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Jobs and Opportunity Initiative

J-PAL’s Jobs and Opportunity Initiative (JOI) supports randomized evaluations to find effective strategies for improving employment outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, and translates evidence into actionable insights.

Job creation and access to decent work are immense global challenges. In 2023, over 188 million people were unemployed, and more than 240 million people were working but still living in extreme poverty. Policymakers have a range of tools to create more jobs and help people access income opportunities, but need evidence on what works best for various contexts and populations.

JOI aims to generate a body of rigorous, policy-relevant research addressing key labor market questions, including how to improve supply and matching, help firms grow and stimulate job creation, and prepare for the future of work. By generating evidence and sharing policy lessons, JOI helps governments, implementing organizations, and donors design more effective jobs policies and programs that create lasting impact.

Key Facts

Sectors:

Office:

J-PAL Global

Co-Chairs:

Status:

Research RFP: Closed

Eligibility:

Open to J-PAL affiliates, J-PAL postdocs, J-PAL invited researchers, Resident African scholars, and PhD students, with support from an advisor who is a J-PAL affiliate or J-PAL invited researcher

Contact:

[email protected]

Funders

For researchers

Request for Proposals

J-PAL's Jobs and Opportunity Initiative (JOI) funds randomized evaluations of strategies that address pressing labor markets challenges. JOI holds two regular funding cycles per year (currently closed) calling for proposals from J-PAL affiliates, J-PAL postdocs, and J-PAL invited researchers for full research projects, pilot studies, travel/proposal development grants, and policy outreach support grants. PhD students, with support from an advisor who is a J-PAL affiliate or J-PAL invited researcher, are also eligible to apply. Resident African scholars are also eligible to apply for pilot studies and travel/proposal development grants.

Learn more and apply

Opportunities

African Scholars

JOI provides research funding opportunities to resident African scholars.

Learn more

Initiative Team

Board Members

David Atkin
Marianne Bertrand
Jing Cai (JOI co-chair)
Stefano Caria (JOI co-chair)

Staff

Lisa Corsetto-Poon, Policy Lead
Ying Gao, Senior Policy Manager
Michael Hou, Senior Policy Associate
Lauren Roode, Senior Education and Training Associate, J-PAL Africa
Richard Ssempagama, Senior Finance and Operations Associate
Natalie Valent, Senior Policy Associate

Jobs and Opportunity Initiative

Key Facts

Funders

Request for Proposals

African Scholars

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Initiative Team

Board Members

Staff

Projects

The Longer-run Effects of Apprenticeships in Ghana: A Pilot Study II

Enabling Entrepreneurs: An Impact Evaluation of a Business Incubator Development Program in Uganda

Facilitating International Remote Work for New Graduates in Malawi

Plugging the Gap: Improving Labor Market Navigation of South African Youth Through Networks and Information

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