CEGA Launches Zambia Mining and Local Development Fellowship 2026 for PhD Researchers
The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, has announced applications for its Remote Fellowship: Zambia Mining and Local Development, offering an exciting opportunity for Zambia-based PhD researchers to strengthen their quantitative research skills while contributing to a major study on the social and economic impacts of mining development.
The fellowship will run during the Fall 2026 academic semester from August to December 2026, with the possibility of extension through May 2027 based on performance. The initiative is designed to support emerging African researchers and build local capacity in impact evaluation, development economics, and evidence-based policymaking.
Fellowship Focuses on Zambia’s Mingomba Copper Mine
The selected fellow will join an international research team examining the impacts of the Mingomba copper mine in Chililabombwe, Zambia. The project focuses on understanding how mining investments influence household welfare, employment opportunities, and broader community development outcomes.
The research is being conducted in collaboration with KoBold Metals and leading scholars from prominent institutions, including:
- University of Zambia
- University of California, Berkeley
- Barnard College, Columbia University
The fellow will work closely with:
- Dale Mudenda (University of Zambia)
- Jonathan Weigel (UC Berkeley)
- Edward Miguel (UC Berkeley)
- Anja Benshaul-Tolonen (Barnard College, Columbia University)
This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for researchers to gain hands-on experience in large-scale development research and impact evaluation.
What Fellows Will Do
During the fellowship, the selected researcher will contribute to several critical research activities, including:
- Conducting literature reviews
- Supporting data collection and cleaning
- Assisting with survey design and implementation
- Participating in weekly research meetings
- Managing research datasets
- Supporting statistical analysis
- Contributing to academic and policy publications
The fellowship involves participation in a large panel survey covering:
- 4,000 households
- 400 villages across Zambia
Researchers will also contribute to a worker regression discontinuity study that evaluates the causal effects of mining employment on household welfare outcomes.
Advanced Training and Professional Development
In addition to project-based work, fellows will receive specialized training designed to strengthen their research and professional skills.
Training areas include:
- Research transparency and reproducibility
- Quantitative data analysis
- Data science methods
- Impact evaluation techniques
- Cost-effectiveness analysis
- Qualitative research methods
- Research communication
- Public speaking
- Leadership development
- Academic writing
- Publication processes
- Translating research for policy audiences
Participants will also be matched with peer collaborators and receive mentorship from experienced researchers and policy experts.
Financial Benefits and Research Opportunities
The fellowship offers a range of professional and financial benefits.
Successful fellows will receive:
- Total fellowship compensation of $3,000 based on deliverables
- Access to mentorship from internationally recognized researchers
- Networking opportunities with CEGA affiliates
- Connections through the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA)
- Advanced research skills training
Following successful completion of the fellowship, participants may also become eligible for:
- Sponsored attendance at major research dissemination events, including CEGA’s Africa Evidence Summit
- Eligibility to apply for a pilot research award worth up to $10,000
- Continued mentorship and collaboration opportunities
- Support in developing independent research projects and dissertation-related studies
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be fluent in English
- Be based in Zambia
- Preference will be given to Zambian nationals
- Be currently admitted to or enrolled in a PhD programme at a Zambian university
- Be studying economics, statistics, epidemiology, public health, or another social science discipline
- Be able to dedicate approximately 15–20 hours per week to fellowship activities
Preference will also be given to applicants who:
- Have experience in development economics or related disciplines
- Demonstrate strong quantitative research skills
- Have existing research experience using impact evaluation methods
CEGA strongly encourages women researchers to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page personal statement
- Two-minute self-recorded motivation video
- Letter of support from a supervisor or faculty advisor
- Referee contact information
- Two-page research plan
- Optional working paper or publication
The research plan should focus on quantitative social science research and incorporate experimental or quasi-experimental impact evaluation methods.
Applicants may adapt existing dissertation proposals or research projects for this requirement.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Knowledge of quantitative research methods
- Familiarity with impact evaluation approaches
- Commitment to evidence-based policymaking
- Research potential and academic achievements
- Motivation for participating in the fellowship
- Alignment between fellowship goals and career aspirations
The review committee will also consider applicants’ commitment to strengthening research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
Important Dates
Key dates for applicants include:
- Applications Open: May 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM GMT
- Fellowship Period: August – December 2026
- Potential Extension: January – May 2027
Supporting the Next Generation of African Researchers
The CEGA Zambia Mining and Local Development Fellowship represents an important investment in African research leadership. By combining rigorous research training, international mentorship, and hands-on experience in one of Zambia’s most significant mining studies, the programme seeks to equip early-career scholars with the skills needed to generate evidence that informs policy and drives sustainable development.
For PhD students interested in development economics, public policy, social science research, and impact evaluation, the fellowship offers a valuable pathway to strengthen both academic and professional careers while contributing to research with real-world impact.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
