Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2026-2028

Deadline: March 31, 2026

Applications are invited for the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2026-2028. The ODI Global 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. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional growth and challenge that will surely be a memorable experience. 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

• 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.

Eligibility

• 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.

Expected Qualifications & Skills

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

Application

Click here to apply

For more information, visit ODI Fellowship.