ODI Fellowship Scheme 2026–2028: Fully Funded Global Development Fellowship for Young Economists and Policy Professionals
The ODI Fellowship Scheme 2026–2028 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for young development professionals to gain hands-on experience working within government institutions around the world. Established in 1963, the ODI Fellowship Scheme has become one of the most respected global development programs, placing highly skilled early-career professionals into public sector institutions where they contribute to policy development, economic planning, and institutional strengthening.
Hosted by ODI Global, the program has embedded more than 1,300 Fellows across government agencies in dozens of countries, ranging from Colombia to the Solomon Islands, and from Uganda to Uzbekistan. The scheme provides young professionals with the opportunity to apply their technical expertise to real-world development challenges while supporting governments in strengthening policy systems, analytical capacity, and institutional effectiveness.
Applications are now open for the 2026–2028 cohort, with a deadline of 31 March 2026.
About the ODI Fellowship Scheme
The ODI Fellowship Scheme is a prestigious international development program designed to place early-career economists and statisticians into government institutions across developing and emerging economies. Fellows typically work within ministries of finance, central banks, planning commissions, statistical offices, and other key government agencies.
The fellowship serves as a bridge between academic training and practical policymaking by embedding young professionals directly into institutions responsible for shaping national development strategies. Over the two-year placement period, Fellows provide technical assistance, analytical support, and policy insights that help governments tackle critical development challenges.
Since its launch in 1963, the program has grown into a global network of development professionals, many of whom have gone on to influential careers in development finance institutions, multilateral organizations, international NGOs, the private sector, and government leadership positions.
Why the ODI Fellowship Scheme Matters
The ODI Fellowship Scheme is often described as a “win-win” model of international cooperation. Governments benefit from highly skilled professionals who bring new expertise, fresh perspectives, and technical capabilities that may be difficult to source locally. At the same time, Fellows gain invaluable experience working in government environments where policy decisions have real and lasting impacts.
Through this mutually beneficial arrangement, Fellows help fill critical human resource gaps in partner institutions while simultaneously strengthening institutional capacity through knowledge transfer and training.
Fellows often conduct training workshops, mentor colleagues, develop analytical frameworks, and introduce new tools for data analysis and policy evaluation. These contributions can have lasting effects on institutional performance and policy outcomes long after the fellowship concludes.
What ODI Fellows Do
ODI Fellows play a wide variety of roles depending on the needs of their host institutions. Their work typically focuses on strengthening government capacity in areas such as economic policy, public finance, statistical analysis, and development planning.
Typical responsibilities of Fellows may include:
Policy research and analysis to inform government strategies and reforms
Developing macroeconomic models and forecasts
Supporting national budget planning and fiscal policy development
Designing statistical tools and improving data systems
Strengthening project management and institutional coordination
Drafting legislation, regulations, and policy briefs
Conducting economic assessments and sectoral studies
Delivering training workshops and technical mentoring for government staff
Facilitating partnerships between governments, donors, investors, and research institutions
Through these activities, Fellows contribute to evidence-based policymaking and improved governance structures.
Professional Growth and Career Opportunities
One of the most valuable aspects of the ODI Fellowship Scheme is the professional development it provides participants. Fellows gain firsthand exposure to public sector decision-making processes, international development challenges, and policy implementation realities.
Living and working in a country different from their own also helps Fellows develop cross-cultural communication skills, global perspectives, and adaptability—qualities that are highly valued across international development careers.
Many alumni of the ODI Fellowship Scheme have gone on to work in leading global organizations, including development banks, international financial institutions, government ministries, investment advisory firms, and international NGOs.
The experience also strengthens Fellows’ expertise in applied economics, statistics, and public policy, enabling them to pursue advanced leadership roles in development.
Real-World Impact: Examples from Previous Fellows
The work undertaken by ODI Fellows has produced tangible results across many countries.
For example, one Fellow placed at the Rwanda Development Board worked on tourism sector regulation, developed data systems for monitoring the industry, and helped draft amendments to Rwanda’s Tourism Law.
Another Fellow working with the Ministry of Finance in Tonga developed the country’s first Public-Private Partnership policy guidelines and strengthened macroeconomic modeling for fiscal planning.
In Sierra Leone, a Fellow supported the Freetown City Council by helping design the city’s four-year development strategy, contributing to Africa’s first Heat Action Plan, and advancing climate finance initiatives.
In the Solomon Islands, a Fellow working within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock supported donor-funded project cycles, policy reviews, multisectoral coordination, and project management.
These examples illustrate the breadth and significance of the work undertaken by Fellows across diverse development contexts.
Host Institution Perspectives
Government institutions hosting ODI Fellows consistently report significant improvements in their technical capacity, analytical capability, and policy development processes.
Institutions such as planning commissions, ministries of trade, statistical departments, and revenue authorities highlight the role Fellows play in strengthening staff skills, improving data analysis, and supporting strategic decision-making.
Fellows frequently lead internal training sessions, develop analytical tools, and mentor local staff, creating long-term benefits that extend beyond the duration of the fellowship.
Funding and Institutional Support
The ODI Fellowship Scheme is supported by a diverse group of international partners and development institutions.
Current supporters include:
United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF)
EdTech Hub
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
Global Fund
Government of Timor Leste
World Health Organization (WHO)
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Government of Kosovo
Previous supporters have included organizations such as the Gates Foundation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
This broad support reflects the international recognition of the fellowship’s impact in strengthening government institutions and promoting sustainable development.
Diversity and Inclusion
The ODI Fellowship Scheme encourages applications from individuals of all nationalities and backgrounds. The program strongly supports diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from a wide range of professional, cultural, and academic backgrounds.
The program also actively encourages applications from LGBTQ+ candidates and individuals with disabilities.
This diversity enriches the fellowship experience and strengthens the global network of development professionals connected to the program.
Information Sessions for Applicants
To help prospective applicants better understand the program and application process, ODI Global will host two informational webinars:
These sessions will provide detailed insights into the fellowship structure, placement process, and application requirements.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the ODI Fellowship Scheme 2026–2028 is 31 March 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to review the program details carefully and prepare their application materials well before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official ODI Fellowship Scheme website.
Application Link
https://odi.org/en/about/our-work/the-odi-fellowship-scheme/
Applicants are also encouraged to review the Official Fellowship Brochure for detailed information about placement structures, responsibilities, and program expectations.
Final Thoughts
For more than six decades, the ODI Fellowship Scheme has played a vital role in strengthening public sector institutions and developing the next generation of global development leaders.
By embedding talented economists and statisticians within government institutions, the program not only supports evidence-based policymaking but also fosters long-term partnerships and mutual learning between professionals and governments worldwide.
For young professionals interested in international development, economic policy, and public sector transformation, the ODI Fellowship Scheme offers an unparalleled opportunity to make meaningful contributions while building a powerful global career.
Learn more about the ODI Fellowship Scheme HERE.
Discover more global fellowship opportunities HERE.
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