The MENA Scholars Fellowship, launched by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) for 2024, empowers researchers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to conduct impactful randomized evaluations on poverty reduction and social development policies.
By fostering a community of evidence-based policy-makers, and supporting high-quality research. And strengthening local research capacity, the fellowship aims to spark positive change in the MENA region.
Selected scholars receive a $15,000 stipend, mentorship, training, and the opportunity to contribute to randomized evaluations with J-PAL MENA over two years. Supported by Community Jameel and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. The fellowship enhances the research portfolio of early career scholars and influences policy across the region.
Type: Fellowship
Deadline
Submit your applications for the MENA Scholars Fellowship 2024 by April 30, 2024. Early submissions are encouraged for prompt review.
Details of J-PAL’s MENA Scholars Fellowship
Fellows in the MENA Scholars Fellowship program will engage in various activities:
- Work on Randomized Evaluation: Fellows will collaborate on a randomized evaluation with J-PAL affiliates, J-PAL MENA staff (for evaluations in Egypt), and partners, gaining hands-on experience in impact evaluation.
- Mentoring: Each fellow will be matched with a mentor from the J-PAL affiliate network or J-PAL MENA, guiding the fellowship.
- Networking: Fellows will join a cohort of MENA Scholars and a broader network of Scholars globally, accessing resources and support from J-PAL MENA.
- Education: Fellows will complete MIT MicroMasters online courses, enhancing skills in randomized evaluation design and econometric analysis.
- Capacity Building: Supplementary training sessions, led by J-PAL MENA post-doctoral fellows and staff, will focus on unique aspects of randomized evaluations in the MENA region, website development, proposal writing, and technical skills.
- Media Coverage: Fellows will receive guidance on increasing media coverage of their research and policy implications through support from J-PAL and a public relations firm.
- Event Participation: Fellows will present and engage in J-PAL MENA policy events alongside affiliated professors and leadership, sharing their research findings.
- Evaluation Design Project: In the second year, fellows will have the opportunity to design their own randomized evaluation on a MENA-related topic with mentorship from their advisors.
Benefits
Each Fellow will receive a stipend of $15,000 over the two-year fellowship to support their participation and commitment to program activities.
Eligibility Criteria of J-PAL’s MENA Scholars Fellowship 2024
To qualify for the Fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Candidates should have a background in Economics or related fields such as public policy, political science, public health, or statistics.
- Track 1 – PhD Students: Open to those currently pursuing a PhD in economics or a related discipline, including MENA nationals enrolled in PhD programs within or outside the region.
- Track 2 – Academic Scholars: Open to candidates with a PhD in economics or related fields, affiliated with a MENA academic institution.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in both Arabic and English is required.
- Quantitative Skills: Proficiency in Stata or R is highly recommended.
- Research Focus: Candidates should demonstrate an interest in impact evaluation concerning poverty alleviation and development issues in the MENA region.
- Team Contribution: Candidates must be capable of contributing to research projects in applied microeconomics, focusing on sectors like education, health, and climate change. While prior experience in conducting randomized evaluations is not mandatory, candidates should be eager to engage in such work.
- Commitment: Candidates must commit to actively participating in all fellowship activities with J-PAL MENA for the duration of the fellowship and taking advantage of opportunities provided through the program.
Application Process of J-PAL’s MENA Scholars Fellowship 2024
- To apply, each applicant must complete the application form available at this link: (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIm3IgNvGDskagmcLO2regtN68cr1NoV7HZCHQgnHaBWED9A/viewform).
- Additionally, applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their motivation for applying for the fellowship.
- The application deadline is April 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm EEST (GMT+2).
- The selection process for short-listed candidates involves initial screening of applications by senior staff at J-PAL MENA, followed by interviews with the J-PAL affiliates selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by the end of May 2024.
- For further information, please contact [email protected].
Tips for Successful Application of J-PAL’s MENA Scholars Fellowship
Here are some tips for a successful application:
- Clearly articulate research objectives and relevance to policy and practice.
- Highlight relevant experience and expertise.
- Demonstrate ability to conduct rigorous research and analyze data effectively.
- Follow application instructions meticulously and submit all required documents promptly.
In Conclusion:
The MENA Scholars Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers to contribute to evidence-based policy-making. And improve the lives of vulnerable populations in the MENA region. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and join us in our mission for a just and prosperous future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without affiliation to a university or research institution?
Yes, independent researchers meeting other eligibility criteria can apply for the MENA Scholars Fellowship.
Are there restrictions on research topics?
Research projects on poverty alleviation, economic development, education, health, or related areas are eligible for funding.
CHECK THESE OUT:
 for 2024, empowers){kind=link}