Application Guide
How to Apply for Internships - J-PAL Africa
at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
J-PAL is unique as a global research center that bridges rigorous academic research with real-world policy impact, specifically focused on poverty reduction through evidence-based approaches. The Africa office offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy, and implementation across multiple African countries while being part of the prestigious MIT-based network.
About This Role
This internship involves supporting evidence-based policy work across education, digital identification, and finance sectors through literature reviews, partnership mapping, and assisting with DigiFI's funding processes. It's impactful because you'll directly contribute to shaping policies and funding decisions that affect poverty reduction initiatives across Africa.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve conducting literature reviews on digital finance interventions, drafting partnership outreach emails to government agencies, participating in virtual team meetings across African time zones, and assisting with reviewing DigiFI proposal submissions. You'd balance independent research tasks with collaborative policy support work.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Is Looking For
- Demonstrated interest in evidence-based policy, particularly in African development contexts
- Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize academic literature into actionable insights
- Self-motivated with ability to work remotely while collaborating across time zones with teams in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra
- Excellent written communication skills for crafting policy briefs, partnership proposals, and dissemination materials
📝 Tips for Applying to Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
Highlight any experience with systematic literature reviews or evidence synthesis, even from academic coursework
Demonstrate specific knowledge of at least one of their focus sectors (education, digital ID, or finance) in the African context
Show familiarity with J-PAL's existing research portfolio by referencing specific studies or initiatives
Emphasize remote collaboration experience and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Connect your background to their mission of 'ensuring policy is informed by scientific evidence' with concrete examples
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your understanding of evidence-based policy making and why it matters for poverty reduction', "Specific examples of research or analytical work you've done that aligns with their sectors", "How your skills would support DigiFI's Request for Proposal process and evidence dissemination", "Why you're particularly interested in J-PAL Africa's approach versus other development organizations"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → DigiFI Africa initiative's current projects and funding priorities
- → J-PAL Africa's recent policy publications and evidence briefs
- → The specific research methods J-PAL employs (randomized evaluations)
- → Current policy debates in African education, digital ID, or finance sectors
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't reference J-PAL's specific evidence-based approach
- Focusing only on research without connecting it to policy implementation
- Not demonstrating understanding of African development contexts or their office locations
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)!