Research Associate, Gender Portfolio - Inclusion Economics India Centre at IFMR

Employer: Inclusion Economics India Centre at IFMR

Location: Bhopal, India

Start Date: As soon as possible

Length of Commitment: 1-2 Years

Who We Are: 

Inclusion Economics India Centre at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) is a policy-engaged research initiative that strives to inform and encourage evidence-based dialogue on economic and social inclusion. Our work in India includes research engagements across multiple states and focuses on some of India’s most challenging problems, ranging from pollution and climate change to women’s economic engagement and engagement with technology, to supporting effective governance and building state capacity.

As a policy-engaged research initiative focused on issues of inclusion, we believe that every life is shaped by institutions, from the family to the economy to the state. Through our work, we ask which policies build institutions that enable economies and societies, where everyone can access economic opportunities. Drawing upon economics, political science, and related fields, we conduct cutting-edge research to understand how policy can promote inclusive, accountable economies and societies. We also aim to build a culture of evidence and increase data literacy in the public sector, strengthening leaders’ ability to identify and implement evidence-informed policies. Throughout the research life cycle, we engage closely with policy counterparts to ensure we address questions of immediate relevance, and we regularly communicate data-driven insights with policy counterparts and the general public.

The Role:

We are looking for a Research Associate to work on an ambitious multi-year, at-scale, policy research initiative with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and PRADAN. The project focuses on understanding on how giving women more control on their MGNREGS earning at scale impacts their autonomy, labor force participation and norms around women’s work in the community.

It is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in a career in policy engaged research, whether in university or a research/policy think tank. This position requires a self-starting candidate, who enjoys working on cutting edge research that informs policy. The candidate will have a unique opportunity to drive efforts to ensure that government policy priorities inform research agenda and vice versa.

Responsibilities:

Research Associates work closely with Research Managers & Principal Investigators who guide and supervise them in their various tasks and work closely with field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Leading the day-to-day implementation of primary research (scoping, surveying, project implementation) – including the management of field personnel, and reporting for the project.
• Identify and manage threats to the research design with support from Research Managers and Principal Investigators
• Working with implementing partners and government officials to ensure that intervention designs are in line with the research and policy objectives
• Supporting research professors in ensuring all field and data activities are in compliance with IRB and field safety protocols
• Assist in the design and field-testing of survey instruments (paper and digital) and develop and implement appropriate structures and systems for a larger randomized intervention, including the procurement of supplies; development and oversight of field and quality control protocols; recruitment, training, and leading of field staff; and coordination with local partners
• Seek out and collect administrative data from policy partners and government agencies
• Conduct data cleaning, manipulation, and analysis using multiple primary and secondary data sources
• Review and report on academic literature of requested topics in support of policy briefs and research projects
• Contribute to analysis and writing of policy briefs for various government partners and case studies on Inclusion Economics India project components
• Others, as required

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's/Master’s degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, environment or related fields
• Fluency and excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English and Hindi
• Strong potential/familiarity in setting up and executing primary data collection
• Proven analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Stata
• Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and is a team player
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials
• Ability to work independently and in rural locations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or above in economics or related field 
• Familiarity with MGNREGs and SRLM initiatives
• Candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to engage with policy partners of various levels 
• Experience working with large datasets
• Proficiency in SurveyCTO/ODK