Jobs and Opportunity Initiative

J-PAL’s Jobs and Opportunity Initiative (JOI) supports randomized evaluations to find effective strategies for improving employment outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, and translates evidence into actionable insights.

Job creation and access to decent work are immense global challenges. In 2023, over 188 million people were unemployed, and more than 240 million people were working but still living in extreme poverty. Policymakers have a range of tools to create more jobs and help people access income opportunities, but need evidence on what works best for various contexts and populations.

JOI aims to generate a body of rigorous, policy-relevant research addressing key labor market questions, including how to improve supply and matching, help firms grow and stimulate job creation, and prepare for the future of work. By generating evidence and sharing policy lessons, JOI helps governments, implementing organizations, and donors design more effective jobs policies and programs that create lasting impact.

Key Facts

Sectors:
Office:
J-PAL Global
Co-Chairs:
Status:
  • Research RFP: Open
Eligibility:
Open to J-PAL affiliates, J-PAL postdocs, J-PAL invited researchers, Resident African scholars, and PhD students, with support from an advisor who is a J-PAL affiliate or J-PAL invited researcher
Contact:
[email protected]

Funders

For researchers

Request for Proposals

JOI’s Spring 2025 request for proposals (RFP) is now open. JOI’s current research agenda focuses on (1) soft skills for entrepreneurship and workforce development, and (2) through a joint funding window with the Social Protection Initiative, broader labor market and social protection programs that increase income and improve work opportunities.


Short letters of interest (LOIs) are due by 5 p.m. US ET on March 5, 2025. Full proposals are due by 5 p.m. US ET on April 16, 2025. For more details on the 2025 RFP and how to apply, please click the “Learn more and apply” button below. 

Learn more and apply
Opportunities

African Scholars

JOI provides research funding opportunities to resident African scholars.

Learn more

Related Content

Initiative Team

Board Members

David Atkin
Marianne Bertrand
Jing Cai (JOI co-chair)
Stefano Caria (JOI co-chair)

Staff

Lisa Corsetto-Poon, Policy Lead
Ying Gao, Senior Policy Manager
Michael Hou, Senior Policy Associate
Lauren Roode, Senior Education and Training Associate, J-PAL Africa
Richard Ssempagama, Senior Finance and Operations Associate
Natalie Valent, Senior Policy Associate

Projects

The Longer-run Effects of Apprenticeships in Ghana: A Pilot Study II

Location: Ghana

Enabling Entrepreneurs: An Impact Evaluation of a Business Incubator Development Program in Uganda

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Facilitating International Remote Work for New Graduates in Malawi

Location: Malawi

Plugging the Gap: Improving Labor Market Navigation of South African Youth Through Networks and Information

See all funded projects

Page Content