Selection and Recruitment Application forms are available from ODI or university careers advisory services in the autumn, and must be returned to ODI by the end of December for placement the following year. At the same time ODI invites governments interested in the Scheme to indicate their likely requirements for Fellows. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a selection panel held in London in February, with offers being made subject to suitable posts being secured. After this, representatives of ODI conduct placement tours of the countries participating in the Scheme. These visits provide an opportunity for detailed discussions between governments and ODI representatives about likely requirements,and for prospective employers to consider the suitability of particular Fellows for posts.
Governments confirm their requests for Fellows during the placement tours or shortly afterwards.
Following the receipt of confirmed requests, ODI undertakes personal consultations about postings with Fellows. Then host governments are notified of the availability of individuals and invited to make formal offers of employment. In late July a two-day Briefing Session for Fellows is arranged by ODI in London. Fellows are expected to take up their posts from August onwards and are normally expected to be in post not later than October. Considerable emphasis is placed on personal contact and discussion in both the recruitment and placement of Fellows, and on the careful matching of Fellows to posts.