Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2026/2028 – Apply Now

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

About the Fellowship Scheme

Established in 1963, the ODI Fellowship Scheme is a pioneering initiative that matches early-career economists and statisticians with government placements in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The Scheme has successfully embedded more than 1,300 young professionals in government agencies across dozens of partner institutions, spanning countries from Colombia to the Solomon Islands, Uganda to Uzbekistan.

ODI Fellows serve as local civil servants on two-year contracts, working within key governmental institutions such as finance and planning ministries, health and education ministries, central banks, statistics offices, and regulatory bodies. Fellows report to local managers and work alongside national colleagues to address critical development challenges, contributing their technical skills while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in public sector service delivery. This unique opportunity combines professional growth with meaningful impact, allowing fellows to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems while experiencing the policy landscape and development challenges of their host countries firsthand.

Benefits of the ODI Fellowship Scheme

Financial Package:

Fellows receive competitive compensation designed to support a comfortable standard of living in their host country:

• Monthly Stipend: Total compensation net of tax is approximately £32,600 per annum in the first year and £34,600 in the second year. This translates to roughly £2,700 per month in Year 1 and £2,850 per month in Year 2.
• Housing Allowance: Compensation includes a housing allowance that varies according to the cost of living in the host country, ensuring fellows can secure appropriate accommodation.
• Additional Support: Fellows may receive assistance with relocation costs and health coverage options.

Personal Development:

• Valuable Civil Service Experience: Fellows work as genuine civil servants, gaining deep insight into their host country’s policy landscape, public sector operations, and the challenges of receiving development assistance from bi- and multilateral donors.
• Technical Skill Development: By working alongside local colleagues to fill skills gaps, fellows acquire new technical competencies in practical, real-world settings.
• Practical Learning: The hands-on nature of the fellowship makes it highly valued by both participants and their future employers, who recognize the unique skills and perspectives gained through this experience.

International Exchange:

• Cross-Cultural Experience: ODI Fellowships provide a rich opportunity for international exchange and mutual learning between civil servants.
• Diverse Perspectives: Some fellows bring experience from another civil service, while many more go on to work in large bureaucracies, whether in their home countries or internationally.
• Global Network: Fellows become part of a worldwide community of ODI alumni spanning more than five decades.

Future Career Opportunities:

• Excellent Reputation: The Scheme enjoys an outstanding reputation, and fellows benefit from the prestige associated with the ODI Fellowship.
• Diverse Career Pathways: ODI Fellows have gone on to build successful careers in:

• Multilateral institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations)
• Academia and research
• Private sector organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Their own country governments 
• Local Opportunities: Many fellows choose to remain in their host country after completing the fellowship, having built valuable networks and connections.

ODI Fellowship Scheme Requirements

Academic 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 specialized qualifications at the postgraduate level include but are not limited to:

• Agricultural economics
• Environmental economics
• International economics
• Health economics
• Development economics
• Econometrics and statistics
• Data science 

Important Note: For those currently studying for a postgraduate degree at the time of application, the award of a fellowship is conditional upon successful completion of the degree before the fellowship commences.

Expected Qualifications and 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 in complex situations 
• An ability to communicate complex technical ideas to non-specialists, both verbally and in writing 

Personal Qualities:

• Resilience: The ability to work independently and drive change, even when resources are constrained or situations are stressful 
• Interpersonal Skills: Cultural sensitivity and political acumen to work effectively within diverse teams, sometimes on politically sensitive topics 
• Patience and Humility: Willingness to learn about new contexts and accept advice from colleagues 
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Capacity to work within resource-constrained environments and adjust to changing circumstances 
• Cultural Agility: Genuine desire to learn about and adapt to different places and cultures 
• Diplomacy: Respectful approach to working with people from all backgrounds 

Management and Work-Related Skills:

• Ability to prioritise and delegate work effectively 
• Capacity to consult with stakeholders and advocate for evidence-based approaches 
• Good time management and ability to work without supervision 
• Project management and report writing skills 
• Experience with policy advocacy or public policy projects (an advantage) 

Language and Technical Skills:

• Excellent English: Strong command of English is required. 
• French: Knowledge of French is a plus. 
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable working with statistical software and data analysis tools 

Application Process

Click on the link to the application website to apply. The application process has been designed to be straightforward:

Application Requirements:

• Complete the online application form fully and clearly 
• Do not attach additional documents such as CVs, academic transcripts, or certificates at this initial stage 
• Provide names and contact details for two referees (these can be professional or academic contacts) 

Important Notes on References:

• Referees will not be contacted during the initial review stage 
• If you progress to the interview stage, referees may be contacted at that point 

Selection Process:

Applications are evaluated based solely on the information provided in the application form. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, and successful applicants will be notified in due course.

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the ODI Fellowship Scheme