Caroline Harper
About Caroline Harper
Caroline Harper is a Research Fellow and Head of Social Development at the Overseas Development Institute, where she has worked since 2005. She has extensive experience in social development, having previously held positions at Save the Children and earned advanced degrees in Anthropology and Area Studies from the University of London and the University of Cambridge.
Current Role at ODI
Caroline Harper serves as a Research Fellow and Head of Social Development at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI). She has held this position since 2005, managing multi-year policy research programmes that focus on social development. In her role, she provides public policy advice and is actively involved in research dissemination. Additionally, she is the Director of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion programme at ODI, contributing to the organization's mission to influence policy and practice in social development.
Previous Experience at Save the Children
Before joining ODI, Caroline Harper worked at Save the Children for a total of nine years, from 1996 to 2005. During her tenure, she held the position of Research and Policy, where she contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving children's welfare. Prior to this role, she served as a Social Development Advisor at Save the Children from 1992 to 1996, focusing on social development strategies and policies.
Education and Expertise
Caroline Harper has a strong academic background in anthropology and development studies. She studied at the University of London, SOAS, where she earned a PhD in Anthropology and also completed a degree in Area Studies and Development. Additionally, she studied at the University of Cambridge, obtaining a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology. This educational foundation supports her expertise in social development and policy research.
Research Focus and Contributions
In her current role at ODI, Caroline Harper manages extensive research programmes that address key issues in social development. Her work includes providing insights and recommendations that inform public policy. She plays a significant role in the dissemination of research findings, ensuring that the knowledge generated reaches relevant stakeholders and contributes to effective policy-making.
Leadership in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Caroline Harper is the Director of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion programme at the Overseas Development Institute. In this capacity, she leads initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and social inclusion within development policies. Her leadership in this area reflects her commitment to addressing social disparities and enhancing the impact of development efforts.