Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Policy Lead - J-PAL Global

at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

J-PAL (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring policy is informed by scientific evidence through randomized evaluations. What makes J-PAL unique is its rigorous, data-driven approach to development policy and its extensive network of affiliated researchers across universities worldwide. Someone might want to work here to be at the intersection of cutting-edge research, policy influence, and real-world impact on poverty reduction.

About This Role

This AI Policy Lead role involves spearheading J-PAL's 'AI for Social Good' initiatives by managing the global AI portfolio, focusing on evaluating and scaling transformative AI applications in development programs. The role is impactful because it bridges the gap between emerging AI technologies and evidence-based development policy, potentially shaping how AI is responsibly deployed to address global poverty challenges.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning meetings with tech partners or funders to discuss collaborative AI evaluation projects, followed by reviewing progress on ongoing AI research initiatives with your team. The afternoon could include developing funding proposals for new AI policy work, mentoring staff on evaluation methodologies, and preparing presentations for international conferences on AI for social good.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Is Looking For

  • Has a Master's in economics, public policy, or international development with strong economics training, plus 8+ years experience in randomized evaluations and development policy
  • Demonstrates proven ability to secure funding and manage high-level partnerships with tech funders, AI labs, and international organizations
  • Possesses experience managing 3-4 staff members with coaching and mentoring skills, plus recruitment experience at conferences/job fairs
  • Shows ability to work independently on tight deadlines with excellent writing skills, and ideally has some training in computer science, ML, or AI topics

📝 Tips for Applying to Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

1

Highlight specific experience with randomized evaluations in development contexts—mention particular studies or methodologies you've worked with

2

Demonstrate your ability to bridge technical AI concepts and development policy by giving examples of how you've translated between these domains

3

Showcase your fundraising track record specifically for research or policy initiatives, quantifying amounts secured if possible

4

Emphasize your experience managing teams in research or policy settings, not just general management experience

5

Tailor your application to J-PAL's evidence-based approach by referencing their specific research initiatives or publications you admire

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with randomized evaluations and how it prepares you to assess AI applications in development programs', "Examples of successful partnerships you've built with tech organizations, funders, or international bodies relevant to AI for social good", 'Your track record in securing funding for research or policy initiatives, especially technology-focused projects', 'How your background bridges economics/development policy with emerging technology topics']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review J-PAL's existing AI-related initiatives and publications (like their 'AI and Development' initiative) to understand their current focus areas
  • → Study J-PAL's partnership models with organizations like Google.org, USAID, or other tech-focused funders mentioned in their materials
  • → Familiarize yourself with J-PAL's regional offices and sector programs to understand how AI initiatives might integrate with their existing work
  • → Look into J-PAL's leadership and board members to understand their perspectives on technology and evidence-based policy

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a randomized evaluation to assess the impact of an AI tool in a specific development context (e.g., education, healthcare delivery)?
2 Describe your approach to building partnerships between academic research institutions like J-PAL and technology companies/AI labs
3 How would you prioritize which AI applications in development should receive J-PAL's limited evaluation resources?
4 What ethical considerations are most important when evaluating AI tools in low-resource settings, and how would you address them?
5 Describe a time you successfully secured funding for a research or policy initiative—what strategies did you use and what challenges did you overcome?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical AI/ML skills without demonstrating understanding of development economics or randomized evaluation methodology
  • Using generic development policy language without connecting it to J-PAL's specific evidence-based approach and research methods
  • Failing to show how you would operationalize partnerships or fundraising specifically for AI research—being too theoretical without practical examples

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)!

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