Advancing a career in developmental economics requires a rare combination of theoretical depth and practical field experience. The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026, powered by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in partnership with Community Jameel, is a dedicated research support program designed to empower the next generation of regional scholars.
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By providing a significant stipend and access to world class mentorship, J-PAL ensures that brilliant researchers can focus entirely on solving poverty through data driven evaluations rather than their finances.
J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | J-PAL MENA at AUC |
| Target Audience | PhD Students and Academic Scholars in MENA |
| Primary Benefit | 15,000 USD Stipend and MIT Education |
| Program Type | Research Fellowship and Capacity Building |
| Gender Focus | Open to all qualified researchers in the region |
| Application Deadline | March 26, 2026 |
About the Initiative 2026
The J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026 is more than just a grant; it is a holistic development platform for those seeking to influence social policy. Recognizing that effective poverty reduction is most successful when grounded in rigorous evidence, the fellowship provides scholars with the tools to design and conduct randomized evaluations. This initiative is vital because it bridges the gap between academic theory and real world policy influence across the Middle East and North Africa. The goal is to cultivate a local network of experts who can lead impact evaluations in sectors like health, education, and climate change.
Benefits of the J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026
- A total stipend of 15,000 USD distributed over the two year fellowship period.
- Full enrollment and completion of two prestigious MIT MicroMasters online courses.
- Personalized mentorship from the global J-PAL affiliate network and Scientific Directors.
- Hands on experience working on live randomized evaluations with implementing partners.
- Exclusive access to technical training on econometric analysis and proposal writing.
- Opportunities for media coverage and invitations to present at regional policy events.
- The chance to design your own randomized evaluation project in the second year.
Eligibility & Requirements of the J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026
- Educational Status: Open to current PhD students or academic scholars who have completed their PhD.
- Track 1: Candidates from the MENA region enrolled in PhD programs globally.
- Track 2: Academic scholars affiliated with a MENA based academic institution.
- Language Proficiency: High level of fluency in both Arabic and English is mandatory.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Stata or R is highly recommended for data analysis.
- Time Commitment: Must be committed to completing all fellowship activities over two years.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026
- Online Visit: Go to the official J-PAL MENA application portal to access the fellowship form.
- Social Media Verification: Follow J-PAL MENA on LinkedIn for updates on the 2026 cohort selection.
- Information Review: Read the guidelines for Track 1 and Track 2 to ensure you apply for the correct path.
- Form Completion: Fill out the online application form with accurate academic and professional history.
- Essay/Motivation: Write a compelling cover letter explaining your passion for poverty alleviation.
- Submission: Upload your resume and cover letter before the deadline on March 26, 2026.
Jamnet.com.ng Expert Advice (STAR/SMART Methods)
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about the policy area you wish to study, ensure your research goals are Measurable, and keep your proposal Relevant to MENA region challenges.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your cover letter, describe a Situation where you conducted research, the Task you managed, the Action you took to ensure data integrity, and the Result.
- Emphasis: Focus heavily on your interest in randomized evaluations and your commitment to regional development.
- Proactive Tip: Start your application early as the program requires a detailed explanation of your motivation and research background.
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the J-PAL MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026
- Who is eligible for Track 1? Track 1 is for MENA nationals currently enrolled in a PhD program in economics or a related field anywhere in the world.
- Do I need prior experience in randomized evaluations? No, but you must demonstrate a strong interest and willingness to learn how to conduct them.
- Is the stipend paid all at once? No, the 15,000 USD stipend is provided over the two year duration of the fellowship to support your participation.
- What are the required languages? You must be fluent in both Arabic and English to participate in all fellowship components.
- Can I apply if my degree is in Political Science? Yes, the fellowship welcomes candidates from related disciplines like public policy, statistics, and political science.
- What is the MIT MicroMasters component? Fellows will complete two online courses through MIT to build technical skills in evaluation design and econometrics.
- Are there specific sectors the research must cover? Research typically focuses on poverty alleviation in sectors like health, education, and climate change.
- Is this a full time commitment? It is a fellowship that runs alongside your current PhD or academic role, requiring active participation in its components.
- Do I get a mentor? Yes, every fellow is paired with a mentor from the prestigious J-PAL affiliate network or Scientific Directors.
- What happens in the second year? In the second year, you will have the opportunity to design your own randomized evaluation on a topic of interest.
