Who are the Fellows?
- 2/3 of the Fellows are women
- Fellows come from 12 different countries across the world
- 60% of Fellows are from low- and middle-income countries
- 80% of Fellows continue working in international development after their posting
Oxford Policy Fellows provide legal and policy advice to governments in low- and middle-income countries. Fellows work as local civil servants in government ministries for two years. They work alongside local colleagues supporting local agendas. The Oxford Policy Fellowship (OPF) offers lawyers an exceptional opportunity to work in public policy and international development.
What do Fellows do?
No posting is the same as each Fellow has a Terms of Reference tailored to meet the specific country context. Here are some examples of what Fellows do:
- Draft, review and comment on contracts and Memoranda of Understanding
- Draft and review legislation and policy
- Coordinate and participate in negotiations
- Advice on legal and policy issues
- Carry out research
- Represent and present on behalf of their Ministry in various fora
- Coordinate and manage projects
- Carry out administrative tasks
- Facilitate capacity building initiatives.
As a lawyer working within the Ethiopian Environment Forest and Climate Change Commission, my perspective of how law can be used to build good systemic practices and navigate the challenges faced by a developing country has shifted completely. I have enjoyed every moment. I have learnt more than I could have ever imagined, and feel as though I have been able to contribute towards something that will have tangible long-term impacts. Nathaniah Jacobs, Fellow 2018-2020, Environment Forest and Climate Change Commission, Ethiopia
How do Fellows spend their time in-post?
- 48% on legal technical work
- 24% on policy work
- 15% administration
- 14% on capacity development activities.
Being a Fellow has enormous benefits, both personally and professionally. It is an opportunity to engage with another jurisdiction and get invaluable experience working as a lawyer in international development and public policy. As a Fellow, you will gain new skills and knowledge, as well as a wealth of new experiences. Fellows have access to our ‘community of practice’, consisting of professionals in the law and development field. This provides an excellent space for learning from other OPF Fellows and practitioners. The experience of being a Fellow offers the possibility of working with a range of international agencies, NGOs, development consultancies and governmental organisations.
Participating in the programme also offers an opportunity for personal growth. Living and working in a new country is both challenging and extremely rewarding. As a Fellow, you get the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and gain new perspectives on the world. By the end of your Fellowship, you will both have broadened your horizons and gained lifelong friendships.
OPF has been a fully immersive experience in a working and living environment, which were radically different from what I had known so far. Besides the professional challenges, living in the posting country was in itself an enriching adventure. Looking back, I am amazed by the situations I had to deal with regularly and the skills which I had to develop: communication, self-awareness, understanding of cultural and politico-economical factors. I am sure this experience has built my adaptability and resilience. Martin Dethier, Fellow 2017-2019, Ministry of Ministry of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry, Djibouti