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Research Consultant, Field-Based

Employer: Inclusion Economics India Centre at IFMR/Krea University

Location: Patna, Bihar, India or Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Employment Type: Contractual for pre-determined period

Who We Are:                                                                                       

Inclusion Economics India Centre at IFMR/Krea University (formerly EPoD India at IFMR) works in close collaboration with Inclusion Economics at Yale, based at Yale University’s Economic Growth Center and The Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. Drawing upon economics, political science, and related fields, we conduct cutting-edge research to understand how policy can promote inclusive, accountable economies and societies. Our core research focuses on gender as it relates to labor economics and broader economic empowerment; political economy and governance; and environmental economics. 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 currently recruiting Research Consultants to support a portfolio of several field-based research projects in India. The Research Consultant will provide field support for these projects from one of our field offices for a predetermined contractual period.

This position requires a self-starting candidate who can conduct in-depth interviews and scoping activities with government counterparts and field respondents, and coordinate field activities and manage field staff for the execution of surveys and RCTs. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to join a team of leading economists and public policy experts from Yale University and Inclusion Economics India to work on cutting-edge development research and gain first-hand experience working with policy partners, implementing surveys and field experiments, and supporting data tasks.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the day-to-day implementation of field-based research (scoping, surveying, project implementation)
  • Assist in the drafting, piloting, translating, and SurveyCTO coding of survey instruments
  • Assist in the design and field-testing of survey instruments 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
  • Support Research Associates in the development and implementation of field plans and survey protocols
  • Implement appropriate structures and systems for field work, development and oversight of field and quality control protocols; recruitment, training, and monitoring of field staff; and coordination with local partners
  • Support Research Manager and Research Associates in managing day-to-day relationships with national, state, and lower-level government officials and other potential partners (academics, policy organizations, NGOs, etc.) as requested
  • Others, as required

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's candidates with 1-2 years of experience with data-based research, preferably in economics or a related field
  • Field experience is a plus
  • Strong interest in public policy and economic development in low-income countries
  • Excellent oral and written English and Hindi communication skills
  • Mature, self-directed individual with ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in economics or related field
  • Candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders at various levels
  • Basic understanding of STATA / R

This position will be based in either Raipur or Patna in India, with regular travel.

How to Apply: 

If you are interested in this position, please fill out our Screening Questionnaire; you will be asked to upload a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter, writing sample, and academic transcripts.  Label your file “Last name, First name – Research Consultant”.  

To view other open positions, visit the Inclusion Economics Opportunities page.