J-PAL Europe Policy and Research Associate 2026 in France | International Research & Public Policy Career Opportunity

J-PAL Europe Policy and Research Associate 2026 in France | International Research & Public Policy Career Opportunity

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Europe has officially opened applications for the prestigious Policy and Research Associate 2026 position based in France.

This exciting international opportunity is ideal for early-career professionals passionate about:

• Evidence-based policymaking
• Development economics
• Impact evaluation
• Public policy research
• International development
• Humanitarian policy

Hosted at the Paris School of Economics, the role offers hands-on experience working at the intersection of research, policy development, training, and international collaboration.

Successful candidates will contribute to global poverty reduction efforts through rigorous scientific evidence and innovative policy solutions.

About J-PAL Europe

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a globally recognized research center dedicated to reducing poverty through evidence-informed policymaking.

J-PAL works with a network of more than 1,100 affiliated professors worldwide and is internationally respected for advancing:

• Randomized impact evaluations
• Quantitative policy research
• Evidence synthesis
• Development economics research
• Policy innovation methodologies

J-PAL Europe serves as one of the organization’s seven regional offices and focuses on strengthening social policies and development programmes across Europe and beyond.

About the Development Methodologies Chair

This position is connected to the prestigious Development Methodologies Chair, jointly established by:

• The French Development Agency (AFD)
• University Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)

The programme is led by Nobel Prize-winning economists and J-PAL co-founders:

• Abhijit Banerjee
• Esther Duflo

The initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking through rigorous research and innovative development methodologies.

Position Overview

Main Areas of Work

The selected candidate will support activities across multiple areas, including:

• Policy outreach
• Research development
• Evidence dissemination
• Training and capacity building
• Partnership coordination
• Impact evaluation support
• International collaboration

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Development and Outreach

The associate will contribute to evidence dissemination and policy engagement activities through:

• Building partnerships with governments, NGOs, and international organizations
• Preparing policy briefs and evaluation summaries
• Writing blog articles and communication materials
• Translating academic research into accessible policy insights
• Coordinating conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events
• Supporting outreach initiatives and policy dialogues

2. Research Project Development

The role also involves supporting the development of new impact evaluations by:

• Identifying research opportunities
• Coordinating with researchers and implementing partners
• Assisting proposal development
• Exploring evaluation methodologies
• Supporting fundraising and partnership activities

This provides direct exposure to real-world research implementation and policy experimentation.

3. Training and Capacity Building

The associate will support training programmes for:

• Policymakers
• Researchers
• Development practitioners
• Evidence users

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing training materials
• Supporting workshops
• Communicating evaluation methodologies
• Assisting learning and policy engagement sessions

Professional Development Benefits

Selected candidates will gain access to valuable international exposure and career-building opportunities.

Benefits Include

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in:

• Economics
• Public policy
• Development studies
• Or a related field

Relevant coursework may include:

• Microeconomics
• Econometrics
• Causal inference
• Quantitative research methods

Required Experience

Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in areas such as:

• Research assistantships
• Policy research
• Impact evaluations
• Research implementation
• Evidence-based policy projects

Preferred Skills

Strong preference will be given to applicants with experience in:

• Randomized evaluations
• Quantitative research
• Evidence synthesis
• Policy communication
• Public policy engagement

Language Requirements

Who Should Apply?

This role is ideal for individuals interested in careers in:

• Development economics
• Public policy
• International development
• Humanitarian policy
• Research consulting
• Academic research
• Global governance
• Evidence-based policymaking

The position is especially beneficial for candidates preparing for:

• PhD programmes
• Research leadership roles
• International organization careers
• Policy advisory careers

Travel Requirements

Candidates should be willing to travel internationally for:

• Conferences
• Policy workshops
• Dissemination events
• Stakeholder meetings

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete the official J-PAL/IPA common application.

Applicants should:

1. Register on the J-PAL application system
2. Select the “Policy” category
3. Choose:
   “Research and Policy Associate – J-PAL Europe”

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Updated CV or Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference Contacts

The cover letter should explain:

• Relevant experience
• Motivation for the role
• Qualifications
• Eligibility to work in the European Union

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the opportunity.

Official Links

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The J-PAL Europe Policy and Research Associate 2026 position offers one of the strongest international opportunities available for young professionals interested in research-driven policymaking and development economics.

Through:

• Direct collaboration with leading economists
• Evidence-based policy research
• International policy engagement
• Advanced impact evaluation methodologies
• Global development collaboration

selected candidates will gain exceptional professional exposure while contributing to meaningful poverty reduction and policy innovation initiatives worldwide.