About us

ODI is an independent, global think tank, working for a sustainable and peaceful world in which every person thrives. We harness the power of evidence and ideas through research and partnership to confront challenges, develop solutions and create change.

We offer competitive salaries, a generous company pension scheme, hybrid working and a range of flexible, family-friendly and inclusive employment policies to support well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

About the role

We are now recruiting for two new positions at the Principal Research Fellow and/or Senior Research Fellow level within ODI’s internationally recognised Climate and Sustainability Programme. The roles will specialise in just energy transitions and/or sustainable finance to help lead and coordinate our broad portfolio of work in this space.

ODI’s Principal and Senior Research Fellows are widely recognized as world-class experts or authorities in their own field. They lead substantial bodies of work on one or more specific topics, typically combining research, advisory work and public affairs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Designing, fundraising for, conducting and managing high-quality, innovative projects, drawing on expertise across the institute;
Providing technical assistance and policy advice to senior decision-makers;
Participating in public affairs and representing the institute on major research and policy agendas, in line with the Institute’s overall strategy (which includes a dedicated pillar on tackling the climate, environment and biodiversity crisis).

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential

Knowledge and Qualifications

Internationally recognised expert in their chosen field.
A post-graduate degree in relevant discipline, preferably a PhD.
Extensive and deep knowledge of key issues and organisations in relevant field.

Experience

Extensive experience in policy-oriented research and/or direct policy formulation at a senior level, demonstrated by a track record of influential publications and/or delivery of major policy initiatives.
Experience of leadership and management at senior level, in an academic or policy environment.
Strong track record of engagement in major global policy processes (such as United Nations, multilateral development banks or G7/G20 initiatives) and/or with politicians and top-level officials in economies at diverse levels of income.

Skills/Abilities

Excellent research and analytical skills
Capacity to write clearly and persuasively, and first-class verbal communication skills.
A demonstrated capacity for policy advisory and or public affairs work, based on a rigorous approach, and an innovative and creative communications ability.
Ability to translate research and policy ideas into compelling and fundable projects and initiatives.
Skills in negotiation, listening, communication of ideas, problem solving, decision making.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, providing both leadership and mentoring for less senior staff.
Proven organisational and time management skills, including managing a complex and varied workload.
Proven ability to fundraise and build up a coherent portfolio of research and advisory work.

Closing date: 28th March 2024

ODI 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.

ODI jobs

Principal Research Fellow