The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Europe is inviting applications for the position of Senior Policy Manager based in Zurich, Switzerland. The senior-level role offers an opportunity to work directly with J-PAL co-founders and Nobel Prize laureates Professors Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, supporting strategic partnerships and advancing evidence-based policymaking across Europe and beyond.
Applications are open to qualified professionals with extensive experience in public policy, international development, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. The application deadline is August 16, 2026.
About J-PAL Europe
J-PAL is a global research centre dedicated to reducing poverty by ensuring that public policy is informed by rigorous scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 2,100 affiliated professors worldwide, the organization works with governments, NGOs, and development partners to evaluate social programmes and promote evidence-informed decision-making.
J-PAL Europe is one of the organization’s seven regional offices and leads initiatives to generate and apply research evidence across Europe while supporting development actors globally.
About the Role
The Senior Policy Manager will be based in Zurich and will report jointly to the Global Executive Directors of J-PAL and the Executive Director of J-PAL Europe.
The successful candidate will serve as the principal point of contact for partnership, advisory, collaboration, and speaking requests directed to J-PAL’s founders. The role also includes senior responsibilities within J-PAL Europe’s Policy and Communications team, focusing on partnership development, fundraising, policy engagement, and research dissemination.
This is a non-academic position suited to experienced professionals in policy, communications, and international development.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of strategic responsibilities, including:
Strategic Partnerships and Founder Engagement
- Manage partnership, advisory, and collaboration requests addressed to J-PAL leadership.
- Assess and prioritize opportunities based on organizational strategy.
- Build and maintain relationships with governments, multilateral organizations, foundations, and development agencies.
- Support partnerships with European governments and European Union institutions.
- Represent J-PAL at high-level meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
Policy and Research Communication
The role includes translating complex academic research into accessible materials for policymakers and development partners through:
- Policy briefs.
- Evidence summaries.
- Speeches.
- Opinion articles.
- Blog posts.
- Communication products for diverse audiences.
The successful applicant will ensure research findings are communicated accurately while remaining accessible to non-technical audiences.
Fundraising and Strategic Development
Responsibilities also include:
- Identifying new funding opportunities.
- Preparing grant proposals and concept notes.
- Building relationships with existing and prospective donors.
- Supporting the strategic growth of J-PAL Europe’s policy and communications portfolio.
Coordination
The Senior Policy Manager will collaborate across J-PAL’s global network by:
- Coordinating with regional offices and affiliated researchers.
- Managing external engagement activities.
- Supporting policy, communications, and training initiatives.
- Leading cross-office projects.
- Undertaking regular international travel to locations including Zurich, Paris, Cambridge, and other partner destinations.
Professional Development Opportunities
J-PAL offers extensive opportunities for professional growth.
Staff members benefit from:
- Free access to the MITx MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Development Policy (DEDP).
- Collaboration with internationally recognized economists and researchers.
- Opportunities to attend and present at international policy events.
- Continuous learning through engagement with governments, donors, and research institutions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should possess strong leadership, communication, and partnership management experience.
Minimum qualifications include:
- A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, International Development, or a related discipline.
- At least eight years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience building partnerships with governments, foundations, multilateral organizations, or development agencies.
- Proven fundraising experience, including preparing successful grant proposals.
- Excellent writing skills for senior policy audiences.
- Familiarity with randomized evaluations and evidence-informed policymaking.
- Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and project management skills.
Experience related to environment and climate change impact evaluations is considered an advantage.
Language Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Fluency in English.
- Fluency in at least one additional European language.
Professional fluency in German and French is considered particularly valuable for this position.
Work Authorization
Applicants must already have valid authorization to work in Switzerland.
J-PAL has confirmed that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Application Process
Interested candidates should complete the J-PAL/IPA Common Application and select:
- Policy as the job category.
- Senior Policy Manager – J-PAL Europe – Zurich as the position.
Applicants are required to submit:
- A current CV.
- A cover letter outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
- Details confirming authorization to work in Switzerland.
Important Dates
Prospective applicants should note the following timeline:
- Application deadline: August 16, 2026
- Earliest start date: September 1, 2026
- Latest start date: September 1, 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
J-PAL encourages applications from candidates whose backgrounds reflect communities most affected by poverty, as well as individuals from groups underrepresented in the field of economics.
