The ODI Fellowship Scheme has been sending young postgraduate economists (and, as of 2014, statisticians) to work in the public sectors of developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific on two-year contracts since 1963. Providing an excellent opportunity to develop skills and gain experience working within a developing country's government, the application process for the 2019-2021 Fellowship Scheme is now open. Students are advised to apply before 2 December 2018 for a chance to be part of the ODI Fellowship Scheme. The Scheme is open to candidates of all nationalities.

Essential criteria:

  • degree in economics, statistics or a related field
  • postgraduate degree qualification*
  • ability to commit to a two-year assignment

* For those studying for a postgraduate degree at the time of application, the award of a Fellowship will be conditional upon the successful completion of their degree.

Salary is c. £21,000 p.a. (£23,000 in the second year) plus an accommodation allowance. Start date is September/October 2019.

As well as the usual candidates, this year we are looking for health economists or economists interested in health for Fellowships sponsored by the UK’s Fleming Fund. These Fellowships aim to help key partner countries initiate work on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR). The Fleming Fund will be active in over 30 countries and responds to key recommendations in the UK report “Tackling Drug Resistant Infections Globally: The Review on Anti-Microbial Resistance, Chaired by Jim O’Neill” in May 2016 (https://amr-review.org/). We encourage applicants who already have a degree of professional experience and also applicants from developing countries.

This year we are also looking for economists and money market experts who have particular experience or interest in financial sector development for Fellowships sponsored by Frontclear. These Fellows will be based in key institutions in emerging markets and developing countries including central banks and regulatory agencies and in particular in departments that have impact on or bear responsibility for the development of money and interbank markets. We encourage applicants who already have a degree of professional experience.

Application is via the online application form.

To read some first-hand experiences of recent Fellows, please see the Alumni page.

Our latest booklet is available to view or download.