Education Policy Manager

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global network of academics who specialize in conducting randomized evaluations of social policies/programs to generate scientific evidence about what works in the fight against poverty. J-PAL’s policy team analyses and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with practitioners and policymakers to ensure that policy and programs are informed by scientific evidence, and effective programs are scaled up.

J-PAL Africa seeks a Policy Manager - Education, to advance our mission to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. The Policy Manager will work with J-PAL Africa’s scientific directors, Professors Cally Ardington, Pascaline Dupas, and Isaac Mbiti while under the supervision of the J-PAL Africa Education lead and J-PAL Africa senior management, to define and execute key areas of focus for our education portfolio.

The Policy Manager will spearhead a portion of J-PAL’s partnership with UNICEF country offices across Africa focused on capacity building in evidence-based policymaking (30%). Additionally, the Policy Manager would support the inception and implementation of a broad education policy and research agenda for J-PAL Africa (70%).

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in strengthening education systems across Africa, a passion for using evidence to inform policy, a knack for developing strong relationships and building new partnerships, a keen eye for identifying new opportunities, and a commitment to excellence. The J-PAL Africa team provides supportive management structures and offers flexibility for accelerated growth by supporting proactivity and encouraging top performers to expand and develop their portfolio. This is a one-year position with potential for renewal.

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