Deadline: March 31, 2026
The ODI Fellowship Scheme is one of the most respected international development fellowship programmes in the world. Designed to strengthen the capacity of public institutions in developing countries, the programme places talented economists and statisticians in government ministries and public agencies where they contribute to economic policy, research, and development planning.
Since its establishment in 1963, the ODI Fellowship Scheme has built a global reputation for producing highly skilled development professionals who have gone on to shape policy, influence economic planning, and lead international organisations. The fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career economists and statisticians to gain hands-on experience in government policymaking while contributing directly to development outcomes.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the programme, including its purpose, eligibility requirements, placement structure, benefits, career impact, and application details.
Overview of the ODI Fellowship Scheme
The ODI Fellowship Scheme is a two-year professional programme run by ODI Global. The fellowship places postgraduate economists and statisticians within government institutions across developing countries.
During the two-year placement, fellows work as civil servants embedded within host ministries or government departments. Their role is to support government officials in strengthening economic policy, improving statistical systems, and contributing to development planning and policy implementation.
Over the past six decades, the programme has placed more than 1,300 fellows worldwide, making it one of the longest-running and most impactful international development fellowships.
Fellows work on real policy challenges, providing analytical support, conducting research, and contributing to projects that help governments make informed decisions about economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
Purpose of the Fellowship Programme
The ODI Fellowship Scheme was created to address a major challenge faced by many developing countries: limited technical capacity in key areas such as economics, data analysis, and policy development.
The programme aims to support governments by providing highly trained professionals who can contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
Key objectives of the programme include:
1. Strengthening Government Capacity
Fellows work within government ministries and agencies to provide technical support in economic analysis, policy formulation, and data management. This helps strengthen the capacity of public institutions.
2. Supporting Evidence-Based Policymaking
The programme promotes the use of reliable data and economic analysis in decision-making processes.
3. Promoting Sustainable Development
Fellows contribute to policies that address economic growth, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and social development.
4. Providing Practical Experience for Young Professionals
The fellowship offers early-career professionals a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience working directly with government institutions.
5. Encouraging Knowledge Exchange
The programme facilitates knowledge sharing between international professionals and local government teams, creating mutual learning opportunities.
History and Global Impact
The ODI Fellowship Scheme began in 1963 with the goal of supporting newly independent countries that needed technical expertise in economic planning and policy analysis.
Since then, the programme has expanded significantly, placing fellows in a wide range of countries across multiple regions.
Today, the fellowship is recognised internationally for its contribution to strengthening public institutions and developing future leaders in international development.
Over the years, alumni of the programme have gone on to work in:
- National governments
- International development organisations
- Multilateral institutions
- Research institutes
- Development banks
- Global policy organisations
Many former fellows have held senior positions in international development and economic policymaking.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The ODI Fellowship Scheme runs for two years, during which fellows work full-time within a host government institution.
Fellows are treated as professional staff members within the institutions where they are placed. They work closely with government officials and contribute to a wide range of projects.
Typical work responsibilities include:
- Conducting economic and statistical analysis
- Supporting government budgeting and fiscal policy planning
- Strengthening national statistical systems
- Contributing to policy reports and briefing documents
- Assisting with development planning initiatives
- Evaluating economic programmes and public sector projects
Fellows often work directly with ministries such as:
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Planning
- Central Banks
- National Statistics Offices
- Economic Policy Units
This placement structure ensures that fellows gain practical experience in government operations while making meaningful contributions to development policy.
Fellowship Placement Locations
The ODI Fellowship Scheme partners with governments across several regions of the world. Placements depend on the needs of host governments and the expertise of selected fellows.
Fellows may be placed in countries across:
Africa
Many placements are located in African countries where fellows support ministries of finance, planning, and economic development.
Asia
Asian placements often focus on economic policy, infrastructure development, and financial management.
Caribbean
Fellows in Caribbean nations typically work on public finance management and economic resilience.
Pacific
Pacific placements may involve work on sustainable development, climate adaptation, and economic diversification.
Western Balkans
In this region, fellows often contribute to economic reform programmes and public sector development.
Each placement offers a unique experience and exposure to the policy challenges facing developing economies.
Eligibility Criteria
The ODI Fellowship Scheme is open to applicants from all nationalities. However, the programme is highly competitive and seeks candidates with strong academic and analytical backgrounds.
Academic Requirements
Applicants are generally required to have a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline such as:
- Economics
- Development Economics
- Econometrics
- Statistics
- Agricultural Economics
- Environmental Economics
- Public Policy with strong quantitative training
- Other closely related quantitative fields
The programme strongly emphasises quantitative analytical skills, which are essential for policy analysis and economic research.
Skills and Competencies Required
In addition to academic qualifications, successful candidates typically demonstrate the following skills:
Strong Analytical Ability
Applicants must be able to analyse economic data and interpret complex policy issues.
Quantitative Skills
Knowledge of statistical tools, econometric methods, and data analysis techniques is highly valuable.
Interest in Public Policy
Candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in working within government institutions and contributing to development policy.
Communication Skills
Fellows must be able to explain complex economic concepts clearly in written reports and policy briefs.
Adaptability
Working in different cultural and institutional environments requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
Language Skills
Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of French or other languages can be advantageous depending on placement locations.
Benefits of the ODI Fellowship Scheme
The ODI Fellowship Scheme provides a comprehensive package that enables fellows to focus fully on their professional development and contribution to government institutions.
Competitive Salary
Fellows receive an annual salary of approximately £32,000 to £34,000, depending on the placement and experience.
Housing Allowance
A housing allowance is provided to support accommodation costs in the host country.
Professional Experience
Fellows gain first-hand experience working within government ministries and policy institutions.
International Exposure
The programme provides exposure to international development challenges and policymaking environments.
Career Advancement Opportunities
The fellowship is widely recognised by international organisations and development institutions.
Career Opportunities After the Fellowship
Completing the ODI Fellowship Scheme can significantly enhance a professional’s career prospects.
Many alumni have gone on to work in leading global organisations, including:
- International financial institutions
- Multilateral development banks
- Government ministries
- Development research organisations
- International NGOs
- Policy think tanks
The experience gained during the fellowship often provides a strong foundation for careers in international development, economic policy, and public sector leadership.
Application Timeline
The ODI Fellowship Scheme typically opens applications once per year.
For example, the 2025–2027 fellowship cohort closed its application cycle on 31 March.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor upcoming application windows and prepare their materials well in advance, as the selection process is highly competitive.
Why the ODI Fellowship Scheme Is Highly Respected
Several factors make this programme one of the most prestigious development fellowships globally:
- Over 60 years of continuous impact
- Placement within government policymaking institutions
- Strong global alumni network
- Meaningful contribution to national development
- Highly competitive selection process
The programme offers a rare opportunity to work at the centre of economic policymaking in developing countries while building a global career in development.
Preparing a Strong Application
Given the competitiveness of the ODI Fellowship Scheme, applicants should take time to prepare a strong application.
Key preparation steps include:
- Highlighting strong academic achievements in economics or statistics
- Demonstrating interest in public policy and development
- Showcasing quantitative research experience
- Providing clear examples of analytical work
- Emphasising adaptability and international experience
A well-structured application significantly increases the chances of being shortlisted.
Final Thoughts
The ODI Fellowship Scheme remains one of the most influential international development programmes available to economists and statisticians. By placing skilled professionals within government institutions, the programme helps strengthen policymaking capacity while providing fellows with invaluable real-world experience.
For individuals passionate about development, economic policy, and global impact, the ODI Fellowship Scheme represents an exceptional opportunity to build expertise while contributing to national development priorities in emerging economies.
Need Help With Your Fellowship Application?
If you are planning to apply for this or other international fellowships and want to improve your chances of success, contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
Professional guidance can help you present your qualifications, experience, and motivation in the strongest possible way.
