Research for Impact Fellowship

The deadline for submitting applications is January 28, 2022.

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 261 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

The Research for Impact Fellowship (RFI), hosted by J-PAL/CLEAR South Asia, is designed to enhance the capacity of Indian PhD scholars in conducting impact evaluations with the goal of cultivating a network of academics who generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence in India.

This fellowship will equip young development researchers with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to design and implement randomized evaluations for assessing the effectiveness of social policies and programs.

About the Research for Impact Fellowship

Stage 1: February – April 2022 (Part time)

RFI fellows will complete the online MITx MicroMasters course Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations. In this course, they will learn the theory behind designing and implementing randomized evaluations in the field to measure the impact of social programs. Scholarships will be awarded to Fellows to complete this certificate program.

Candidates must pass a proctored exam to continue to Stage 2 of the Fellowship.

Stage 2: May – November 2022 (Full time)

Fellows will support an ongoing J-PAL evaluation in India for at least two months. This will provide practical training in establishing and implementing an evaluation program in the field.

Candidates will also attend courses on primary data collection led by J-PAL staff. They will study a broad range of topics such as choosing appropriate indicators, designing survey instruments, piloting a survey, and developing field protocols.

Throughout this stage, fellows will be mentored by senior staff at J-PAL South Asia.

Who can apply?

This fellowship is meant for aspiring development researchers who are:

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, or a related empirical discipline.
• Registered in a university in India.

Why apply?

• Get taught by world renowned faculty with vast experience in randomized evaluations.
• Learn best practices in large scale primary data collection from experienced J-PAL staff.
• Get firsthand experience working on randomized studies aiming to address the challenges of global poverty.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the application form by 11:59 PM IST on January 28, 2022.

For questions regarding:

• The Fellowship or application, contact rfi@povertyactionlab.org.
• The MITx MicroMasters course, contact micromasters-support@mit.edu with the subject line ‘Research for Impact Fellowship’ and CC rfi@povertyactionlab.org.