Research Fellow (Taxation)

About ODI Global

ODI is a leading global affairs think tank. We inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. We focus on research, convening and influencing to generate ideas that matter for people and planet.

About the Role

The purpose of this job is to:

• Develop, fundraise for, conduct and manage high-quality and innovative research, policy advice and public affairs programmes, broadly within the Institute’s overall strategy and with the aim of inspiring and informing policy.
• Lead policy research and advisory projects, generally cross-country and cross-institutional; engage with policymakers in research and advisory processes; and disseminate results.
• Further develop ODI’s growing body of work to support effective fiscal policy, looking at the role of tax and social transfer systems and tax policymaking in supporting inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
• Work closely with teams who are providing direct support to partner governments around the world as part of the UK Government-funded Centre for Tax Analysis in Developing Countries (TaxDev) programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Funding

• Develop research proposals, expressions of interest and full project proposals.
• Seek external funding for research proposals to sustain the RF’s own professional activities, contribute to the Institute's costs and meet individual and collective financial targets.
• Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding and inform policy.
• Assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of research and develop ideas for the application of research outcomes.
• Monitor and analyse developments in the external environment.
• Contribute to the development and management of the annual plans and medium- and long-term strategies of relevant research groups and programmes.
• Undertake frequent travel overseas for research-related purposes.

Project Management

• Take responsibility for the implementation and administrative and financial management of research, advisory and public affairs projects.
• Liaise with and report to donors, manage budgets and consultants and the inputs of other project partners.
• Manage the work of staff working on the RF’s own projects and other project team members, including ROs and associates as appropriate.
• Undertake general oversight of the work programme of particular ROs as assigned by the Director of Programmes.

Policy Advice, Public Affairs, and Dissemination

• Author research reports, policy briefs and other documents for publication.
• Carry out public affairs work, representing ideas, knowledge and institutional concerns with the aim of informing policy.
• Disseminate the results of research through peer-reviewed channels, the media, lunchtime meetings, conferences, etc.
• Respond to ad hoc media requests in your area of specialisation.
• Sit on advisory committees for other research and advisory work, within and outside ODI.
• Use and build relevant networks.

Line Management

• Recruit, induct, develop, and support directly managed staff.
• Review resource needs and implement strategies to meet changing workloads of direct line reports.
• Conduct appraisals, set appropriate objectives and team/institutional priorities, and monitor and manage performance against these.

Collegiate Life

Contribute to the Institute’s collegiate life through:

• Such ODI Global series as the Working Papers, Research Studies, Briefing Papers, and journals;
• Such ODI Global activities as discussion groups, lunchtime meetings, staff meetings, working groups, interviews, and external representation;
• Peer reviews and guidance to colleagues and/or other Group outputs; and
• Providing intellectual mentoring for less experienced research staff and supporting them as they begin to lead projects of their own.

Person Specification

Essential

Posts representing the initial appointment as Research Fellow require substantial research or equivalent experience, a record of publication and public affairs, and clear evidence of successful development, management and funding of a number of projects brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Knowledge and Qualifications

• A strong postgraduate qualification in economics.
• Extensive and deep knowledge of tax systems, especially tax policy and its role in supporting economic and social development.
• Fluency in English and, preferably, a good command of at least one other language.

Experience

Experience in policy-oriented research related to taxation, demonstrated by a track record of publications and reports, ideally in one or more of the following areas:

• Domestic revenue mobilisation and economic growth and resilience in lower-income country contexts;
• The role of tax and transfers in addressing income inequality, including gender inequality;
• Environmental taxation and the role of fiscal policy in tackling climate change, supporting just energy transitions and green growth;
• Experience working directly with policymakers on taxation; and
• Extensive developing country experience.

Skills/Abilities

• 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.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to translate research ideas into fundable projects.
• Excellent communication abilities in relation to a wide variety of audiences.
• Skills in negotiation, listening, communication of ideas, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Time management skills, including managing a complex and varied workload.

Why Work for Us?

ODI 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 Programme, 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, 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.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 8 January 2025.