Download the Full PDF RFA here

The Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) invites African policymakers to apply to our inaugural 2025 Policy Fellowship Program Request for Applications (RFA).

In this call, NIERA invites policymakers from eligible countries in West and East Africa to apply for a 6-week fellowship aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills in evidence-informed policymaking. The fellowship begins with a one-week online course focused on evidence-informed policymaking. The course comprises five modules: revisiting the policymaking process, accessing evidence, appraising evidence, synthesizing evidence, and applying evidence. Upon completing the course successfully, policymakers will be paired with a researcher from NIERA. Over the remaining 5 weeks, the policymaker and researcher will collaborate virtually to develop a short research proposal (concept note) addressing a specific and well-defined evidence need identified by the policymaker.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a mid-level technical staff at a government ministry, agency or department in an eligible country. Lawmakers (such as members of parliament or their research staff) are also eligible to apply.

For this upcoming call, interested applicants can apply to 1 of 3 thematic areas:

● Education

● Health

● Agriculture

Application Process

To respond to the 2025 NIERA Policy Fellowship Request for Applications (RFA), please submit the following information and documents by Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 at 5 pm EAT to proposals@nieraglobal.org. All documents must be written in Arial font, size 11, single line spacing, normal margins. Acceptable formats include docx and pdf. Documents not following these specifications will not be considered.

1. Personal Statement (1 page max): Please describe your personal motivations for applying to the NIERA Policy Fellowship. Why are you particularly interested in this program? What do you hope to accomplish during the fellowship and beyond? How have you used research evidence to influence policymaking in your work? Also comment on your ability to commit to the fellowship and how this will fit into your current commitments.
2. Curriculum Vitae/Résume (4 pages max)
3. Evidence Needs Statement (1 page max): This fellowship is designed for policymakers who already have a clear understanding of the evidence needs within their government ministry, agency, or department. When writing this statement, please answer the following questions: What are some examples of these evidence needs, and how could this fellowship support you in addressing them? If these needs are addressed, how might they impact decision-making or policy development within your institution? Please ensure that no sensitive data or confidential information is shared. If you are accepted into the fellowship, you will be expected to develop a proposal based on one of the identified evidence needs. We will match you with a NIERA researcher with expertise in your sector who will provide guidance and support to help you develop the proposal.
4. Letter of Support from your supervisor or other relevant authority at your institution demonstrating support and certifying that, if selected, you will be able to attend the online workshop and spend some of your time working on the proposal.
5. Name and contact information for two references: Please provide a name, email, phone number, and affiliation for two individuals (supervisors, senior colleagues) who can speak to your suitability for the NIERA fellowship.

We had a Virtual Information session on April 3rd from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EAT. To recap click here