Director, J-PAL Policy and Training – MENA

About the role

The Director will lead the strategic expansion of J-PAL MENA’s policy influence and capacity‑building programmes across Egypt and the wider MENA region. Reporting to the Executive Director, the role combines high‑level partnership building, training design, research dissemination, and fundraising to advance evidence‑based policymaking.

Key responsibilities

• Expand and deepen J-PAL MENA’s policy portfolio by identifying and structuring strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and donors.
• Lead the senior management team in shaping and executing the centre’s regional strategy.
• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of workshops on impact evaluation for policymakers and researchers.
• Manage the policy and training teams, ensuring high‑quality outputs and professional development.
• Secure and manage funding for research, policy, and training initiatives, targeting proposals averaging $5 million and an annual budget of $500 k.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, policy memos, and other outreach channels.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in public policy, economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, including leadership of impact‑evaluation projects (RCTs).
• Proven track record in fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑year, multi‑stakeholder projects.

Required skills

• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) methodology
• Budget management
• Policy analysis and translation of research into actionable policy recommendations

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape evidence‑based policy at a leading global research lab.
• Leadership of a high‑impact, region‑wide team.
• Access to a network of senior government officials, NGOs, and international donors.