Senior Research Fellow

Final date to receive applications: 12 October 2026

Department:
Humanitarian and Resilience

Employment Type:

Permanent - Full Time

Location:

London, UK

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

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.

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.
• Under…