The NIERA Policy Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for mid-level policymakers in West and East Africa to collaborate with experts and develop actionable research proposals. If you’re passionate about transforming how policy decisions are made and want to deepen your understanding of evidence-informed policymaking, this fellowship could be your next step. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline is 5:00 PM East African Time (EAT) on May 7, 2025.
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Tell Me About The NIERA Policy Fellowship Program:
The NIERA Policy Fellowship Program is an initiative of the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) aimed at strengthening evidence-informed policymaking in Africa. This six-week fellowship provides mid-level policymakers from eligible West and East African countries with an opportunity to enhance their skills in using research evidence to influence policy decisions. The fellowship begins with a one-week online course covering five key modules: revisiting the policymaking process, accessing evidence, appraising evidence, synthesizing evidence, and applying evidence. After successfully completing the course, fellows will be paired with a NIERA researcher to collaboratively develop a short research proposal addressing a specific evidence need within their institution. This program equips policymakers with the tools to integrate data-driven decision-making into governance and policy formulation.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Applicants must apply under one of the following thematic areas:
- Education
- Health
- Agriculture
Type:
Fellowship
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Who can Apply for the NIERA Policy Fellowship Program?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Be fluent in English (written and spoken), and a strong communicator.
- Be from an eligible West or East African country (see list of eligible countries below).
- Be a mid-level policymaker (i.e. technical staff within ministries, government agencies, sub-national government structures, and or parliament) with direct responsibility for providing technical advice to top-level policymakers and/or drafting policy or program documents.
- Have at least a Bachelor’s degree.
- Have demonstrable experience in policy development, or program management.
- Have good computer skills, especially in using MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Access), use of the Internet, and reasonably conversant with various Internet search engines.
- Own a laptop and have a reliable internet connection for participating in the online workshop.
- Be a self-driven individual ready to learn and apply their acquired skills, as well as support others needing similar skills.
- Have written support from their employer
Required documents:
Applicants must submit the following documents in Arial font, size 11, single line spacing, and in either DOCX or PDF format:
- Personal Statement (1-page max): Explaining motivations for applying, expected outcomes, past use of research evidence in policymaking, and ability to commit to the fellowship.
- Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max).
- Evidence Needs Statement (1-page max): Describing specific evidence needs within their institution and how the fellowship will support addressing them.
- Letter of Support: From a supervisor or relevant authority confirming support and time commitment.
- Two References: Name, email, phone number, and affiliation of two individuals who can speak to the applicant’s suitability.
How are Applicants Selected?
The selection timeline is as follows:
- March 24, 2025 – Release of Request for Applications
- April 3, 2025 – Virtual information session for potential applicants (2:00 PM EAT)
- To register for the information session, click here: https://forms.gle/KMzf4hyrSQTwnxuz8
- May 7, 2025 – Application deadline
- May 8 – 23, 2025 – Application review
- May 26 – June 6, 2025 – Interviews with shortlisted applicants
- June 13, 2025 – Notification of final selection
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The following countries are eligible: Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, and Cameroon.
Where will the Award be Taken?
The fellowship will be conducted virtually, with the online course and research collaboration taking place remotely.
How Many Awards?
10
What is the Benefit of the NIERA Policy Fellowship Program?
The fellowship benefits include:
- A daily per diem of $50 for attending the online workshop.
- A proposal development honorarium of $1,000 provided the fellow attends all days of the online workshop and submits an acceptable proposal.
- Opportunity to work closely with an experienced NIERA researcher.
- Strengthening of skills in evidence-informed policymaking.
- Potential for securing funding to implement the developed research proposal.
How Long Will the Award Last?
6 weeks
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit all required documents to proposals@nieraglobal.org by 5:00 PM EAT on May 7, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent to all applicants who submit their application before the deadline.
Visit the official application webpage.
