Senior Policy Associate - Education - J-PAL Africa

Summary of the organization

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 over 1,000 affiliated researchers at leading universities, J-PAL conducts randomized evaluations and builds partnerships to translate research into action.

J-PAL Africa, based at the University of Cape Town, leads regional efforts to promote the use of evidence in policymaking across sub-Saharan Africa. We do this by conducting policy outreach, supporting research partnerships, and strengthening the capacity of governments and other stakeholders to use evidence in decision-making. 

Summary of the role

J-PAL Africa is seeking a Senior Policy Associate to drive evidence informed education reform across sub Saharan Africa. You will work directly with governments and key system actors to translate rigorous research into practical policy and program decisions, and to support the design, adaptation, and scale up of effective interventions.

As part of the Education team, you will play a central role in long term partnerships where evidence has the potential to shape national priorities, improve learning outcomes, and advance gender equity. Your work will span identifying strategic opportunities for evidence use, supporting partners through the design and delivery of programs, and strengthening institutional capacity to make evidence a routine part of decision making.

We are looking for a strategic thinker and strong communicator who thrives at the intersection of policy, research, and program design, and who is motivated by the opportunity to strengthen how education systems use evidence. French is a critical requirement for this role. 

Responsibilities

• Strategic partnerships and policy engagement 
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with government, NGO, and ecosystem partners in priority countries
  • Identify high impact opportunities for evidence use including policy windows, pilots, scale up pathways, and research collaborations
  • Represent J-PAL Africa in key sector forums and working groups to position evidence within national and regional reform conversations
  • Identify and nurture potential evidence champions within partner institutions
• Evidence to action delivery
  • Translate rigorous research into clear, context specific insights that inform policy and program decisions
  • Support partners to design or adapt evidence informed and gender intentional interventions by bringing relevant evidence, diagnostics, and expertise into the process
  • Provide ongoing technical assistance as partners develop, pilot, refine, and scale programs to ensure decisions remain aligned with evidence
  • Coordinate government partners, implementing agencies, researchers, and internal teams to advance evidence informed projects from concept to delivery
  • Document emerging lessons and implementation insights to strengthen future engagements and contribute to regional learning
• Capacity strengthening, convening, and thought leadership
  • Design and deliver tailored capacity strengthening activities including workshops, strategy sessions, and co creation processes
  • Organize high impact convenings and learning exchanges that foster peer learning, collaboration, and demand for evidence
  • Contribute to thought leadership through policy products, presentations, blogs, or other communications that strengthen J-PAL Africa’s visibility and influence.

Qualifications

• Required
  • A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Education, International Development, or a related social science field, with coursework in microeconomics, statistics, and/or econometrics.
  • At least three years of relevant work experience in policy, research, or program implementation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French, with the ability to distill complex ideas into clear, non-technical messages.
  • Demonstrated project management and coordination abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Preferred 
  • Knowledge of education systems in Africa, including experience with gender equity or inclusion-related policy and programming
  • Experience working with or within government, or in a policy advisory or implementation role.
  • Familiarity with impact evaluation methods, particularly randomized evaluations.
  • Experience developing or contributing to peer-learning networks or communities of practice.
  • Experience living or working in sub-Saharan Africa.

Location and terms



This is a two year position with the possibility of extension. The preferred location is Accra, Ghana, although strong candidates based in other African countries will also be considered with an initial onboarding period in Accra.