Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Policy Manager, Health, Africa

at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

J-PAL is a unique global research center that uses randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to scientifically determine what actually works in poverty alleviation. Unlike traditional policy organizations, J-PAL bridges academic rigor with real-world implementation, ensuring evidence directly informs policy decisions across Africa. Working here means contributing to scalable solutions that have been proven effective through rigorous evaluation.

About This Role

This Senior Policy Manager will lead the Scaling Access to Safe Water in Africa (SASWA) portfolio, specifically designing and scaling chlorine voucher programs integrated into maternal and child health systems across Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The role involves translating evidence from Kenya, Malawi, and meta-analyses into practical policy interventions, working directly with J-PAL Africa's Scientific Director Pascaline Dupas to pilot and scale proven water treatment solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with the SASWA team across time zones, analyzing implementation data from pilot sites, developing scaling strategies for chlorine voucher programs, and meeting with government health officials to discuss integration into existing maternal care systems. You might spend the morning reviewing monitoring data from Ghana, the afternoon planning a stakeholder workshop in Kenya, and the evening preparing evidence briefs for South African policymakers.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Has 5+ years of experience designing or implementing public health programs in Africa, specifically in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or maternal/child health systems
  • Demonstrates expertise in evidence-based policy translation, with experience taking research findings (particularly from randomized evaluations) and turning them into scalable programs
  • Possesses strong stakeholder management skills with governments, NGOs, and health systems across multiple African countries (Ghana, Kenya, South Africa experience preferred)
  • Has practical experience with program scaling, pilot design, and embedding interventions within existing health care infrastructure

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

1

Explicitly reference the SASWA portfolio and chlorine voucher program in your application materials, showing you've studied this specific initiative

2

Highlight any direct experience with water treatment products or chlorine distribution programs in African contexts

3

Demonstrate understanding of J-PAL's evidence-based approach by mentioning specific randomized evaluations you're familiar with in WASH or health

4

Show geographic expertise by detailing your experience working in Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa specifically

5

Quantify your impact in previous roles using metrics related to program scale, policy adoption, or health outcomes

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with evidence-to-policy translation in African health systems', 'Specific examples of designing or scaling WASH interventions, particularly water treatment programs', 'Knowledge of maternal and child health care systems in Africa and how to embed interventions within them', 'Experience working across multiple African countries and managing complex stakeholder relationships']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study J-PAL's existing water treatment evaluations in Kenya and Malawi (specifically the chlorine studies)
  • → Research Pascaline Dupas's work and publications on health economics and water treatment in Africa
  • → Review J-PAL Africa's current health portfolio and past policy influence cases
  • → Understand the maternal and child health care systems in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a chlorine voucher program for integration into Ghana's maternal health system?
2 What challenges have you faced scaling evidence-based interventions in Africa, and how did you overcome them?
3 How would you approach building partnerships with health ministries in Kenya and South Africa simultaneously?
4 What metrics would you track to evaluate the success of the SASWA portfolio?
5 How do you stay current with the latest evidence in WASH interventions, and which studies most influence your approach?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic public health experience without specific WASH or water treatment expertise
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of randomized evaluations or evidence-based policy approaches
  • Not showing geographic familiarity with African contexts or assuming all countries have similar health systems

📅 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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