Research Officer – Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)

Reporting to the Director, Dr Sabina Alkire, the post holder will form a key part of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) team, working on the implementation of multidimensional measures proposed by OPHI. This team supports implementation in external institutions such as governments, international agencies and think tanks.

The Research Officer will respond to the demand for OPHI support in estimating multidimensional poverty indices, and their use as policy tools. The post holder will be in charge of providing technical support to institutions and governments by organizing online and onsite training and by accompanying partners in the design, validation, or updating of national multidimensional measures. The support includes questionnaire design, measurement design and interpretation, robustness analysis, capacity building, and report writing. As part of this branch of work, the Research Officer will need to be politically informed and strategic with an outlook to engaging policy making processes and policy makers.

The Research Officer will also have the opportunity to contribute to OPHI’s research by collaboratively writing publishable academic papers on key methodological and/or empirical issues in multidimensional poverty measurement and analysis, by conducting the calculation and analysis of implemented multidimensional poverty indices, and by participating in OPHI activities such as research workshops, presentations, seminars, and collaborative work.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD/DPhil in economics, social policy or another quantitative social science, or equivalent work experience in related fields, with a strong quantitative background. They will also have excellent communication skills (both orally and in writing), including the ability to write academic articles, analytical reports, and policy briefs, and present findings to a range of audience (including to non-experts), and represent the group at high level meetings or with media. Excellent inter-personal skills, including an ability to relate across cultures, time zones and disciplines; appropriate discretion; and the ability to engage in strategic policy activities are essential for this role

This post is full time and fixed-term (one year in the first instance), to start as soon as possible.

At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 12 midday on Thursday 15 February 2024 can be considered.