The University of Oxford has opened applications for an exciting Research Officer position within the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID). This prestigious opportunity offers experienced researchers the chance to contribute to global poverty reduction by working with the internationally recognized Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).

The successful candidate will work alongside renowned poverty researcher Dr. Sabina Alkire, Director of OPHI, supporting governments, international organizations, and policy institutions in implementing multidimensional poverty measurement systems that influence development policy across the world.

This role is ideal for candidates with strong quantitative research expertise, experience in economics or social policy, and a passion for using evidence-based research to improve the lives of people globally.

Application Deadline: 12:00 Midday (UK Time), Friday, 14 August 2026

About the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities, consistently ranked among the top higher education institutions globally. Its research influences policy, innovation, and academic advancement across numerous disciplines.

Within Oxford, the Department of International Development (ODID) is internationally recognized for producing world-class research that addresses poverty, inequality, humanitarian crises, governance, migration, education, health, and sustainable development.

One of ODID’s flagship research initiatives is the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), whose work has transformed how governments measure and understand poverty worldwide.

About the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)

The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) is a globally respected research center dedicated to improving the measurement of poverty beyond income alone.

Rather than focusing only on financial resources, OPHI develops Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPI) that evaluate deprivation across several aspects of life, including:

• Education
• Health
• Housing
• Living standards
• Nutrition
• Employment
• Access to essential services

Governments, UN agencies, development banks, and policy organizations rely on OPHI’s methodologies to design more effective poverty reduction strategies.

As a Research Officer, you will directly contribute to these globally influential initiatives.

About the Research Officer Position

The Research Officer will become an important member of OPHI’s multidisciplinary research team.

Reporting directly to Dr. Sabina Alkire, the successful candidate will help governments and international institutions implement multidimensional poverty measures and use them to guide evidence-based policymaking.

The position combines:

• Academic research
• International collaboration
• Government advisory work
• Statistical analysis
• Capacity building
• Policy implementation
• International travel

It offers a rare opportunity to bridge academic excellence with practical development impact.

Key Responsibilities

Successful applicants will undertake a wide range of technical and research responsibilities.

1. Support Governments and Institutions

The Research Officer will assist governments and partner organizations in implementing multidimensional poverty measurement systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing national multidimensional poverty measures
• Updating existing multidimensional poverty indices
• Validating national poverty methodologies
• Advising policymakers
• Supporting implementation strategies

2. Deliver Technical Assistance

The successful candidate will provide expert technical support to governments, think tanks, and international organizations by:

• Conducting online training sessions
• Organizing in-person workshops
• Delivering technical presentations
• Guiding institutional partners throughout implementation processes

3. Conduct High-Level Research

The Research Officer will actively contribute to OPHI’s academic research by:

• Writing publishable academic papers
• Conducting quantitative analysis
• Developing new methodologies
• Investigating multidimensional poverty trends
• Producing research outputs for international audiences

4. Calculate and Analyze Poverty Indices

The role includes extensive statistical analysis using multidimensional poverty data.

The successful candidate will:

• Estimate multidimensional poverty indices
• Analyze large datasets
• Interpret research findings
• Produce policy-relevant evidence

5. Participate in Academic Activities

Research Officers will become active participants in OPHI’s academic community through:

• Research workshops
• Academic seminars
• Conferences
• Collaborative research projects
• Professional presentations

Contract Duration

The appointment is initially offered for:

• One-year contract

The role is expected to begin:

• As soon as possible

International Travel

This position includes significant international engagement.

Successful applicants should be prepared to travel overseas for up to:

• 90 days per year

Travel will support:

• Government partnerships
• Capacity-building workshops
• International collaborations
• Technical assistance missions

Travel remains subject to any applicable travel restrictions.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• PhD/DPhil in Economics
• PhD/DPhil in Social Policy
• PhD/DPhil in another quantitative social science
• Equivalent professional experience in a related field

Candidates should also demonstrate a strong quantitative background.

Essential Technical Skills

Applicants must possess excellent technical competencies, including:

Statistical Programming

Excellent knowledge of:

• STATA (essential)

Computer Skills

Strong proficiency in:

• Microsoft Office
• Data analysis
• Statistical computing

Research Skills

Candidates should have experience with:

• Quantitative research
• Policy analysis
• Statistical modelling
• Data interpretation
• Academic writing

Essential Personal Skills

The University of Oxford is seeking candidates who demonstrate:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Cross-cultural communication abilities
• Strategic policy engagement
• Professional discretion
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines
• Ability to work across different time zones
• Strong organizational skills
• Professional communication

Working Environment at ODID

The Oxford Department of International Development places significant emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.

ODID welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and actively promotes:

• Equality
• Diversity
• Inclusion
• Respect
• Cultural understanding

The department recognizes the impact of social inequalities and continues to implement organizational improvements that foster fairness and equal opportunity.

Equality and Diversity Commitment

Oxford University emphasizes that all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

The department:

• Holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award
• Promotes organizational equality
• Encourages diversity
• Works to reduce bias and discrimination
• Supports inclusive research and teaching environments

This commitment reflects Oxford’s broader mission of strengthening global development research through diverse perspectives.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online.

Applicants will need to upload:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Supporting Statement

Only these two documents will be considered during the shortlisting process.

Any additional uploaded documents will not be reviewed.

APPLY HERE

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To maximize your chances of success:

• Highlight your quantitative research experience.
• Demonstrate expertise in STATA programming.
• Showcase experience working with governments, international organizations, or policy institutions where applicable.
• Include publications, research projects, and statistical analysis experience.
• Emphasize cross-cultural collaboration and international engagement.
• Tailor your supporting statement to explain how your experience aligns with OPHI’s mission of multidimensional poverty measurement.

Why This Opportunity Is Exceptional

Working with OPHI provides researchers with the opportunity to influence global development policy at the highest level.

Benefits include:

• Working at the University of Oxford
• Collaborating with internationally recognized researchers
• Contributing to globally influential poverty measurement methodologies
• Publishing high-impact academic research
• Supporting governments around the world
• Participating in international workshops and collaborations
• Building a strong international research network

For professionals interested in development economics, poverty research, public policy, and quantitative social science, this role represents an outstanding career opportunity.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Oxford University Research Officer Job 2026.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted before 12:00 Midday (UK Time) on Friday, 14 August 2026.

Late applications will not be considered.

Interested applicants should prepare their CV and supporting statement well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Conclusion

The University of Oxford’s Research Officer position within the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced quantitative researchers to contribute directly to international development policy and poverty reduction efforts worldwide. By combining rigorous academic research with real-world policy implementation, the successful candidate will help governments and institutions develop multidimensional poverty measures that improve decision-making and enhance people’s lives. With opportunities for international collaboration, research publication, technical training, and policy engagement, this role is an ideal next step for researchers seeking to make a meaningful global impact. Applicants who meet the qualifications are encouraged to submit their applications before the 14 August 2026 deadline.