The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme for Professionals is a prestigious program designed to provide mid-career professionals with the opportunity to contribute their skills and expertise to international development initiatives. Established by the ODI, a leading think tank on international development and humanitarian issues, the fellowship scheme offers fellows the chance to work alongside policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to address global challenges.
The fellowship scheme typically lasts for one or two years and is open to professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including economics, public policy, social sciences, and more. Fellows are placed within partner organizations in developing countries, where they work on projects aimed at promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
One of the key features of the ODI Fellowship Scheme is its focus on capacity building and knowledge exchange. Fellows have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field of international development, as well as to share their own expertise and insights with local partners and stakeholders. This collaborative approach helps to strengthen local institutions and build the skills and capacity of professionals working in the development sector.
Additionally, the fellowship scheme provides fellows with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to diverse perspectives and approaches to development. Fellows become part of a global network of alumni and professionals working in international development, enabling them to stay connected, share best practices, and continue their professional development beyond the duration of the fellowship.
The ODI Fellowship Scheme for Professionals offers mid-career professionals a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to international development efforts while gaining valuable experience, skills, and networks that will benefit them throughout their careers. By investing in the talent and expertise of professionals from around the world, the fellowship scheme contributes to building a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
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.
Benefits Of The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme
- 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.
Expected qualifications and skills
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.
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.
Deadline
- 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.
Timeline
- Late March 2024: Applications open for the ODI Fellowship Scheme
- 30 April 2024: Closing date for receipt of applications
- Late May 2024: Long-listed candidates are invited to submit a video in support of their application
- Early June 2024: Short-listed candidates invited to interview Interviews take place, after which offers are made to successful candidates
- Late July 2024: The ODI team discuss potential roles with all participating governments
- March-July 2024: Host institutions submit requests for new Fellows with job descriptions and a short-list of preferred candidates
- July–August 2024: ODI and host institutions agree on which candidates are allocated to which openings
- 9th-13th September: A briefing session is held at ODI in London to prepare new Fellows for their roles
- October/November 2024: Successful candidates begin their fellowships
Application Deadline: April 30th, 2024
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