Are you a final-year student or recent graduate passionate about evidence-based policymaking and development research in Africa? Join the Career Information Session with J-PAL Africa and explore the 2026 paid internship opportunities designed specifically for nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
Hosted by J-PAL Africa, this virtual webinar will guide prospective applicants through the internship program, application process, and key selection criteria for 2026.
Webinar Details
-
Date: 4 March 2026
-
Time: 2:00 – 3:00pm SAST (7:00 – 8:00am EST)
-
Location: Virtual
Prospective applicants are encouraged to register and attend to gain direct insights from the team.
About J-PAL Africa’s 2026 Internship Program
Each year, J-PAL Africa appoints interns from Sub-Saharan Africa to support research, policy engagement, and training activities. For 2026, paid internship positions are open across three major portfolios:
-
Education Portfolio
-
Benin Partnership Portfolio
-
Digital Identification and Finance Initiative (DigiFI)
Internships are:
-
Paid
-
Structured as part-time or full-time
-
3 to 6 months in duration
-
In-person (Accra, Cotonou, or Nairobi depending on the team)
-
Flexible start dates
Please note: J-PAL Africa does not sponsor work visas.
Policy Internship: Education Portfolio (Accra or Nairobi)
The Education Portfolio works to ensure education policy in Africa is grounded in rigorous scientific evidence. Initially focused on girls’ education, the portfolio has expanded since 2025 to broader education reforms.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Scope opportunities for evidence use and generation in education
-
Map strategic partnerships with governments and institutions
-
Develop communications materials and engagement strategies
-
Support policy design informed by global research
This role is ideal for candidates interested in education reform, public policy design, and impact evaluation.
Policy Internship: Benin Partnership Portfolio (Cotonou or Nairobi)
In collaboration with Benin’s Ministry of Development and Coordination of Government Action, J-PAL Africa is advancing evidence-informed policymaking following the 2024 law promoting data use in public policy.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Identify opportunities for evidence generation
-
Conduct literature reviews across thematic areas
-
Support research and administrative coordination
-
Engage with government and institutional partners
Fluency in French is required for this position.
Policy Internship: Digital Identification & Finance Initiative (DigiFI) – Nairobi
DigiFI supports experimental research on digital identification and payment systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Support the Request for Proposal (RFP) process
-
Assist in project funding decision preparation
-
Contribute to project development and evidence dissemination
-
Coordinate research partnerships with governments
This internship is based at the Nairobi office.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
-
Hold or be in the final year of a degree in Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, or a related field
-
Demonstrate strong interest in social policy and development research
-
Possess excellent communication and organizational skills
-
Show strong attention to detail
-
Be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African country
For MicroMasters in Data, Economics and Design of Policy students, at least one completed course is required. Preference is given to applicants with grades of 75% or higher and completion of multiple relevant courses.
French proficiency is highly advantageous for all positions and mandatory for the Benin portfolio.
Why Apply?
-
Gain hands-on experience in evidence-based policymaking
-
Work alongside leading researchers and policymakers
-
Contribute to impactful development initiatives across Africa
-
Build a strong professional network in international development
If you are committed to advancing data-driven public policy in Africa, this internship could be a transformative step in your career.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2026 J-PAL Africa internships is 31 March 2026.
For more information Click Here
Apply Here
Discover more internships opportunities here