Associate Director - Research & Policy

We are actively seeking a qualified, self-driven and thorough researcher for our client, who is a policy enthusiast and preferably trained in Economics/development studies/gender studies/public policy, for carrying forward the research and policy engagement agenda of the client. 

The candidate is expected to have a clear understanding of the current issues around women's economic empowerment; should be experienced in using large and complex secondary datasets; familiar with extensive research methodologies to perform detailed policy research, has great communication skills adaptable to different stakeholders. They are expected to lead studies to collect evidence on what works, and is expected to communicate research in the form of external and internal publications. The candidate is also expected to have excellent communication, team management, and critical thinking skills in order to be able to present their research to various stakeholders and in various national and international platforms. The researcher would be working closely with the Director, Policy and Research, and assist in executing the core research agenda, including managing existing project deliverables. The candidate should be willing to travel, whenever necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Support in building the 5 year evidence to policy strategy and agenda 
• Oversee, monitor and contribute to the research and policy engagement plan of action and annual work plans 
• Mentor and lead junior members of the research and policy team as per their TORs 
• Support in building a technically strong research and policy engagement team 
• Collaborate with other verticals on partnerships, research and data to leverage the ecosystem. 
• Contribute actively in managing project deadlines, maintaining timelines, reviewing outputs and coordinating with funders/research/academic partners/external stakeholders etc 
• Develop an action plan for publications in collaboration with the communications Lead. 
• Able to inspire and motivate a team with effective management skills, coordinate tasks and define a road map to complete projects successfully 
• Ensure compliance with client's research protocols across all project activities to maintain the integrity and the quality of research. 
• Manage administrative requirements of the project portfolio, including financial management, budgeting, procurement, contract set-up and compliance, grant reporting, deliverable tracking, etc. 
• Coordinate with project teams to ensure timely submission of financial reports and projections, and sub-grantee/contract reports and deliverables in the portfolio to keep projects running smoothly. 
• Represent the client on relevant platforms 
• Contribute to create linkages with national and state level government and stakeholders 
• Any other task assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Economics, development studies, Gender studies and related disciplines with 15 years of experience or Advanced degree in economics, development studies, Gender studies and related disciplines with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the subject;
• Solid understanding of Gender equality in India and south Asia
• Relevant experience in an action-oriented research organization would be an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team