Research Fellow at ODI Global

ODI Global is looking for a development practitioner with solid research experience to lead selected projects and contribute to the design and delivery of an expanding and influential portfolio of research and advisory work on the strategies and operations of sovereign arms of multilateral development banks (MDBs). Areas of focus include improving the operational effectiveness of MDBs, individually and as a system, boosting the impact of concessional finance in MDBs, and the role of MDBs in fragile and conflict-affected states.

The candidate is expected to undertake innovative research and analysis to shape the international debate on the MDB reform agenda and inform MDBs’ strategies and operations. Activities could also include advice to government shareholders and MDBs at a senior level, or other stakeholders and media and communications engagement.

While based in Washington D.C. the successful candidate will work with our exceptional network of partners and clients, including national and subnational governments, international organisations, civil society organisations, businesses and research institutes on six continents.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Funding

• Develop research proposals, expressions of interest and full project proposals.

• Seek external funding for research proposals both to sustain the RF’s own professional activities and to contribute to the Institute's costs and to meet individual and collective financial targets.

• Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding and inform policy.

• Assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of research, and develop ideas for the application of research outcomes.

• Monitor and analyse developments in the external environment

• Undertake frequent travel overseas for research related purposes.

Project Management

• Take responsibility for the implementation and administrative and financial management of research, advisory and public affairs projects.

• Liaise with and report to donors, manage budgets and consultants and the inputs of other project partners

• Manage the work of staff working on the RF’s own projects and other project team members, including ROs and associates as appropriate.

Policy Advice, Public Affairs, and Dissemination

• Author research reports, policy briefs and other documents for publication

• Carry out public affairs work, representing ideas, knowledge and institutional concerns with the aim of informing policy

• Disseminate the results of research through peer reviewed channels, the media, lunchtime meetings, conferences etc.

• Respond to ad hoc media requests in area of specialisation

• Sit on advisory committees for other research and advisory work, within and outside ODI Global

• Use and build relevant networks and support the development of Group contracts

Line management

• Recruit, induct, develop, and support directly managed staff.

• Review resource needs and implement strategies to meet changing workloads of direct line reports.

• Conduct appraisals, set appropriate objectives and team/institutional priorities, monitor and manage performance against these.

Collegiate life

• Contribute to the Institute’s collegiate life through:

• Such ODI Global series as the Working Papers, Research Studies, Briefing Papers, and journals

• Such ODI Global activities as discussion groups, lunchtime meetings, staff meetings, working groups, interviews, external representation

• Peer review and guidance to colleagues and/or other Group outputs

• Provide intellectual mentoring for less experienced research staff and support them as they begin to lead projects of their own

Person Specific

Essential

Knowledge and Qualifications

• A degree and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline, preferably Economics; a PhD in Economics/Public Finance would be an asset.

• Extensive and deep knowledge of key issues pertinent to the strategies and policies of sovereign arms of multilateral development banks (World Bank and/or regional development banks)

• Fluency in English

Experience

• Experience in policy-oriented research, demonstrated by a track record of publications and reports;

• Extensive work experience in a low- or middle-income country – preferably in a Ministry of Finance and/or in at least one multilateral development bank (as consultant or staff), either in strategy, operations or resource mobilisation. Relevant professional experience in a regional development bank would be an asset.

• A history of engagement in major policy processes or international initiatives or negotiations.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong analytical skills, a capacity to write clearly, and excellent organisational and oral communication skills particularly for policy makers (MDB senior staff and shareholders).

• A demonstrated capacity for policy advisory and public-affairs work, based on an analytical approach, and an innovative and creative communications ability, particularly with MDB shareholders.

• Project management skills

• Ability to translate research ideas into fundable projects excellent communication abilities in relation to a wide variety of audiences

• Skills in negotiation, listening, communication of ideas, problem solving, decision making

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Time management skills, including managing a complex and varied workload

• Excellent communication abilities in relation to a wide variety of audiences

Desirable

• Internationally recognised expert in their chosen field

• Competency in a language other than English

Key Relationships and Contacts

Internal: Director of ODI Global , Director of Programme, Group staff, relevant Associates and Interns as appropriate
External: Major donors, bi-laterals and multilateral organisations, including FCDO, BMZ, US Treasury, the World Bank/IMF, UN agencies, EU, DAC, bi-laterals, developing country governments, international and national NGOs. Academic institutions and individuals. Media as appropriate.

All staff are expected to:

• Positively support equality of opportunity both within ODI Global and externally

• Help maintain a safe working environment and take responsibility for own and colleagues’ Health and Safety

• Undertake such other duties within the scope of their post as may be requested by their Manager

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Why should you work for us?

ODI Global is committed to developing and supporting diverse and inclusive teams of people who share our passion, where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds including those who experience intersectional marginalisation on the basis of their class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious identity or belief, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome applications from those living with disabilities.

Benefits
We prioritise the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, including public holidays and additional time off during Christmas and New Year. We also recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and study leave to support your professional development.

Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond annual leave. We provide comprehensive benefits such as maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, competitive pension schemes and interest-free travel loans (varies by local jurisdictions). We offer sick pay, an Employee Assistance Program, and staff events and social activities to ensure your physical and mental health.

At ODI Global, we believe that a supportive and rewarding work environment is essential for success. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to your well-being and professional growth.

For a full listing of benefits, please visit our Careers page.

About ODI Global

ODI Global is a leading global affairs think tank. We inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. We focus on research, convening and influencing, to generate ideas that matter for people and planet.

Application Deadline

July 09, 2025

Department

Development and Public Finance

Employment Type

Permanent

Location

Washington, DC

Workplace type

Hybrid

Compensation

$95,000 - $105,000 / year

Link to job posting: https://careers.odi.org/en/postings/d78fd437-deee-4eed-b486-9a6d22c1e869