The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Europe has officially opened applications for the prestigious Policy and Research Associate position based in France for 2026. This exciting international opportunity is ideal for early-career professionals who are passionate about evidence-based policymaking, development economics, research, impact evaluation, and public policy.

Hosted at the Paris School of Economics, this position offers candidates a unique chance to work at the intersection of research, policy development, training, and international collaboration while contributing to global poverty reduction efforts through rigorous scientific evidence.

Applicants interested in policy research jobs in Europe, development economics careers, impact evaluation positions, and international public policy opportunities should pay close attention to this highly competitive role.

About J-PAL Europe

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, widely known as J-PAL, is a globally respected research center dedicated to reducing poverty through evidence-informed policymaking. J-PAL works with a network of more than 1,100 affiliated professors at universities worldwide and is recognized internationally for advancing randomized impact evaluations and rigorous policy research.

J-PAL Europe serves as one of J-PAL’s seven regional offices and focuses on generating and utilizing evidence to shape social programs and policies across Europe and beyond.

This particular role is connected to the “Development Methodologies Chair,” established jointly by:

• The French Development Agency (AFD)
• University Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)

The chair is led by Nobel Prize-winning economists and J-PAL co-founders:

• Abhijit Banerjee
• Esther Duflo

The initiative seeks to strengthen research in development economics and improve policymaking through scientific evidence and innovative methodologies.

Position Overview

Position Title

Policy and Research Associate – J-PAL Europe

Organization

J-PAL Europe

Location

France (based at the Paris School of Economics)

Earliest Start Date

1 August 2026

Latest Start Date

1 September 2026

This role provides hands-on professional experience for individuals interested in:

• Development economics
• Public policy
• Humanitarian policy
• Impact evaluations
• Research communication
• Evidence synthesis
• Policy outreach
• International development
• Research capacity building

The selected candidate will support the creation of new research opportunities, strengthen partnerships, coordinate policy outreach, and contribute to training activities.

Why This Opportunity Is Important

This is not just another research assistant position. The J-PAL Europe Policy and Research Associate role provides direct exposure to:

• International policymakers
• Leading economists
• Evidence-based policy initiatives
• Research dissemination strategies
• High-level development institutions
• Policy conferences and workshops
• Impact evaluation methodologies

The position is particularly valuable for candidates planning to pursue:

• A PhD in economics or public policy
• Careers in international organizations
• Research leadership roles
• Policy advisory careers
• Development consulting
• Humanitarian policy careers

Main Responsibilities of the Role

The selected candidate will contribute across several important areas.

1. Policy Development and Outreach

The associate will support evidence dissemination and policy engagement through:

• Building relationships with:
  • Governments
  • International organizations
  • NGOs
  • Private-sector institutions
• Identifying opportunities for rigorous evaluations
• Preparing policy communication materials such as:
  • Policy briefs
  • Evaluation summaries
  • Presentations
  • Research insights
• Translating complex academic findings into accessible formats for policymakers
• Supporting new partnerships that encourage evidence-based policymaking
• Writing:
  • Blog articles
  • Opinion editorials
  • Public communication materials
• Coordinating:
  • Conferences
  • Workshops
  • Dissemination events
  • Panels and stakeholder engagements
• Supporting outreach to:
  • Refugee-led organizations
  • Policy stakeholders
  • Development actors

2. Research Project Development

The associate will also help identify and support new impact evaluations by:

• Identifying promising research opportunities
• Engaging implementing partners
• Exploring evaluation strategies
• Supporting proposal development
• Coordinating with J-PAL researchers
• Assisting fundraising efforts where needed

This aspect of the role gives candidates direct exposure to real-world research implementation and experimental policy evaluation.

3. Training and Capacity Building

The role includes contributions to training programs designed for:

• Policymakers
• Project leaders
• Researchers
• Users of evidence-based findings

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting training sessions
• Developing learning materials
• Helping communicate evaluation methodologies to diverse audiences

Professional Development Benefits

J-PAL Europe offers extensive opportunities for professional growth.

Selected candidates will gain access to:

Global Research Networks

Candidates will interact with world-leading researchers and development professionals.

Advanced Research Training

Exposure to:

• Randomized evaluations
• Causal inference
• Quantitative research methodologies
• Evidence synthesis techniques

International Exposure

Potential travel opportunities for:

• Conferences
• Workshops
• Policy engagements
• Dissemination activities

Career Advancement

The role is especially beneficial for individuals preparing for:

• PhD programs
• Research leadership
• International development careers
• Public policy careers

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet several academic and professional requirements.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in:

• Economics
• Public policy
• Or a closely related field

Coursework should ideally include:

• Microeconomics
• Econometrics
• Causal inference

Candidates from other disciplines may still qualify if they demonstrate:

• Strong quantitative research interest
• Knowledge of randomized evaluations
• Evidence-based policy engagement

Required Experience

Applicants should have:

• At least one year of relevant professional experience

Relevant experience may include:

• Research assistantships
• Research implementation
• Policy research
• Impact evaluations
• Research capacity-building projects

Preferred Technical Skills

Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

• Randomized evaluations
• Impact evaluation methods
• Quantitative research
• Evidence synthesis
• Policy communication

Communication Skills

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Excellent English writing skills
• Strong oral communication abilities
• Ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders

Language Requirements

Required

• Fluency in English

Preferred

• French language skills
• Other European languages

Additional Competencies

Ideal applicants should possess:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong time management
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Cultural sensitivity
• Multicultural teamwork experience
• International collaboration skills

Interest or experience in the humanitarian sector is considered an added advantage.

Travel Requirements

Candidates should be willing and able to travel internationally for project-related activities and events.

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete the J-PAL/IPA common application.

Applicants should:

1. Register on the J-PAL application system
2. Select the “Policy” job category
3. Choose:
   “Research and Policy Associate – J-PAL Europe”

Apply Here 

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter
• Reference contacts

The cover letter should explain:

• Relevant experience
• Qualifications
• Motivation for the role
• Authorization to work in the European Union

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline:

31 May 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Why Candidates Should Apply Early

Competitive international research opportunities often receive large application volumes. Applying early may help candidates avoid technical delays and demonstrate strong interest in the position.

Career Opportunities After This Role

This opportunity can open doors to careers in:

• International development
• Academic research
• Public policy consulting
• Humanitarian organizations
• Government advisory work
• International NGOs
• Multilateral institutions
• Economic policy research

Many previous J-PAL staff members have gone on to:

• Top PhD programs
• International organizations
• Research institutes
• Global policy institutions

Final Thoughts

The J-PAL Europe Policy and Research Associate position in France represents one of the strongest international opportunities available for young professionals interested in research-driven policymaking and development economics.

Through direct collaboration with globally recognized researchers and policymakers, candidates will gain exceptional exposure to evidence-based policy work and international development research.

For aspiring economists, public policy professionals, researchers, and development practitioners, this role offers both meaningful impact and long-term career growth.

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