The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is inviting applications for its 2025-2026 Fellowship Program, aimed at early-career African researchers specializing in quantitative social science. The 16-week fellowship offers researchers from East and West Africa the opportunity to enhance their research skills and network through a residency at the University of California, Berkeley (Fall 2025 or Spring 2026) or Northwestern University (Spring 2026). Applicants can apply for one of three research tracks: General Development Research, Early Childhood Development, or Youth Livelihoods.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will have the chance to:
- Audit relevant courses and engage in skill development workshops.
- Receive mentorship tailored to their research interests.
- Build professional research networks in their respective fields.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be fluent in English, both spoken and written.
- Hold citizenship in an East or West African country and have completed secondary education in Africa.
- Be early-career scholars with a Master’s or Ph.D. (or currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program) in fields such as economics, political science, statistics, epidemiology, public health, education, or other social sciences. Preference is given to those who completed their Ph.D. within the last eight years.
- Be affiliated with a research institution in East or West Africa that supports policy-relevant, quantitative social science research.
Additional Requirements for Research Tracks:
- Early Childhood Development Track: Prioritizes applicants from Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya who focus on early health, nutrition, security, caregiving, and learning.
- Youth Livelihoods Track: Prioritizes applicants from Kenya, especially Mombasa, conducting research on education, skills training, and employment support for youth.
Application Process and Deadline
- Deadline: January 17, 2025, by 5 pm GMT.
- Application Requirements:
- Personal Statement (1 page) outlining motivations for applying, goals for the fellowship, and commitment availability.
- CV/Resume including quantitative coursework.
- Research Proposal (max 2 pages) based on a provided template.
- Evidence of Leave Approval or a Letter of Support from a supervisor, demonstrating permission for a 4-month leave.
- Two references who can vouch for the applicant’s research capacity and quantitative skills.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply via CEGA’s Submittable portal. Be sure to follow the instructions for submitting the required documents by the deadline.
About CEGA
Headquartered at the University of California, Berkeley, CEGA is a leading research network focused on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development through data-driven impact evaluations. CEGA connects scholars from low- and middle-income countries to tools and funding for high-impact research on social and economic development.
