Principal Research Fellow / Head - Centre for Private Finance in Development

Principal Research Fellows are accomplished experts with extensive experience in an academic and/or policy environment. As a world-class expert and authority in a research and policy field, a Principal Research Fellow will have identified, developed and delivered innovative areas of research and policy advice. They will have contributed to intellectual output and development through leadership of major initiatives and priorities. They will also have a substantial track record of team building and leadership, research and thought leadership, and influential policy engagement and initiatives. Their work will have made a significant and distinctive contribution to development and have an international profile and reputation.

Purpose of Job

In April 2025, ODI Global launched within its Development and Public Finance Programme a Centre for Private Development Finance in Development (‘CPFD’) with the view to offering funders and stakeholders a focal point for all the future work undertaken by ODI Global on private capital mobilisation and private sector financing in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).  

The purpose of the PRF/Head will be to head the Centre, providing leadership, strategic directions, people management and fund-raising efforts to the Centre with the view of establishing the Centre’s reputation across ODI Global’s relevant partners and funders, expanding its activities in the medium term and becoming operational across ODI Global and its affiliated entities (i.e. ODI Europe and ODI Global Advisory). This is a unique opportunity to join a first class think tank with unique access and convening power to top level networks (G20 Presidencies; G7 Presidencies; Development Financial Institutions’ and Multilateral Development Banks’ management and major shareholders; Institutional and Impact Investors organisations, etc), and engage in the crucial debate on how to mobilise private capital towards Sustainable Development Goals and Climate crisis response. The cuts in Official Development Assistance have made the engagement of the private sector towards EMDEs all the more important and the Centre is expected to shape and influence the debate.  

The PRF/Head is expected to: 

• develop, fundraise for, conduct and manage high-quality and innovative research programmes/projects 
• provide policy advice to senior officials at national/multilateral level, 
• manage junior staff, ensuring their engagement and development as well as creating a cohesive and motivating atmosphere, and 
• participate in public affairs initiatives, within the Institute’s overall strategy and with the aim of inspiring and influencing policy and practice.  

The PRF is also expected to engage cross-ODI Global as well as to provide senior-level representation and external engagement on major research and policy agendas, interacting with senior officials and policymakers. 

Beyond applicants from think tanks and research organisations, the role would also be well suited for a mid-career academic with outstanding track-record in policy-oriented research in the field and very strong inter-personal and leadership skills; or a late-career professional from the private sector passionate about evidence-based policy advice and  displaying a vision for a major shift in the private sector engagement in EMDEs.   

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 national governments and local and regional organisations, bilateral development financial institutions (e.g. BII) and multilateral development banks (EBRD, AfDB), donors and philanthropies including FCDO, the Gates Foundation, the World Bank/IMF, UN agencies, EU, and international and national NGOs; academic institutions and individuals, media, as appropriate.  

Compensation: The base salary is £71,020, we may offer more for exceptional candidates .

ODI Global 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.

Benefits
We prioritise the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, including public holidays and additional time off during Christmas and New Year. We also recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and study leave to support your professional development.

Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond annual leave. We provide comprehensive benefits such as maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, competitive pension schemes and interest-free travel loans. We offer sick pay, an Employee Assistance Program, and staff events and social activities to ensure your physical and mental health.

For those relocating to the UK, we provide relocation assistance to help you settle in. We also promote sustainable commuting with our Cycle to Work scheme and offer union membership to protect your rights and advocate for your interests.

At ODI Global, we believe that a supportive and rewarding work environment is essential for success. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to your well-being and professional growth.

For a full listing of benefits, please visit our Careers page.