J-PAL Africa Internships Program 2026

Each year, J-PAL Africa appoints interns from sub-Saharan Africa to support its research, policy, and training activities. In 2026, intern positions are open with the Education Portfolio, Benin Partnership Portfolio, and Digital Identification and Finance Initiative in Africa (DigiFI) teams.

J-PAL Africa invites you to apply for policy internships with the Education Portfolio, Benin Partnership Portfolio, or Digital Identification and Finance Initiative in Africa (DigiFI) teams. The internships are paid, positions can be structured as either part- or full-time, and the length of the commitment is between 3 to 6 months. 

About Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,100 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL Africa Internship Program

Aim and Benefits of J-PAL Africa Internship Program

The internships are paid, positions can be structured as either part- or full-time, and the length of the commitment is between 3 to 6 months. 

Requirements for J-PAL Africa Internship Program Qualification

• A degree in Economics, Statistics, Development or related field OR studying towards a degree in these fields and in the final year.
• For MicroMasters in Data, Economics and Design of Policy:https://micromasters.mit.edu/dedp/ students: At least one completed MicroMasters course. Preference will be given to applicants with competitive MicroMasters course grades (75% and above) who have completed multiple DEDP courses (particularly Data Analysis for Social Scientists and Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations). Applicants should indicate which MicroMasters courses they have completed in their application and include a copy of their program record (available through the MicroMasters portal).
• Strong interest in social policy and development research.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communicator.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to speak French, in addition to English, is highly advantageous for all positions, and required for the Benin partnership position.
• National of a Sub-Saharan African country.

Interview date, Process and Venue for J-PAL Africa Internship Program

The internship location is in-person in Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin) or Nairobi (Kenya) depending on the needs of the team. J-PAL Africa cannot sponsor work visas. 

Check also:Humanitarian Scholarship Programme at University of Manchester 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

If you have questions, please reach out to Lauren Roode at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not a national of a Sub-Saharan African country - am I still eligible for J-PAL Africa's internships?

J-PAL Africa's internships are only open to Sub-Saharan African nationals. If you are a citizen of a country outside of this region, we would encourage you to look at internship openings in our other regional offices. See our careers page here, where you can filter by the J-PAL Office.

I am based outside of Africa. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, you are still eligible to apply but during the course of the internship you will need to be based in-person, in the country where the internship takes place. Please note that J-PAL will not be able to cover any relocation costs or sponsor visas.

Do I apply to a specific internship?

Yes, if you have a specific internship that you are interested in, please select that option in the application form. If you do not have a specific internship in mind, we will match you ourselves based on what we see as the best fit. 

If you are particularly interested in one internship, we would recommend tailoring your cover letter to highlight the skills most relevant to that internship.

Do I need to have completed the MicroMasters in Data, Economics and Design of Policy in order to be eligible for an internship?

No. For those who are enrolled in a DEDP MicroMasters course currently, or who have completed one or more courses in the past, please include a copy of your program record in the application. 

How long are the internships?

The typical duration is part time for up to 6 months. However, the exact length and structure of each internship is decided together between the candidate and the respective team.

Can I apply even if I haven’t graduated yet?

If you are currently completing an undergraduate degree, you must be in your final year of study to be eligible. If you have already completed your undergraduate degree and are currently pursuing a master’s degree, you may apply even if you have not yet graduated. Please note that candidates who have only completed secondary education are not eligible for the internships. 

Is it open to all students or graduates from all fields of study?

Yes, our internships are open to graduates from all fields of study; however, we prioritise those with backgrounds in economics and similar fields, as well as those who demonstrate an interest in impact evaluation.

For more Information,visit J-PAL Africa Career webpage