If you’re passionate about development economics, social policy, or making a measurable impact on policy decisions, the J-PAL Africa Internship Programme 2025 is your chance to get involved. Hosted by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at the University of Cape Town, this unique opportunity allows students to contribute to impactful research and policy initiatives across Africa. The internships are flexible, paid, and available in a variety of fields, offering hands-on experience in policy, research, and education.
J-Lab Africa Internship Summary
Location: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Accra, Nairobi, or remote
Host Institution: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL Africa), part of MIT and headquartered in South Africa.
Internship Type: Paid Internship (Full-time or Part-time).
Coverage: Competitive stipend + other allowances
Duration: Typically 10–12 weeks (flexible start dates between May 1 and October 1, 2025).
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025.
Eligible To: Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
Programme Overview
J-PAL Africa offers four distinct internship opportunities within its policy, research, and education teams, designed to cater to a variety of interests and career aspirations:
1). Policy Internship: Education Portfolio
Focus: Enhancing education policy design and implementation using scientific evidence.
Location: Remote or in-person (Accra, Nairobi, or Cape Town).
2). Policy Internship: Digital Identification & Finance Initiative (DigiFI)
Focus: Research on digital ID and payment systems.
Location: In-person (Nairobi office).
3). Research Internship
Focus: Assisting with randomized controlled trials, data analysis, and project materials.
Location: In-person (Johannesburg office).
Eligibility: Legal right to work in South Africa required.
4). Education & Training Internship
Focus: Organizing training sessions and workshops, knowledge management, and outreach.
Location: Remote or in-person (Cape Town or Nairobi).
Internship Benefits
Financial Support: Competitive stipend for living expenses.
Professional Development:
Training in research methods and policy engagement.
Networking opportunities with leading researchers and policymakers.
Flexibility: Options for part-time, full-time, remote, or in-person work based on intern and team needs.
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 Studies, or a related field (final-year undergraduate or postgraduate preferred).
Demonstrate strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, or Python) is highly desirable.
Fluency in English is required; French proficiency is an advantage.
Preference will be given to those with prior coursework or experience in development research.
⚠️ For MicroMasters students in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy, applicants should have completed at least one course with competitive grades.
Application Procedure
Qualified candidates can submit their applications by Completing the online application form .
📂Submit the following required documents:
A current CV or résumé.
Academic transcripts.
Cover letter detailing your interest in the internship and relevant skills/experience.
MicroMasters program record (if applicable).
Contact details for two academic or professional references.
🗓️ Application Deadline: March 3, 2025.
ℹ️ Additional Information
A careers information event will be held in early 2025, providing an overview of J-PAL Africa’s work and internship opportunities. Details and registration links will be announced soon.
ℹ️ For inquiries, contact Lauren Roode at [lroode@povertyactionlab.org]
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
Comments