J-PAL Africa Policy Internship 2026: Paid Research & Policy Internship for Sub-Saharan African Graduates

J-PAL Africa is inviting applications for its 2026 Policy Internship Programme, a paid opportunity designed for emerging researchers and development professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme allows participants to work directly with leading policy teams focused on education, governance, and digital finance while gaining hands-on experience in evidence-based policymaking.

Interns will contribute to real research and government advisory projects and collaborate with international researchers, policymakers, and development partners.

About the Internship Programme

Each year, J-PAL Africa recruits interns from Sub-Saharan Africa to support research, policy engagement, and training initiatives. The 2026 cohort will join one of three specialized portfolios:

• Education Portfolio

• Benin Partnership Portfolio

• Digital Identification and Finance Initiative (DigiFI)

Internships last between 3 to 6 months, can be part-time or full-time, and are conducted in person at one of the following locations depending on team needs:

• Accra, Ghana

• Cotonou, Benin

• Nairobi, Kenya

The organization does not provide work visa sponsorship.

Why This Internship Matters

The J-PAL Africa internship places participants at the intersection of research and real-world policy decisions. Interns help translate rigorous academic research into government programs that improve education systems, financial inclusion, and governance outcomes across Africa.

Internship Tracks and Responsibilities

Education Portfolio

This team supports governments in designing education policies informed by scientific evidence.

Intern responsibilities include:

• Mapping partnerships and policy opportunities

• Supporting evidence-use strategies

• Drafting communications materials

• Supporting stakeholder engagement

Location: Accra or Nairobi

Benin Partnership Portfolio

A multi-year collaboration with the Government of Benin to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking.

Intern responsibilities include:

• Literature reviews

• Policy research support

• Administrative and coordination tasks

• Evidence-generation activities

Location: Cotonou or Nairobi
Requirement: Fluency in French

Digital Identification & Finance Initiative (DigiFI)

Supports experimental research on digital ID and payment systems in Africa.

Intern responsibilities include:

• Supporting research funding processes

• Project development assistance

• Evidence dissemination activities

• Stakeholder coordination

Location: Nairobi

Benefits of the Internship

Participants will receive:

• Paid internship support

• Hands-on research and policy experience

• Exposure to government partnerships

• Experience working with international development experts

• Training in evidence-based policymaking

• Professional networking opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country

• Hold or be completing a degree in Economics, Statistics, Development, or related field

• Demonstrate interest in social policy and development research

• Possess strong communication and organizational skills

• Meet strict deadlines and demonstrate attention to detail

Additional considerations:

• French required for Benin position

• English proficiency required for all positions

• MIT MicroMasters DEDP students with relevant coursework are encouraged to apply

Career Information Webinar

A virtual information session for prospective applicants will take place:

Date: 4 March 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM SAST

The session will explain the application process and expectations for candidates.

Application Process

Applicants must submit an online application before the deadline. For enquiries, applicants may contact J-PAL Africa via official communication channels.

Deadline: 31 March 2026

APPLY HERE

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