Research Fellow-Equity and Social Policy at Overseas Development Institute

Research Fellow, Education – Equity and Social Policy

Contract: Fixed-term 2 years

Salary: £41,574 – £51,466 per annum

Location: London

Ref: ESP0221

An independent, global think tank, working for a sustainable

and peaceful world in which every person thrives.

About ODI

ODI (odi.org) is an independent, global think tank. We work to inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. Through research, convening and influencing, we generate ideas that matter for people and planet.

We are seeking a Research Fellow to take leadership on key projects within our education portfolio, undertaking innovative research and analysis and influencing policy.

About the Equity and Social Policy Programme

The Equity and Social Policy Programme (ESP) provides leading research, analysis and informed policy debate on poverty, inequality and the role of social policy in international development. It delivers influential high quality policy analysis on issues of poverty and inequality, social protection, education and health and work and inclusive growth.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team to play a lead role in relation to a range of issues, such as technology for education, conflict and crisis, equity and gender issues, and urban settlements.

We are looking for a researcher to lead on and deliver outstanding research within our portfolio on education. Work will initially be focused on technology for education and will involve primary research on select questions in relation to the use of EdTech in one or more of our focus countries. In addition, other research areas may include education in conflict and crisis, urban areas and informal settlements, or transitions to livelihoods. The post holder will potentially have the opportunity to develop their own research interests within the team’s broad areas of focus, including designing research projects, obtaining funding and managing resources for delivery.

The role will play a role in overseeing and contributing to large-scale mixed methods research and evaluation as well as to innovate methodologies. You will work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary group of internationally recognised researchers, contributing to supporting the broad research needs, from literature reviews, mixed methods design, analysis of secondary and primary data, preparation of presentations, drafting of blog posts, policy briefs and academic papers.

Our work ranges from providing policy support and advice to governments, to engaging in public affairs and policy debates, to long-term empirical research programmes. Recent programme highlights include:

· EdTech Hub, including work on Covid-19

· Pathways toward primary education completion

· Coordinating response to education crises

· Secondary education in Africa and the future of work

· Reimagining girls education

About you

You should have an ability to think critically, write clearly and communicate convincingly. Research Fellow positions require demonstrated experience in policy-relevant research and analysis.

• a degree and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline;
• extensive knowledge of education on different communities, as well as deep understanding of current education-related research and current policy agendas.
• experience in policy-oriented research, demonstrated by a track record of publications and reports;
• fluency in English, and preferably a good command of at least one other language;
• strong analytical skills, a capacity to write clearly, and excellent organisational and oral communication skills;
• a demonstrated capacity for policy advisory or public-affairs work, based on an analytical approach, and an innovative and creative communications ability;
• demonstrated interest and ability to adapt, develop and apply experience and knowledge to new research and policy agendas within the displacement field
• ability to work in partnership – including at a distance – and to work as part of a team.

Closing date: 12^th September 2021

Interview date: w/c 20^th September 2021