Marcus Manuel is a Senior Research Associate for ODI working on development finance issues, especially in low-income and fragile states. His recent research has focused on addressing extreme poverty and increasing access to justice (in collaboration with the Politics and Governance programme).

Marcus Manuel's former ODI roles include the founding Director of the Budget Strengthening Initiative (BSI), the BSI country director for South Sudan and the Head of Centre of Aid and Public Expenditure (CAPE).

Prior to joining ODI, Marcus held a number of senior management roles within the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) from 2002 to 2010 with responsibilities for staff and programmes in Africa and Asia. His final role was Director Pan Africa Strategy and Programmes, one of the three directors responsible for managing DFID’s programmes in Africa with focus on Africa wide strategies; institutions and issues, including climate change, regional trade; conflict prevention and humanitarian support.

Before working at DFID, Marcus worked at HM Treasury, starting as an economic adviser in 1991. His final role was head of the newly created department responsible for advice on all aspects of international development (including DFID expenditure, debt policy and creation of the International Financing Facility). Between 1996–2000, Marcus was seconded from HM Treasury to work as the Senior Adviser in the Ugandan Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.