Call for Application: CEGA Fellowship Program

Application Deadline: January 17, 2025

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is inviting applications for African researchers interested in developing their skills in impact evaluation to apply for its fellowship program to be completed in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026. Fellows will spend 16 weeks either at UC Berkeley or at Northwestern University, in the United States.

Roles/Responsibilities

Participate in seminars and conferences on research in social and economic development
Present their own research during seminars and workshops
Engage in coursework, such as rigorous graduate-level seminars in impact evaluation
Attend workshops on data science tools like Stata, R and Python
Carry out an independent research project under the mentorship of a CEGA/GPRL faculty member. This project will be based on the research proposal submitted in the application, but will be adapted throughout the fellowship.

Benefits

A post-fellowship grant of $10,000 for either a pilot research grant or a professional research placement, that will be agreed upon mutually with CEGA staff and fellows’ mentors. These funds will cover the scholars’ time, and/or research costs
A catalyst grant to train others in research methods at their home institution
Opportunities to apply for funds to support engaging policy makers around innovative data and evidence, as well as leveraging the insights from past studies. These funds could support travel costs, an event, or fellows’ time to engage in dissemination
Opportunities to apply to a larger research grant competition of $45,000 in funding, for rigorous international development research
Sponsorship to attend one of CEGA’s annual Africa Evidence Summits, a dissemination even held in a different East or West African country each summer
Access to funding for publishing fees, if applicable

Eligibility

Be fluent in English (written and spoken), and a strong communicator.
Be from an East African or West African country and have completed secondary school education in an African institution.
Be an early career scholar, as defined by recently having completed a Master’s degree or a PhD, or be currently enrolled in a PhD program in economics, political science, statistics epidemiology/public health, education, or another social science discipline. Preference will be given to those who are currently enrolled or have finished their PhD within the last 8 years.
Hold a current staff or student position with a research institution (university or othe research organization) in East or West Africa, preferably one that supports policy-relevant quantitative social science research
Plan to return to a research or higher education institution in East or West Africa after the fellowship. If currently enrolled in a PhD program outside the African continent, scholars may complete their PhD before their return.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) Track: Fellows in the ECD track will be supported to study the effectiveness of programs that support good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, responsive caregiving, and opportunities for early learning—especially for children 0-3 years of age. For this track, we will prioritize fellows who are from and conducting relevant research in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya.
Youth Livelihoods Track: Fellows in the Youth Livelihoods track will study the effectiveness of programs designed to help young people (ages 16-24) find meaningful work by delivering education, skills training, and comprehensive support. For this track, we will prioritize fellows who are from and conducting relevant research in Kenya – especially in the city of Mombasa.

Requirements

Demonstrate strong analytical skills, with past coursework in quantitative methods;
Have participated in or have familiarity with impact evaluation research (either randomized or quasi-experimental studies), policy analysis, and field data collection;
Demonstrate a commitment to evidence informed policy making, either through direct experience or an understanding of the process;
Demonstrate a commitment to building the capacity of African research institutions;
Participate in tailored, hands-on modules on research transparency and reproducibility, communications, qualitative data analysis, and cost-effectiveness analysis;
Meet and collaborate with faculty and students in multiple academic departments;
Visit and present at other campuses, such as UC Santa Cruz, University of Chicago, UC Davis, Stanford University, and/or University of Illinois;
Support with adapting impact evaluation curricula that will be taught at an East or West African institution
Join team building and other activities with CEGA/GPRL staff

Application Details

Personal Statement (1 page): Describe personal motivations for applying to the CEGA Visiting Fellowship–of all fellowships available to you, why applicant is particularly interested in this program? What the applicant hopes to accomplish during the fellowship and beyond? Applicants should comment on their ability to commit to the fellowship and how this will fit into their current commitments.
Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Include relevant quantitative coursework completed.
Research Proposal: Not to exceed 2 pages. Refer to this template or see this example. [Note that this example does not align exactly with the template questions, but is a strong proposal. Applicants should try to frame their proposal according to the template provided] During the fellowship, applicants should work on the proposal they have submitted unless they decide to change it (with agreement from CEGA staff and mentor).
Evidence of Leave Approval or Letter of Support from the applicant’s supervisor or department chair demonstrating support and certifying that, if the applicant is selected, he/she will be able to take a 4-month leave of absence. See example.
Name and contact information for two references: Provide a name, email, phone number, and affiliation for two individuals (supervisors, senior colleagues, professors) who can speak to applicant’s research capacity, quantitative skills, and qualifications for the CEGA fellowship.
OPTIONAL: Applicant may attach one working paper or publication.