The Dalberg Research Fellow 2026 is a prestigious 12-month fellowship offered by Dalberg Advisors, a globally recognized impact consulting firm working at the intersection of strategy, evidence, design, and systems change. This opportunity is designed for experienced researchers, policy professionals, and development practitioners who want to shape the future of global development through high-impact research, thought leadership, and innovation.
Based primarily in India, with remote and hybrid working options available, this fellowship provides a rare opportunity to contribute to a newly emerging research and thought leadership initiative within Dalberg focused on shaping global development agendas.
The fellowship is part of Dalberg’s effort to establish a forward-looking research engine that generates insights on major global challenges such as climate finance, gender equity, education systems, AI in development, and inclusive economic growth.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a preferred start date from June 2026 onward.
About Dalberg and Its Global Mission
Dalberg Advisors is part of the broader Dalberg Group, a global organization committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable world. With 28 offices worldwide and experience in over 135 countries, Dalberg integrates:
- Strategic advisory expertise
- Rigorous research and data analysis
- Deep local and regional knowledge
- Cross-sector collaboration with governments, NGOs, and private sector actors
Dalberg operates at the intersection of:
- Strategy and policy design
- Evidence-based development research
- Systems transformation and innovation
- Global impact consulting
The organization works across major global development themes including education, gender equity, climate change, digital infrastructure, and economic justice.
About the Research & Thought Leadership Initiative
The Research Fellow will contribute to a newly established Dalberg Observatory-style initiative, designed to produce forward-thinking research that shapes global development discourse.
This initiative focuses on generating research and insights in emerging global areas such as:
- Future of outcomes-based funding and philanthropic capital flows
- Systems change measurement and collective impact evaluation
- Gender equity challenges, including boys’ education and underexplored inequalities
- Artificial intelligence in education, work, and public services
- Future of development financing and global policy innovation
The initiative aims to produce high-quality research publications, convenings, and thought leadership that influence policymakers, donors, and global institutions.
Key Objectives of the Research Fellow Role
The Research Fellow will play a central role in shaping and executing Dalberg’s research agenda by:
- Leading or supporting original research on global development themes
- Contributing to quarterly publications and research outputs
- Translating internal consulting insights into global thought leadership
- Developing policy-relevant research products and analytical frameworks
- Supporting experimental research design and foresight analysis
Key thematic focus areas include:
- Global development funding flows (climate, education, gender)
- Systems change metrics and impact measurement frameworks
- Education equity, especially boys’ education
- AI applications in governance, public services, and labor markets
Key Responsibilities
The Research Fellow will engage in a wide range of analytical and strategic tasks, including:
1. Research and Analysis
- Conduct structured desk research and literature reviews
- Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Build comparative case studies across regions and sectors
- Support data synthesis and interpretation
2. Writing and Publication
- Draft research briefs, memos, blogs, and analytical papers
- Develop thought leadership content for internal and external audiences
- Contribute to quarterly publications and research outputs
3. Data Visualization and Insight Generation
- Support development of data visualization products
- Translate complex datasets into accessible insights
- Assist in producing research presentations and reports
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Engage with internal Dalberg teams globally
- Support research partnerships and roundtable discussions
- Assist in designing events and convenings on key topics
5. Institutional Development
- Contribute to shaping the research initiative’s structure
- Support operational design and strategic development
- Help define long-term research direction and outputs
Desired Qualifications and Experience
Candidates are expected to bring a strong mix of analytical ability, research experience, and intellectual curiosity.
Required Qualifications
- 4–8 years of experience in global development, research, or public policy
- Master’s degree preferred in fields such as:
- Public Policy
- International Affairs
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Data Journalism or related disciplines
Technical Skills
- Strong writing, synthesis, and communication skills
- Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible insights
- Experience with at least one statistical tool:
- Optional but valuable:
- GIS mapping tools
- Qualitative analysis software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA)
Professional Experience
- Experience in think tanks, research institutes, or policy organizations
- Familiarity with development finance or global policy systems
- Exposure to consulting or advisory environments is an advantage
Personal Attributes
- Strong intellectual curiosity and independent thinking
- Ability to work in ambiguous and evolving research environments
- Capacity to produce rapid, high-quality research outputs
- Self-motivated and impact-driven mindset
What This Fellowship Offers
The Dalberg Research Fellow role is designed as both a professional development opportunity and a potential long-term career pathway.
Participants will benefit from:
- Opportunity to publish high-impact global development research
- Mentorship from senior global experts
- Exposure to international policy ecosystems
- Access to high-level development networks
- Participation in shaping a new research institution within Dalberg
- Possibility of transitioning into a long-term leadership role
- High-trust environment focused on innovation and intellectual freedom
This fellowship is ideal for professionals seeking to move into high-level research leadership, policy advisory roles, or global development strategy positions.
Application Timeline
- Applications: Rolling basis
- Preferred Start Date: From June 2026
- Duration: 12 months (full-time fellowship)
- Location: India (Remote/Hybrid options available)
Early application is strongly encouraged due to limited placement capacity and continuous review.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly through Dalberg Advisors’ official careers or recruitment channels, following instructions for the Research Fellow position.
Apply Here
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Dalberg Research Fellow role is more than a fellowship—it is a launchpad into the future of global development thinking. It offers participants the chance to influence how governments, donors, and global institutions approach complex challenges such as inequality, climate change, education reform, and digital transformation.
For researchers ready to move beyond traditional analysis and contribute to systems-level change, this fellowship provides a rare opportunity to shape global narratives and policy innovation at scale.
Discover more global fellowship positions on OFY, VISIT HERE
