23/04/2023
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Applications are now open for the ODI Fellowship Scheme 2023 to provide host governments with highly qualified, early-career economists and statisticians and offers unique work experience to Fellows.
The ODI Fellowship Scheme gives early-career economists and statisticians the chance to work as 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 partners. The continued demand from governments for ODI Fellows, as well as the level of responsibility entrusted to them, is testament to the esteem the fellowship has earned in the 60 years since it was established.
Benefits
How ODI Fellows benefit from the scheme
Personal development
Fellows gain valuable experience as civil servants. They learn about their host country, its policy landscape, and public sector service delivery in low- and middle income countries, as well as the challenges of receiving development assistance from bi- and multilateral donors. They gain new technical skills as they work with colleagues to fill skills gaps. Since it is practical in nature, the fellowship is highly valued by participants and their future employers.
International exchange
ODI Fellowships are also an opportunity for international exchange and lesson sharing between civil servants: some ODI Fellows bring experience of another civil service and many more go on to work in large bureaucracies, either at home or in third countries.
Future career opportunities
The scheme enjoys an excellent reputation and Fellows benefit from the prestige associated with the scheme. ODI Fellows have gone on to build successful careers in multilateral institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations), academia, the private sector, non-governmental organisations as well as their own country governments. Many choose to stay on in the country of their fellowship.
How host institutions benefit from the scheme
Responding to country needs
Fellows are part of a government or international organisation and, together with their colleagues, effectively identify the most pressing needs of the host organisation.
Tailored solutions
Because Fellows are embedded, they learn the relative strengths of their department and work together with their colleagues to tailor policies, models and ways of working that are practical and in line with the capabilities of the host institution.
Transferring skills
Fellows are only placed in host institutions where certain technical skills and thematic knowledge are currently missing. Through close collaboration over a two-year period, colleagues learn important skills and acquire knowledge from Fellows.
Compensation
In 2023, total compensation of ODI Fellows net of tax amounted to (on average) approximately £30,600 per Fellow per annum in the first year of the fellowship and £32,600 in the second year. The compensation is inclusive of a housing allowance that varies according to cost of living in the country of question.
Eligibility Criteria
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 are not 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
Data and information analysis to solve problems
Clear and concise written and verbal communication, especially translating complex technical ideas to non-specialists
Personal qualities
Resilience and problem-solving to drive change and to work independently
Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and political acumen to succeed within a diverse team, sometimes on politically sensitive topics
Patience and humility to learn about new contexts and accept advice
Adaptability and flexibility to navigate resource-constrained environments
Management and work-related skills
Strong organisational skills including prioritisation and delegation of tasks
Willingness to consult and advocate
Good time management
Ability to take initiative and 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.
They support and encourage applications from LGBTQ+ and disabled candidates. To ensure candidates are not placed in difficult, dangerous or impractical situations, they will ensure that all successful candidates are only offered suitable placements during the matching process.
Timeline
Late May/early June 2023: Short-listed applicants are invited to an interview
Week of June 11th 2023: Interviews take place, after which firm or conditional offers are made to successful candidates
March-July 2023: The ODI team discuss potential roles with all participating governments Host institutions submit requests for new Fellows with job descriptions and a short-list of preferred candidates
July–August 2023: ODI and host institutions agree on which candidates are allocated to which openings
September 2023: A briefing session is held at ODI in London to prepare new Fellows for their roles
October 2023: Successful candidates begin their fellowships
