Deadline: March 26, 2026
The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications from exceptional early-career researchers and economists across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This prestigious two-year fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build advanced skills in designing and conducting randomised evaluations — a key methodology for driving evidence-based policy in development and social research.
About the J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026
The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026 is an initiative by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) aimed at strengthening research capacity and promoting high-quality impact evaluation across the MENA region. The programme supports emerging scholars to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development through active engagement with J-PAL MENA’s network of researchers and institutions.
Over the course of two years, Fellows will gain both theoretical and practical exposure to applied development economics, policy design, and field research implementation.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- A USD 15,000 stipend, distributed over the two-year fellowship period to support participation and research development.
- Hands-on experience working with J-PAL MENA researchers and staff on ongoing randomised evaluation projects.
- Personalised mentorship and academic guidance from experienced research professionals.
- Access to a global research community, creating opportunities for collaboration and professional networking.
- MITx MicroMasters enrolment in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy, including tailored capacity-building sessions.
- Opportunities to present at J-PAL MENA policy events and workshops.
- During the second year, Fellows will have the chance to design and implement their own randomised evaluation project, supported by their mentors.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a strong background in economics, public policy, statistics, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrate interest in conducting impact evaluation research focused on development issues in the MENA region.
- Belong to one of the following tracks:
- Track 1 – Ph.D. Students: Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. programme in-region or abroad.
- Track 2 – Academic Scholars: Ph.D. holders affiliated with a recognised academic institution in the MENA region.
- Possess high proficiency in both Arabic and English.
- Show familiarity or a willingness to learn quantitative research tools such as Stata or R.
- Commit to participating fully in all fellowship activities throughout the two-year period.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 March 2026 (11:59 pm Cairo time)
- Expected Start Date: June 2026
The selection process involves two phases:
- Initial screening of applications.
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates in the second phase.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship is designed for:
- Early-career researchers or academics based in the MENA region.
- Individuals passionate about development economics, social policy, and evidence-driven research.
- Scholars seeking mentorship and practical research exposure in randomised control trials and field evaluations.
Whether you are a doctoral student or an academic professional, this fellowship provides the platform to advance your expertise and contribute to impactful policy research across the region.
Duration and Structure
The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026 spans two years, combining structured coursework, mentoring, and hands-on field engagement. Fellows begin by undertaking foundational learning through the MITx MicroMasters programme and then transition to applied research collaboration. The second year focuses on the Fellow’s own research design and independent evaluation project development.
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