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