ODI is the leading global affairs think tank. They inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. Also, focus on research, convening and influencing, to generate ideas that matter for people and the planet. At ODI, they lead new thinking and future agendas to deliver transformational change and foster a global sense of resilient, just and equitable prosperity. They work on four overarching global challenges and priorities:
- Shaping the future of global cooperation
- Tackling the climate crisis
- Fostering a more equitable economic order
- Advancing human rights and peace.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Since 1963 approximately 50 country governments and regional organisations have participated in the scheme. The key characteristic of the scheme is that it is demand-led, with fellows being employed and managed by their host governments and not by ODI.
The first three ODI (Overseas Development Institute) fellows began their work in 1963. Since then, over 1,000 fellows have worked with over 50 governments and international organisations.
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.
The scheme provides host institutions in these countries with high-calibre professionals to fill pressing skills gaps while offering fellows the experience of working inside bureaucracies in a different country context to their own.
Fellowships are determined primarily by the needs of the scheme’s partner governments. The continued demand from governments for ODI fellows, as well as the level of responsibility entrusted to them, is a testament to the respect the scheme has earned over the 59 years since it was established.
The ODI Fellowship scheme is open to candidates of all nationalities and they support and encourage applications from LGBTQ+ and disabled candidates. Postgraduate economists and statisticians with an interest in development are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates are expected to serve for the full two-year contract and be ready to work in any of the scheme’s partner countries.
Benefits
- Chance to work as public sector civil servants on two-year contracts in low- and middle-income countries.
- 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.
- Fellows receive a total package equivalent to GBP21,000 a year (increasing to GBP23,000 in the second year) plus a housing allowance.
- Fellows gain valuable experience as civil servants. They learn about their host country, its policy landscape, and public service delivery in low- and middle-income countries, as well as the challenges of receiving aid from bi- and multilateral donors.
- Fellows gain new technical skills as they work with colleagues to fill skills gaps. This experience is a unique opportunity for economists and statisticians and is highly valued by fellows and their future employers.
- ODI fellowships are also an opportunity for international exchange and lesson sharing between civil servants: some ODI fellows bring the experience from another civil service and many more go on to work in large bureaucracies, either at home or in third countries.
- The scheme enjoys an excellent reputation and fellows benefit from the prestige associated with the scheme.
- Fellows can go on to build successful careers in the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, academia, the private business sector, and non-governmental organisations as well as their own country governments.
Eligibilities
Qualifications
- Have a master’s degree or PhD in economics, statistics or a related field.
- Suitable specialised qualifications at the 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 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 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
To strengthen the application demonstrate an interest in public policy, relevant work or voluntary experience and language proficiency (with English essential and French particularly advantageous) and strong IT skills
Eligible Regions: Open for allApplication Process
- Applications will only be accepted if they are completed correctly according to the instructions available on their website and submitted by the closing date.
- Applicants must be willing to commit to a two-year period in any of the countries that participate in the scheme. However, to ensure the safety of all involved, they also take personal characteristics into account when placing fellows.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: April 27, 2022
Application ClosedOfficial link
