Research Analyst/ Programme Associate

Purpose

India’s agriculture sector (crop, livestock, fisheries, and forestry) accounts for ~13% of total greenhouse gas emissions. With ambitions to achieve net zero by 2070, the agriculture sector is to play a crucial role in the journey, balancing food and nutritional security while being the major driver of land-use change. Consequently, strategizing for mitigation from the AFOLU sector by accounting for population -growth, urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and forest conservation, necessitates micro analysis of demand and supply side interventions alongside India’s macroeconomic trajectories.

Keeping this complex challenge in mind, CEEW seeks to hire a suitable candidate for the Programme Associate position in the Sustainable Food Systems team to expand its capacity in developing Integrated Assessment tools for informing mitigation oriented policies for the AFOLU sector. We are looking for a detail-oriented and ownership wielding researcher with a hunger for impact and the ambition to ensure a sustainable net-zero, nature-positive food systems.

The successful applicant will assist the team members in undertaking robust quantitative analysis. In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined below, the Programme Associate should be prepared, as and when necessary, to take on additional responsibilities and respond to events and developments that cannot be anticipated easily.

Job duties and accountabilities

• Lead the allocated project(s) under the programme end-to-end. This includes, but not limited to (i) framing the research questions, (ii) identifying the target audience (states, industry, ministry), (iii) developing the strategy, (iv) conducting literature review, (v) collecting data from secondary as well as primary sources, if needed, (vi) performing necessary analysis, employing diverse qualitative and quantitative research methods, (vii) developing an outreach strategy, (viii) strategic dissemination of the research and (ix) assessing the impact created.
• Review large amounts of data using a variety of methodologies and software tools.
• Lead in writing research reports/papers, briefs and issue notes which could be circulated among industry associations, state and central government officials and other stakeholders.
• Work with senior researchers on conceptualising new research projects.
• Lead the strategic outreach of the research outputs through engagement with a broader network of policymakers, industry and other stakeholders.
• Travel to states, whenever necessary, to conduct meetings, community engagements, and collect primary data.
• Mentor research analysts/consultants/interns as required.

Selection Criteria

Education

Strong academic credentials, Master’s degree preferably in economics/environmental economics/statistics, or in related fields such as energy economics, development economics, public health, public policy.

Work Experience and Key Skill Requirements

• At least 4 to 7 years of experience in agricultural economics, public health, food systems or bioenergy.
• Experience or exposure to at least one type of Integrated Assessment Modelling (IAMs) and Econometrics Model.
• Sound understanding of the relevant fields of study, and related policy environment.
• Extensive experience in conducting high quality quantitative data analysis and stakeholder management.
• Analytical skills and knowledge of mixed methods – qualitative and quantitative research methods, relevant for impact evaluation, food system analysis, political economy analysis etc.
• Knowledge of econometric modelling (mandatory), in particular impact evaluations (preferred).
• Experience in using statistical software - R/Stata/Python (mandatory).
• Experience in using mathematical optimization software is a plus.
• Experience in GIS based analysis using QGIS/ArcGIS, etc (preferred).
• Experience in designing primary studies (mandatory) – study design, design of survey tools, survey execution, training of survey teams.
• Experience in designing studies.
• Experience in designing survey tools.
• Experience in survey execution, managing engagement with survey agency, training survey teams.
• Experience in data cleaning and analysis of large secondary or primary datasets.
• Experience in engaging on field activities, for data collection/training of enumerators/sampling of households/pilot testing/monitoring activities.
• Experience in leading and managing projects (or aspects of some projects) independently.
• Experience in making budgets for projects, designing concept notes and full proposals (or aspects of the same) for donors.
• Knowledge of issues pertaining to sustainable food systems, policy areas and consumer trends.
• Proficiency in using MS Office Suite.
• Strong writing, networking and communication skills.
• Proven track record of delivering high quality research publications and written content for different media.

Skills

• Sharp and analytical mind with a willingness to explore new research areas, learn new research and project management skills.
• Ability to adapt and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment.
• Striving for rigour in research and quality in work output.
• Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research if, and when, needed.
• Ability to dig deeper into details, while not losing sight of the broader objectives.
• Willingness to learn, grow and develop - both in personal and professional life - at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Strong drive and initiative, a self-starter.

If you are passionate about evidence-based policy research for food systems, we would like to speak to you. If you can conceptualise and communicate clear research on the issue, then we would definitely consider hiring you! If you can collaborate closely with others to make this happen, you are probably the candidate we are looking for.

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks.

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.

Application Process

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are advised to apply at the earliest possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate your interest.