J-PAL Africa is inviting students and early-career professionals from sub-Saharan Africa to attend a virtual career information session focused on its 2026 paid internship opportunities. This session is designed to help prospective applicants better understand the internship program, selection criteria, and application process.
J-PAL Africa plays a critical role in strengthening evidence-based policymaking across Africa by supporting high-quality research, policy engagement, and capacity building. Each year, the organization recruits talented interns to contribute to its growing portfolio of policy and research initiatives.
Event Details
- Event Type: Career Information Webinar
- Host: J-PAL Africa
- Date: 4 March 2026
- Time:
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM (SAST)
- 7:00 – 8:00 AM (EST)
- Location: Virtual (Online)
During the session, participants will gain insights into available internship roles, expected responsibilities, and what J-PAL Africa looks for in successful candidates. There will also be guidance on how to submit a strong application.
About the 2026 Internship Opportunities
For 2026, J-PAL Africa is offering paid policy internship positions across three core teams:
- Education Portfolio
- Benin Partnership Portfolio
- Digital Identification and Finance Initiative in Africa (DigiFI)
Internships can be part-time or full-time, with a commitment period of 3 to 6 months. All roles are in-person, based in Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin), or Nairobi (Kenya), depending on team needs.
Please note that J-PAL Africa does not provide work visa sponsorship, and applicants must have the legal right to work in the host country.
Internship Tracks and Responsibilities
Policy Internship – Education Portfolio
The Education Portfolio focuses on improving education outcomes by ensuring that policies and programs are informed by rigorous scientific evidence. While earlier work concentrated heavily on girls’ education, the portfolio has expanded since 2025 to address broader education challenges across Africa.
Interns will:
- Identify opportunities for the use and generation of evidence in education policy
- Map potential partnerships with governments and stakeholders
- Support communication strategies and engagement activities
- Assist in translating global research evidence into local policy contexts
Location: Accra (Ghana) or Nairobi (Kenya)
Start Date: Flexible
For more opportunities >>>>
Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)
African Union (AU) Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program 2026
Policy Internship – Benin Partnership Portfolio
J-PAL Africa works closely with the Government of Benin, through the Ministry of Development and Coordination of Government Action (MDC), to promote evidence-informed policymaking. This collaboration builds on Benin’s strong institutional commitment to data-driven governance, including the adoption of a 2024 law encouraging the use of evidence in public decision-making.
Interns will:
- Conduct literature reviews across key thematic policy areas
- Support research design, analysis, and administrative activities
- Identify opportunities for applying evidence in public policy
- Assist with coordination and documentation tasks
Language Requirement: Fluency in French (mandatory)
Preferred Location: Cotonou (Benin) or Nairobi (Kenya)
Start Date: Flexible
Policy Internship – Digital Identification & Finance Initiative (DigiFI)
The Digital Identification and Finance Initiative in Africa (DigiFI) supports experimental research examining the impact of digital ID systems and digital payment infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa.
Interns will:
- Support DigiFI’s Request for Proposals (RFP) and project selection processes
- Assist with research development and project management
- Contribute to evidence dissemination and policy engagement activities
- Support coordination with researchers, governments, and partners
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Start Date: Flexible
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a degree in Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, or a related field
OR be in the final year of study in one of these disciplines - Demonstrate a strong interest in social policy, development, and research
- Possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills
- Show high attention to detail and professionalism
- Be a national of a sub-Saharan African country
Additional Criteria for MicroMasters Students
For students enrolled in the MIT MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP):
- At least one completed MicroMasters course is required
- Preference is given to candidates with 75% or higher grades
- Strong advantage for applicants who completed:
- Data Analysis for Social Scientists
- Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations
Applicants should list completed courses and upload their program record from the MicroMasters portal.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official J-PAL Africa application portal.
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
For full details about the information session and internship opportunities, visit the official event page hosted by MIT Poverty Action Lab:
👉 https://www.povertyactionlab.org/event/career-information-session-j-pal-africa-2026-internship-opportunities
Contact Information
If you have questions about the internships or application process, please contact:
Lauren Roode
📩 lroode@povertyactionlab.org
The J-PAL Africa 2026 internships offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy research, contribute to impactful development work, and collaborate with leading researchers and policymakers across Africa.
Qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to attend the information session and apply early.