Career Information Session and 2026 Internship Opportunities The J-PAL Africa (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, Africa office) is inviting applications for its 2026 Policy Internship Program. Each year, J-PAL Africa recruits interns from Sub-Saharan Africa to contribute to research, policy design, and training initiatives. The program offers hands-on experience for students and recent graduates seeking to engage in evidence-based policy and development research. Internship Areas Internships are available with three primary teams: Education Portfolio Focus: Evidence-informed education policy, with emphasis on improving outcomes for girls and broader education systems across Africa Responsibilities: Scoping opportunities for evidence use, mapping partnerships, crafting communications content, and supporting engagement strategies Locations: Accra, Ghana or Nairobi, Kenya Benin Partnership Portfolio Focus: Strengthening data-driven policymaking in collaboration with Benin’s Ministry of Development and Coordination of Government Action (MDC) Responsibilities: Literature reviews, research support, and administrative tasks to promote evidence use Requirements: Fluency in French is required Locations: Cotonou, Benin or Nairobi, Kenya Digital Identification & Finance Initiative (DigiFI) Focus: Generating policy-relevant evidence on digital identification and payment systems in Sub-Saharan Africa Responsibilities: Supporting the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, project development, and evidence dissemination Location: Nairobi, Kenya Internships are paid, part- or full-time, and last 3 to 6 months. Start dates are flexible according to the needs of the respective teams. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country Hold or be pursuing a degree in Economics, Statistics, Development, or a related field For MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) students: Completion of at least one MicroMasters course is required, with preference for high grades (75%+) and completion of multiple courses, particularly Data Analysis for Social Scientists and Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations Demonstrate strong interest in social policy and development research Exhibit excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines Be an effective communicator French fluency is advantageous for most positions and mandatory for the Benin Partnership Portfolio Internship Experience Interns at J-PAL Africa will gain: Hands-on experience supporting research and evidence-based policy design Opportunities to collaborate with governments and international partners Exposure to data analysis, policy engagement, and project implementation Mentorship from experienced researchers and policy analysts The program emphasizes practical impact, preparing interns for future careers in research, public policy, and development sectors. Career Information Session J-PAL Africa will host a virtual careers information webinar for prospective applicants: Date: 4 March 2026 Time: 2:00–3:00 pm SAST (7:00–8:00 am EST) Format: Online The session will cover the internship program, the application process, and the qualities sought in successful candidates. Interested participants can register for the webinar online. Application Process Deadline: 31 March 2026 Applications must be submitted online through the J-PAL Africa portal Candidates are encouraged to specify the internship area of interest and provide academic records, relevant course completions, and any other supporting documentation Note: J-PAL Africa does not sponsor work visas. Interns are expected to work in-person in the designated locations. Contact Information For questions regarding the internship program, applicants may reach out to: Lauren RoodeEmail: lroode@povertyactionlab.org J-PAL Africa Offices:400 Main Street, E19-201Cambridge, MA 02142, USATel: +1 617 324 6566Email: info@povertyactionlab.org Summary The 2026 J-PAL Africa Policy Internship Program provides paid, hands-on opportunities for students and graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa to engage in evidence-based research and policy initiatives. Interns work with teams focused on education, public policy in Benin, and digital identification and finance, gaining valuable experience in research, data analysis, and policy engagement. This program is ideal for individuals committed to improving social outcomes, strengthening public policy, and developing expertise in data-driven research, while contributing directly to initiatives that influence development and governance across Africa. Interns also benefit from mentorship, practical skill-building, and networking opportunities that support future careers in research and policy. LEARN MORE HERE 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 that is offering this internship. 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.