Overview
Principal Research Fellow / Head - Centre for Private Finance in Development
Location: London, UK
Department: Development and Public Finance
Compensation: £71,020 / year
Application Deadline: 19 November 2025
Responsibilities
- Research, Advisory Work and Fundraising: Undertake research and advisory work, assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes, develop ideas for applying research results; secure external funding to build a portfolio of research, policy engagement and advisory work; undertake international travel for research and policy engagement; monitor and analyse developments in external policy and academic environments; contribute to annual plans and long-term strategy; engage with the Centre’s Advisory Board; develop concepts and proposals for new research projects, policy engagement and advisory work.
- Project and People Management: Take responsibility for project and staff management, oversee budgets, consultants and inputs of project partners; liaise with and report to project funders; manage work of staff on own projects and other team members (RFs, ROs and Associates); oversee work programmes of RFs and ROs as assigned.
- Policy Advice, Public Affairs and Dissemination: Author peer-reviewed reports and policy briefs; carry out public affairs work to inform policy; provide senior-level representation and external engagement; disseminate project results through conferences, media, and other channels; sit on advisory committees; build and curate external networks to expand ODI Global’s reach.
- Collegiate Life: Contribute to ODI Global’s life through publications, discussions, staff meetings, mentoring, and cross-ODI collaboration opportunities.
What we are looking for
Person Specification
- Substantial track record of team building and leadership, research and thought leadership, influential policy initiatives and engagement, contributing to ODI Global’s national and international profile.
- Recognised leadership or authority in their field evidenced by publications and achievements in policy and influence.
- Significant innovations in policy or practice and substantial fundraising ability to lead large and complex projects.
- Contribution to ODI Global’s collegiate life by facilitating cross-ODI collaboration.
Essential
- Internationally recognised expert in their field.
- Post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline, preferably a PhD.
- Extensive knowledge of key issues and organisations in the field.
- Experience in policy-oriented research and/or direct policy formulation at a senior level with influential publications or policy initiatives.
- Leadership and management experience at a senior level in academic or policy settings.
- Experience with global policy processes and engagement with top-level officials in EMDEs.
- Excellent research, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills; strong policy advisory and public affairs capabilities; ability to develop fundable projects.
- Ability to work in a team, provide leadership and mentoring; strong organizational and time-management skills; track record in fundraising.
Desirable
- Fluency in a second language; experience in international organisations and EMDEs; regular contributions to academic journals and editorial work; active professional networks.
Key Relationships and Contacts
Internal: Chief Executive, Managing Director, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Directors of Programme, Principal, Senior and Research Fellows and Officers, Research Associates.
External: EMDE governments and organisations, bilateral development finance institutions and multilateral banks, donors and philanthropies including FCDO and Gates Foundation; World Bank/IMF; UN agencies; EU; academic institutions; media.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary is £71,020. Additional adjustments may be considered for exceptional candidates.
Benefits include annual leave, flexible working, remote options, study leave, pension schemes, relocation assistance, Cycle to Work, union membership, and wellbeing programs. For the full listing, please visit our Careers page.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
- Industries: Think Tanks
