Sara Ameziane Hassani: A Rising Star in Policy Research and Social Innovation

Sara Ameziane Hassani is a Policy Associate at the Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab (UM6P/J-PAL/CID), working under the umbrella of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). With a robust academic background and a rich, diverse professional experience, she is playing a key role in shaping social policy and leveraging evidence-based research to address critical social challenges. This article delves into her journey, achievements, and contributions, shedding light on her unique role in the field of social policy and innovation.

Background and Academic Excellence

Sara’s educational journey sets the foundation for her success in the world of social policy and research. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Leiden University, where she graduated with honors. Specializing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and proficient in Arabic, Sara’s academic work focused on understanding the socio-political dynamics of the MENA region. Her thesis, titled “Good State, Bad State: The Politics of Voicing Dissent and the Case of ‘Landless Moroccans,’” is a reflection of her deep interest in the intersection of politics, social issues, and the complexities of state-society relations in Morocco.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Sara further honed her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Sciences Po Paris, specializing in Social Policy and Social Innovation. Graduating with honors, her academic work at Sciences Po concentrated on public economics, social innovation, and welfare state transformation. One of the key highlights of her Master’s thesis was a comparative case study analysis of integrative education reforms in Germany, exploring the challenges and factors driving education reform policies. This academic background laid a solid foundation for her future career in policy analysis and research.

Professional Experience and Role at J-PAL

Sara’s professional career began with diverse research roles, ultimately leading her to her current position as a Policy Associate at the Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab. At J-PAL, she collaborates with various organizations and policymakers, using evidence to inform and improve social policies. The work of J-PAL involves conducting rigorous evaluations and assessments that provide essential data to guide policy decisions, especially in sectors like education, health, and poverty alleviation.

Since joining J-PAL in 2023, Sara has played a significant role in enhancing the use of evidence in policy design and implementation. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between research and policymaking, helping to ensure that data-driven insights are integrated into decision-making processes. This role requires a blend of technical research skills and a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape, which Sara brings with her due to her previous experience and strong academic background.

In her role, Sara works closely with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, academic researchers, and local organizations, to ensure that the research is both relevant and actionable. Her work in Morocco focuses on improving the lives of underserved communities by providing actionable insights into social policies, especially in the areas of education, health, and employment.

Previous Roles and Contributions

Before joining J-PAL, Sara contributed significantly to the field of education research through her position at UNICEF Innocenti, where she served as an Education Researcher. Here, she worked on qualitative research projects that aimed to improve educational outcomes in Francophone West Africa. Her work included co-creating and conducting research initiatives in collaboration with ministries of education, which further solidified her expertise in policy analysis and evaluation.

Sara’s commitment to education and social issues also led her to work as a Research Intern with the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung in Germany, focusing on social policies related to health and retirement. Her role involved assisting in the publication of policy papers, conducting desk research, and managing expert working groups. These experiences enhanced her ability to analyze and communicate complex policy issues effectively.

Additionally, Sara’s experience as a Teacher of German as a Foreign Language at Stegemannschule in Germany allowed her to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, deepening her understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education system. Her teaching role complemented her academic pursuits and provided her with a broader perspective on the global education landscape.

International Exposure and Cultural Immersion

Sara’s international exposure further enhances her ability to approach policy challenges from a global perspective. In 2019, she participated in a study trip organized by the Netherlands Institute in Morocco (NIMAR) to the village of Ouled Merzoug near Skoura. Living with a host family, Sara gained firsthand experience of the stark differences between urban life in Rabat and rural life in Morocco. This immersion into a rural Moroccan community helped her understand the complex social dynamics and the role of traditional gender roles, which often shape the experiences of marginalized communities.

Her time in Morocco exposed her to the lived realities of rural populations, which enriched her research perspective and further deepened her interest in policies that can improve the quality of life for underserved communities. This exposure has allowed Sara to work with a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of the MENA region and to apply these insights to her professional research.

Honors and Awards

Sara’s academic excellence and professional contributions have been recognized by several institutions. One notable achievement is her receipt of the prestigious Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung Scholarship in 2019, a recognition of her academic and research potential. This scholarship allowed her to deepen her policy research experience and laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles in international development and social policy.

Her work is also complemented by her involvement in various academic societies and student organizations. During her time at Leiden University, Sara served as a board member for the Middle East Committee and the Student Information Team, where she contributed to organizing events and fostering discussions on international relations, social issues, and policy debates.

Skills and Expertise

Sara Ameziane Hassani’s professional journey has equipped her with a wide range of skills that are essential for tackling complex social challenges. Her expertise includes qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy analysis, program evaluation, and social innovation. These skills are reinforced by her ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, from government officials to local communities, ensuring that her work is both evidence-based and contextually relevant.

Her focus on social policy, particularly in the areas of education and employment, positions her as an emerging thought leader in the field of social innovation. Sara’s commitment to using data and evidence to inform policy decisions sets her apart as a promising policy professional with a global outlook.

Conclusion

Sara Ameziane Hassani’s journey reflects a dedication to improving social policies and driving change through evidence-based research. As a Policy Associate at J-PAL, she continues to contribute significantly to the field of social policy, particularly in the MENA region. Her diverse professional experiences, combined with her academic excellence, make her a rising star in the world of policy research. Through her work, Sara aims to bring about lasting change that improves the lives of individuals and communities, particularly those in marginalized and underserved areas.

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