Application Deadline: 12 October 2026

Department: Humanitarian and Resilience

Location: London, UK

Compensation: £58,300 - £75,260 / year

Description

Profile
Senior Research Fellows are specialists with a substantial record of research and policy development, advisory work and public affairs. Senior Research Fellows are expected to contribute to policy research across a range of topics and to be viewed as an authority in their own field. They will attract, develop and lead new areas of research and understand a significant level of public and policy engagement. This role is with the Humanitarian and Resilience Department (Humanitarian Policy Group).

Purpose of Job
To set, lead, fundraise for and deliver influential, high-quality and innovative research, policy engagement and public affairs work on protection, principles and politics within and beyond the humanitarian sector.

To undertake senior-level representation on major research and policy agendas, including with senior officials and policymakers and by engaging proactively in strategic communications activities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Advisory Support
• Lead and establish a coherent body of research and/or advisory work to extend thought leadership within area of responsibility that advances HPG’s objectives and strengthens its reputation, including through identifying new research agendas, designing research plans / frameworks, implementing own programme of research, policy advice and public affairs.
• Develop and build an appropriate network of internal and external partners, including from crisis affected contexts, to design and undertake research, applying appropriate research methodologies.
• Author high-quality peer reviewed reports, policy briefs, opinion pieces and other publications ensuring these are robust, policy-relevant and accessible to the target audiences.
• Monitor and analyse developments in the external environment relevant to area of responsibility.
• Assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of research, and develop ideas for the application of research outcomes.
• Undertake international for purposes related to research and policy engagement.

Policy Advice, Public Affairs, and Dissemination
• Undertake an active programme of policy engagement and public affairs work to ensure research has a high level of impact on humanitarian policy, practice and debates
• Design, in collaboration with Policy and Communications Managers, innovative and effective plans to support research uptake.
• Actively disseminate research findings and undertake policy engagement through advisory work, convening and engaging in public events, media work and social media engagement.
• Provide senior level representation in major research and policy agendas to position ODI Global as an intellectual leader and influential actor.
• Draw upon and strengthen relevant networks within international, regional and national networks of humanitarian, protection and other relevant actors and support the strengthening of HPG’s reach and influence.

Fundraising
• Secure external funding to contribute to HPG’s strategic agenda through a portfolio of research, policy engagement and advisory work within area of responsibility, and ensure our financial sustainability.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with relevant donors, coordinating closely with other colleagues.

Project and People Management
• Oversee and take responsibility for project management, including overseeing spending, subgrants and contracts, consultants and the inputs of other project partners to ensure delivery to schedule, within budget and to a high standards within area of responsibility.
• Liaise with and report to project funders.
• Undertake management and oversight of the work of staff working on own body of research and advisory work, including researchers and associates, in line with ODI Global’s management expectations.

Line management
• Recruit, induct, develop, and support directly managed staff in accordance with ODI Global’s management expectation framework.
• Review resource needs and implement strategies to meet changing workloads of direct line reports.
• Conduct appraisals, set appropriate objectives and team/institutional priorities, monitor and manage performance against these.

Collegiate life
• Contribute to the Institute’s collegiate life through:
• ODI Global activities such as discussion groups, public meetings, staff meetings, working groups, interviews, external representation
• Peer review and guidance to colleagues research and/or other outputs
• Provide intellectual mentoring for less experienced research staff working on related projects and support them as they begin to lead projects of their own.
• Actively seek out, create and promote opportunities for cross-ODI Global working.

All staff are expected to:
• Positively support equality of opportunity both within ODI Global and externally
• Help maintain a safe working environment and take responsibility for own and colleagues’ Health and Safety
• Undertake such other duties within the scope of their post as may be requested by their Manager

Key Relationships and Contacts
Internal: Director of ODI Global, Director of Programmes, HPG staff, Communications and Programme Management colleagues. Research and support services colleagues across ODI Global as appropriate

External: Major donors, bi-laterals and multilateral organisations, including WFP, UNHCR, OCHA, UNICEF, other UN agencies, the World Bank, EU, DAC, bi-lateral organisations, country governments of crisis affected contexts, international and national NGOs. Academic institutions and individuals. Media as appropriate.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

Knowledge and Qualifications
• Recognised expert in protection policy with extensive knowledge of issues related to conflict, civilian protection, human rights and the politics of humanitarian action, and relevant intersecting areas
• a post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline;
• Extensive and deep knowledge of key protection issues, organisations and fora
• Fluency in English, and preferably a good command of at least one other language.

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 relevant to protection and rights.
• Experience of leadership and management at senior level, in a policy or practitioner environment.
• Extensive experience of working in international or national humanitarian and/or protection organisations
• Strong track record of engagement in major global policy processes and/or with senior officials.
• Extensive experience of public affairs work, including representation, media engagement and communicating policy-relevant research findings.
• Experience of designing complex research projects, including applying different research methodologies.

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.

Desirable
• Extensive experience working in conflict or protracted crisis contexts;
• Experience of knowledge of a specific geographical location

Why should you work for us?

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.

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Senior Research Fellow