Director, Power and Rights Group

Group Directors are expert researchers who are also highly skilled in strategic leadership and management. Within ODI Global, they are part of the Leadership Team, the most senior staff in their area of responsibility, responsible for the work of highly qualified and experienced professionals and for the successful delivery of a multi-million-pound programme involving multiple projects in an international context. In addition, Group Directors work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and cooperate with other Group Directors to develop, fund, deliver and evaluate the services provided by ODI Global. In this role, you will influence and shape resources (intellectual, financial, staffing, physical, and technical) to meet the current and future needs of the organisation. Together and in close collaboration with other members of the Leadership Team, you will have a significant impact on the direction, strategy, objectives and results of ODI Global.

Two of ODI Global's four strategic priorities are primarily housed in the Power and Rights Group:

• Priority 1: shaping transitions in global governance, multilateral reform, geopolitical competition and democratic norms
• Priority 2: advancing rights, norms and inclusive societies, including gender equality, social inclusion and civil and political rights

These priorities are the analytical and normative foundations on which this group is built. At a moment when democratic norms are under strain, civic space is shrinking, and the architecture of the multilateral system is being contested and reshaped, this group sits at the intersection of power, accountability and the pursuit of a more just global order. It brings together ODI Global's work on political governance, institutional reform, the politics of change, social protection, and the governance of digital and AI systems from a rights perspective, areas where ODI Global has built recognised expertise.

Purpose of the job

As the Director, you will:

• Develop and communicate a clear strategic vision of what is to be achieved overall in your area of responsibility in alignment with the ODI Global strategy.
• Seek out and fundraise for new business opportunities and initiatives that will promote the reputation and success of ODI Global as a think tank and as a business.
• Support, within your Research Group, delivery on the cross-institutional strategic themes.
• Set and monitor overall standards of service to ensure the highest quality of outputs and to meet agreed donor objectives.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate operational plans and budgets, delegating day-to-day management responsibility to appropriate researchers/team managers.
• Build and support highly engaged and effective staff teams: modelling positive, impactful leadership; recruiting and developing skilled, motivated individuals; building trust; role modelling our values and codes of conduct; and managing performance.
• Collaborate closely across Research Groups, ensuring that the organisation as a whole meets its objectives.
• Represent ODI Global externally, liaising, networking and presenting at national and international events so as to raise the profile of the organisation and to build ODI Global's reach and influence.

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, and 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 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 list of benefits, please click here.

About ODI Global

ODI Global 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.

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

Closing date: 10 September 2026.

First interviews will be held during the week commencing 21 September 2026.