis Applied development research Capacity Building Training Additional technical and professional training sessions are delivered by J-PAL MENA staff and postdoctoral fellows. These trainings focus on: Methodological challenges specific to the MENA region Academic proposal writing Personal academic website development Advanced technical skills in impact evaluation Media Engagement Fellows may receive guidance from J-PAL and a professional public relations firm to improve the visibility of their research. Support may include: Media outreach strategies Communicating research findings to policymakers Public engagement and policy communication Event Participation Fellows are invited to participate in J-PAL MENA policy events across the region. These events provide opportunities to: Present research findings Engage with policymakers and practitioners Participate in policy dialogue alongside leading economists Evaluation Design Project During the second year of the fellowship, participants design their own randomized evaluation project addressing a policy issue in the MENA region. This project is developed with guidance from mentors and may serve as the foundation for future academic or policy research. Fellowship Benefits Each selected fellow receives financial and professional support throughout the programme. Benefits include: USD $15,000 stipend distributed across the two-year fellowship period Access to mentorship from leading researchers Enrollment in MIT MicroMasters courses Participation in regional policy events Collaboration with global researchers and development practitioners Professional development and research training The stipend is intended to support fellows’ time and commitment to fellowship activities. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements. Educational Background Applicants must be trained in Economics or related disciplines, including: Public Policy Political Science Public Health Statistics Other relevant social sciences Fellowship Tracks The programme offers two tracks for applicants. Track 1 – PhD Students Candidates currently pursuing a PhD in economics or a related field Applicants must hold nationality from a MENA region country PhD programmes may be based within or outside the MENA region Track 2 – Academic Scholars Candidates who have completed a PhD Must be affiliated with an academic institution in the MENA region Language Skills Applicants must demonstrate strong language proficiency in: Arabic (native or fluent) English (fluent) Quantitative Skills Candidates should have experience using statistical software such as: Stata R Research Interest Applicants must demonstrate interest in impact evaluation research related to poverty reduction and development in the MENA region. Relevant sectors include: Education Health Climate change Economic development Collaboration and Teamwork Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively on research projects involving multiple partners, including policymakers and implementing organizations. Commitment Fellows must commit to: Completing all programme requirements Actively participating in fellowship activities Contributing to research projects over the full two-year fellowship period Learning Opportunities Prospective fellows interested in strengthening their knowledge of impact evaluation can explore training resources offered by Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. Key resources include: Introduction to Randomized Evaluations MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Development Policy J-PAL 102x: Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations J-PAL teaching resources and workshops These courses provide foundational knowledge in evidence-based policymaking and development economics. Why the Fellowship Matters The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship plays a critical role in expanding the use of rigorous research methods in development policy across the Middle East and North Africa. By investing in emerging scholars, the programme aims to: Strengthen regional research capacity Improve the quality of policy evaluation Increase the use of evidence-based policymaking Support research that directly addresses poverty and development challenges Fellows leave the programme equipped with the skills, networks, and experience needed to influence public policy and contribute to global development research. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.