The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
Our affiliated professors are based at over 120 universities and conduct randomized evaluations around the world to design, evaluate, and improve programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty. They set their own research agendas, raise funds to support their evaluations, and work with J-PAL staff on research, policy outreach, and training.
Our research, policy, and training work is fundamentally better when it is informed by a broad range of perspectives.
Finance & Operations Director, J-PAL Middle East and North Africa
Amira Refaat is the Director of Finance and Operations at J-PAL Middle East and North Africa at the American University in Cairo (AUC). In this role, Amira manages and supervises all proposal development activities, general operations and administration, and in particular the financial operations of J-PAL MENA. She works closely with her team to ensure efficient streamlining of operational processes to meet the needs of the diverse and growing portfolio of research, policy, and training work at J-PAL MENA.
Amira has extensive experience in USAID funded projects as well as working with international donors including GIZ and the EU. She has experience managing large multi-donor funded projects that amounted to US$75 million. She has prior experience at AUC, as she led finance and administration for the USAID-funded University Centers for Career Development project, and as finance and administration manager at the Gerhart Center. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Business Administration, from Faculty of Commerce, English section at Ain Shams University.