CEGA Announces Fellowship Program for 2025-2026: Apply Today
Overview about CEGA
The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is inviting applications from African researchers for its 2025-2026 Fellowship Program. This program offers a 16-week, in-person fellowship for researchers from East and West Africa, allowing them to enhance their skills in quantitative social science research, including impact evaluation. Fellows can choose to attend either the University of California, Berkeley (Fall 2025 or Spring 2026), or Northwestern University (Spring 2026 only), with three research tracks available: General Development Research, Early Childhood Development, or Youth Livelihoods.
Selected fellows will audit courses, strengthen their skills in quantitative research, receive tailored mentorship, and expand their professional networks. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a research institution, university, or organization based in Africa and have recently completed a Master’s or PhD (or be currently enrolled in a PhD program) in fields like economics, statistics, epidemiology/public health, or other social sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM GMT on January 17, 2025.
The CEGA Visiting Fellowship Program plays a transformative role in advancing evidence-based social science research in East and West Africa by empowering emerging African scholars with world-class research training and resources. Through this program, fellows gain hands-on experience in rigorous quantitative methodologies, essential for addressing complex regional issues such as poverty, health disparities, and educational challenges. The fellowship’s emphasis on quantitative impact evaluation allows scholars to measure and analyze the effectiveness of development programs with precision, thus guiding better policy decisions that are grounded in solid data.
Importantly, the program cultivates a network of African researchers who bring local insights to global development challenges, positioning them as thought leaders who can shape policies with nuanced perspectives. This network-building aspect enables sustained collaboration between African institutions and leading global research centers, fostering long-term partnerships that can help bridge gaps in resources and expertise. By focusing on early-career researchers, CEGA is building a foundation of skilled professionals who can contribute to a growing body of African-led research, ultimately strengthening local capacity for independent, impactful research that drives sustainable development across the continent.
Additionally, the program’s structure—featuring mentorship, access to top-tier resources, and the opportunity to engage with international scholars—provides fellows with a unique platform to elevate their work, share insights, and bring evidence-based approaches back to their home institutions. This cycle of knowledge transfer and empowerment aligns with the broader goals of enhancing local expertise and promoting research-driven solutions for Africa’s pressing socioeconomic challenges.
Eligibility Requirements for CEGA Application
Applicants to the CEGA Fellowship Program must meet the following criteria:
- Language Proficiency: Applicants should be fluent in English (both written and spoken) and possess strong communication skills.
- Nationality and Education: They must be from an East or West African country and have completed secondary education within an African institution.
- Career Stage: Eligible applicants are early-career researchers, having recently completed a Master’s or PhD or currently pursuing a PhD in economics, political science, statistics, epidemiology/public health, education, or another social science. Preference is given to those who are currently enrolled in or have completed their PhD within the past eight years.
- Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must hold a current staff or student role at a research institution (such as a university or other research organization) in East or West Africa, preferably one that supports policy-relevant quantitative social science research.
Additional Track-Specific Criteria:
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) Track: Fellows will focus on evaluating programs that promote health, nutrition, safety, responsive caregiving, and early learning, particularly for children aged 0-3. Priority is given to applicants from Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya who are conducting relevant research.
- Youth Livelihoods Track: Fellows will assess programs that support young people (ages 16-24) in securing meaningful employment through education, skills training, and comprehensive support. Preference is given to those researching in Kenya, particularly in Mombasa.
CEGA Application Process
To apply for the 2025-2026 CEGA Visiting Fellowship, submit the following documents through the Submittable portal by Friday, January 17, 2025, at 5 pm GMT:
- Personal Statement (1 page): Explain your motivation for applying specifically to the CEGA Visiting Fellowship. Describe what you aim to achieve during and beyond the fellowship, and discuss your ability to commit to this program within your current schedule.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Include details of your quantitative coursework and relevant experience.
- Research Proposal (up to 2 pages): Outline your proposed research using the provided template, focusing on questions of interest to CEGA. Note that, unless otherwise agreed upon with CEGA staff and your mentor, this proposal will form the basis of your work during the fellowship.
- Evidence of Leave Approval or Letter of Support: Submit a letter from your supervisor or department chair confirming support and certifying that you can take a 4-month leave if selected. See example for guidance.
- References: Provide names and contact information (email, phone number, and affiliation) for two references, such as supervisors, senior colleagues, or professors, who can attest to your research skills, quantitative expertise, and qualifications for the fellowship.
For more details or assistance with the application, please visit the submittable portal provided below
