Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2025-2027

If you are an early-career economist or statistician with a passion for development and a desire to make a tangible impact, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2025 offers a unique opportunity to work in government agencies across low- and middle-income countries. This prestigious programme, established in 1963, provides Fellows with invaluable professional experience while addressing critical resource gaps in public institutions. Let's dig into details!

ODI Fellowships Overview

Location: Various low- and middle-income countries
Host Institution: Government ministries, central banks, and public agencies
Study Level: Professional Fellowship
Areas of Focus: Economics, statistics, public policy, and development
Target Group: Early-career economists and statisticians
Value and Funding: Approximately £32,600 in the first year and £34,600 in the second year, inclusive of housing allowance
Duration: Two years
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Start Date: October/November 2025
Eligible To: Candidates of all nationalities with a postgraduate degree in economics, statistics, or related fields

Fellowship Overview

The ODI Fellowship Scheme is a transformative initiative that places Fellows in government institutions to address technical capacity gaps and contribute to policy development. Fellows work as civil servants, gaining hands-on experience in public sector service delivery and development challenges.

Roles & Responsibilities

Fellows engage in diverse roles, including:

Policy Development: Drafting and implementing policies in areas such as health, education, and trade
Data Analysis: Building macroeconomic models, conducting surveys, and managing statistical data
Capacity Building: Training local staff and transferring technical skills
Networking: Collaborating with international and local partners to strengthen institutional frameworks

Fellows can expect to work in dynamic environments, tackling real-world challenges and contributing to impactful projects that shape national and regional policies.

Fellowship Benefits

The ODI Fellowship Scheme offers numerous benefits, including:

Financial Support: Competitive salary and housing allowance (Approximately £32,600 in the first year and £34,600 in the 2nd year)
Professional Growth: Hands-on experience in government institutions
Global Exposure: Opportunities to work in diverse cultural and political contexts
Career Advancement: Enhanced prospects in development finance, public policy, and international organizations