The ODI Fellowship Scheme gives early-career economists and statisticians the chance to work as public sector civil servants on two-year contracts in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Western Balkans. ODI Fellows are typically employed as local civil servants, reporting to local managers.

Fellows work in a range of institutions from finance and planning ministries to ministries of health and education, as well as central banks, statistics offices, and regulatory bodies. Total compensation net of tax is approximately £32,600 per annum in the first year and £34,600 in the second year. The compensation is inclusive of a housing allowance that varies according to cost of living in-country.

(Overseas Development Institute) ODI is an independent, global think tank. The institute works to inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. Through research, convening and influencing, ODI generates ideas that matter for people and the planet.

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Salary: Total compensation net of tax is approximately £32,600 per annum in the first year and £34,600 in the second year. The compensation is inclusive of a housing allowance that varies according to cost of living in-country.

Location: Global

Hours: NA

Interview: Late July

Assessment: Late July

Requirements for ODI fellowship scheme 

Fellowships vary from role to role and country to country, but all require a combination of the following experience and personal qualities.

Qualifications

• The ODI Fellowship Scheme is open to candidates of all nationalities who have a master’s degree or PhD in economics, statistics or a related field.
• Suitable specialised qualifications at postgraduate level include but aren’t limited to agricultural economics, environmental economics, international economics, health economics, development economics, and econometrics and statistics.
• For those studying for a postgraduate degree at the time of application, the award of a fellowship is conditional upon the successful completion of the postgraduate degree.

Intellectual ability

• A sound grasp of economic and statistical theory and the ability to apply that knowledge to real world problems
• An ability to analyse data and information and to solve problems
• An ability to communicate complex technical ideas to non-specialists, both verbally and in writing

Personal qualities

• Resilience and problem-solving skills to drive change and to work independently
• Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and political acumen to work well within a diverse team, sometimes on politically sensitive topics
• Patience and humility to learn about new contexts and accept advice
• Adaptability and flexibility to work within a resource-constrained environment

Management and work-related skills

• Prioritise and delegate work
• Able to consult and advocate
• Good time management
• An ability to work without supervision
• Project management
• Report writing

Applications are strengthened by a demonstrable interest in public policy, relevant work or voluntary experience and language proficiency (with English essential and French particularly advantageous) and strong IT skills.

ODI fellowship scheme application process

Interested and qualified individuals who meet the above requirements should fill and submit the ODI fellowship scheme application form. 

• Please note that the institute cannot accept any supporting materials (CVs, transcripts, cover letters, etc). Due to the large number of applications received, candidates will be assessed on their application form only. 
• You are asked to provide details of three referees, but they will not be contacted at this stage. 
• Please note that the application process will close on April 30th, and applications must be submitted by 23:59 (BST) to be considered. 
• Please ensure that you complete your application form within seven days of registering. 
• If you are experiencing problems with your application, please contact the Fellowship Scheme office on fellows@odi.org