Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) Policy Fellowship Program 2025

The course comprises five modules: revisiting the policymaking process, accessing evidence, appraising evidence, synthesizing evidence, and applying evidence. Upon completing the course successfully, policymakers will be paired with a researcher from NIERA. Over the remaining 5 weeks, the policymaker and researcher will collaborate virtually to develop a short research proposal (concept note) addressing a specific and well-defined evidence need identified by the policymaker.

For this upcoming call, interested applicants can apply to 1 of 3 thematic areas:

1. Education
2. Health
3. Agriculture

Eligibility Criteria for NIERA Policy Fellowship 2025

Applicants to the NIERA Policy Fellowship Program must:

1. Be fluent in English (written and spoken) and a strong communicator.
2. Be from an eligible West or East African country.
3. Be a mid-level policymaker (i.e., technical staff within ministries, government agencies, sub-national government structures, and/or or parliament) with direct responsibility for providing technical advice to top-level policymakers and/or drafting policy or program documents.
4. Have at least a bachelor's degree.
5. Demonstrating experience in policy development and program management.
6. Have good computer skills, especially in using the MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Access), use of the Internet, and be reasonably conversant with various Internet search engines.
7. Own a laptop and have a reliable internet connection to participate in the online workshop.
8. Be a self-driven individual ready to learn and apply their acquired skills, as well as support others needing similar skills.
9. Have written support from their employer.

Benefits of NIERA Policy Fellowship 2025

1. Fellows will receive a daily per diem of $50 to attend the online workshop. Additionally, fellows will receive a small proposal development honorarium of $1,000. Receipt of this honorarium is conditional on attending all days of the online workshop and submitting a proposal that is deemed acceptable by NIERA.

How to Apply

Submit the following information and documents by Wednesday, 7 May 2025, at 5 pm EAT. All documents must be written in Arial font, size 11, with single-line spacing and normal margins. Acceptable formats include Dox and pdf. Documents not following these specifications will not be considered.

1. Personal Statement (1 page max): Describe your motivations for applying to the NIERA Policy Fellowship. Why are you particularly interested in this program? What do you hope to accomplish during the fellowship and beyond? How have you used research evidence to influence policymaking in your work? Also, comment on your ability to commit to the fellowship and how this will fit into your current commitments.
2. Evidence Needs Statement (1 page max): This fellowship is designed for policymakers who already have a clear understanding of the evidence needs within their government ministry, agency, or department. When writing this statement, answer the following questions: What are some examples of these evidence needs, and how could this fellowship support you in addressing them? If these needs are addressed, how might they impact decision-making or policy development within your institution? Please ensure that no sensitive data or confidential information is shared. If you are accepted into the fellowship, you will be expected to develop a proposal based on one of the identified evidence needs. They will match you with a NIERA researcher with expertise in your sector, who will provide guidance and support to help you develop the proposal.
3. Curriculum Vitae/Résumé (4 pages max)
4. Letter of Support from your supervisor or other relevant authority at your institution demonstrating support and certifying that, if selected, you will be able to attend the online workshop and spend some of your time working on the proposal.
5. Name and contact information for two references: Please provide a name, email, phone number, and affiliation for two individuals (supervisors or senior colleagues) who can speak to your suitability for the NIERA fellowship.

Submit your application materials to proposals@nieraglobal.org by 5:00 PM EAT on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

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Application Link(s)

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