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 900 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.
Research Associate, J-PAL Southeast Asia
Zakka is a Research Associate at J-PAL Southeast Asia where he works in microfinance and social fund sector. Prior to joining J-PAL in 2024, Zakka worked as a professional for three years within the governmental bodies of Indonesia, including the Ministry of National Development Planning and Bank of Indonesia. His role included supporting policy analysis, macroeconomics analysis, and managing various programs under government's mid-term and short-term development plan (RPJMN and RKP). Zakka took his master's degree in economics from Korea University