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About the NIERA Policy Fellowship Program
Are you a mid-level policymaker in West or East Africa looking to enhance your skills in evidence-based decision-making? The NIERA Policy Fellowship Program presents an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with experts, develop impactful research proposals, and strengthen policy formulation strategies. If you are passionate about integrating research into policymaking, this fellowship could be the next step in your career. Apply now!
The Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) is dedicated to promoting evidence-informed policymaking across the continent. The NIERA Policy Fellowship Program is a six-week initiative designed to equip mid-level policymakers from West and East African countries with the necessary tools to integrate research-based evidence into governance and policy development.
Program Structure:
- One-Week Online Course:
- Revisiting the policymaking process
- Accessing and appraising research evidence
- Synthesizing and applying evidence in policymaking
- Mentorship with a NIERA Researcher:
- Fellows will collaborate with experienced researchers to develop a short research proposal addressing a critical evidence need within their institution.
This fellowship aims to strengthen policymakers’ ability to use data-driven insights to influence governance and program implementation.
Eligible Fields
Applicants must align their research interests with one of the following thematic areas:
- Education
- Health
- Agriculture
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be fluent in English (both written and spoken) and possess strong communication skills.
- Be a citizen of an eligible West or East African country (see list below).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Be a mid-level policymaker (working within ministries, government agencies, sub-national government structures, or parliament) with direct responsibility for providing technical advice to senior policymakers or drafting policy documents.
- Have experience in policy development or program management.
- Be proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Access) and have experience with internet research.
- Own a personal laptop and have a reliable internet connection for the online workshop.
- Be self-motivated, eager to learn, and capable of applying acquired skills.
- Provide written support from their employer confirming participation.
Documents Required
All documents must be formatted in Arial font, size 11, single line spacing, and submitted in DOCX or PDF format:
- Personal Statement (Max 1 page):
- Explain motivations for applying, expected learning outcomes, past experience using research evidence in policymaking, and ability to commit to the fellowship.
- Curriculum Vitae (Max 4 pages)
- Evidence Needs Statement (Max 1 page):
- Describe specific evidence needs within your institution and how the fellowship will help address them.
- Letter of Support:
- A signed letter from a supervisor or relevant authority confirming approval and time commitment.
- Two References:
- Names, email addresses, phone numbers, and affiliations of two referees who can speak to the applicant’s suitability.
Selection Criteria
- March 24, 2025: Request for Applications released.
- April 3, 2025: Virtual Information Session (2:00 PM EAT). Register here.
- May 7, 2025: Application deadline (5:00 PM EAT).
- May 8 – May 23, 2025: Application review.
- May 26 – June 6, 2025: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
- June 13, 2025: Notification of final selection.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries:
- West Africa: Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia
- East Africa: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon
Benefits of the NIERA Policy Fellowship Program
- Daily stipend of $50 during the online workshop.
- $1,000 honorarium upon successful completion of the workshop and submission of an acceptable proposal.
- Expert mentorship from a NIERA researcher.
- Enhanced policymaking skills through evidence-based decision-making.
- Potential funding opportunities for implementing research proposals.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit all required documents to proposals@nieraglobal.org before 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.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
