Location: New Delhi / Chennai Organisation: GxD hub, LEAD at Krea University Reports to: Executive Director About LEAD at Krea University: LEAD is an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act), leverages the power of research, innovation and co-creation to solve complex and pressing challenges in development. LEAD specialises in developing in-depth granular understanding of socio-economic contexts and harnessing actionable insights that have a wide range of applications in industry, policy, and academia. LEAD is a collaborative hub that brings experts from diverse disciplines and sectors together to develop innovative solutions by harnessing innovation, technology and analytics. About the GxD (Gender x Digital) hub: GxD hub is an emerging interdisciplinary centre at LEAD. Our mission is to address critical intersections between gender and digital technology through rigorous research, impactful engagement with stakeholders, and ecosystem development. The hub operates across multiple workstreams, including government engagement, partnerships with research institutions, and initiatives aimed at creating a robust ecosystem to support gender and digital initiatives. Our work is rooted in a deep commitment to develop gender intentional and overall inclusive digital platforms in the country. About the Role: To expand the hub s mandate, we are looking for a Senior Research Manager to build on our research mandate. The ideal candidate will come with a strong research background with the ability to manage/oversee multiple projects which will be executed in collaboration with internal teams and external partners. Further, with the expansion of the hub s mandate as an evaluator for interventions in the gender and digital space, the candidate will also design and execute the MLE component for the project. Throughout this portfolio, the candidate will be responsible for ensuring clear alignment with the GEDC (gender equality and digital connectivity) learning questions, maintaining consistent messaging and insights across all learning outputs. Roles and Responsibilities: Research Activities Conceptualisation Design: Lead the end-to-end design of qualitative and quantitative research studies selecting appropriate methodologies (e.g., RCTs, quasi-experimental designs) and ensuring relevance to strategic objectives; Project Oversight: Directly manage multiple research projects from planning through execution, including budgeting, timelines, and team coordination. Ensure robust quality control measures at every stage; Data Integrity: Ensure data integrity, employ statistical techniques, and maintain high analytical standards. Conduct and guide advanced data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) to derive meaningful insights; Final Output Development: Translate research findings into concise, impactful outputs (reports, talking points, policy briefs, blog posts, peer-reviewed papers) tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences. Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Framework Design and Implementation: Design, implement and refine ME frameworks (e.g., logic models, theories of change, impact assessment methodologies) that align with organisational priorities; Evidence Base: Develop well-structured baseline, midline, and endline evaluation systems that inform real-time decisions and guide project interventions strategically; Actionable Recommendations: Generate high-quality, policy-relevant insights that align with GEDC learning questions, enabling targeted solutions for program improvement; Adaptive Project Management: Establish iterative learning loops to enable rapid adjustments, ensuring programs remain responsive to on-the-ground realities; Insights Generation: Analyse and interpret both internal and external research and evaluation data to produce insights for program adaptation, reporting, and decision-making. Qualifications and Experience: Education Master s degree or higher in Economics, Gender, Development Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience 10-12 years of experience leading research projects, including managing teams and multiple concurrent initiatives;Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing both qualitative and quantitative research, including experimental or quasi-experimental impact evaluations;Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality project delivery; Prior work at the intersection of gender and digital is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in gender, development economics, technology-driven gender initiatives and related fields will also be considered. Skills Technical skills: Proficiency in quantitative data analysis tools (Stata, R, Python) and qualitative research methods;MLE: Strong understanding of ME tools and frameworks, with a track record of operationalising them in complex development settings. Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage complex timelines and deliverables;Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate research into practical insights. Application Instructions: Deadline: Applications will be open till the position is filled. To apply, please collate your resume, a cover letter and writing sample in a single PDF and apply in the form here . Note: Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact each candidate individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purposes. Job Features Job Category Senior Research Manager

Employer: LEAD at Krea University Location: New Delhi / Chennai Assignment Length: Full-time position Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience About LEAD at Krea University: LEAD is an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act), leverages the power of research, innovation and co-creation to solve complex and pressing challenges in development. LEAD specialises in developing in-depth granular understanding of socio-economic contexts and harnessing actionable insights that have a wide range of applications in industry, policy, and academia. LEAD is a collaborative hub that brings experts from diverse disciplines and sectors together to develop innovative solutions by harnessing innovation, technology and analytics. About the Role: We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Knowledge Management Specialist to develop a portfolio of high-impact knowledge outputs, with a strong focus on policy writing, synthesising evidence and research into diverse knowledge outputs, and delivering impactful messaging to a range of audiences. This role requires exceptional synthesis and writing abilities, and the capacity to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives for varied stakeholders. A keen understanding of the gender inclusion and digital landscape is a plus. However, candidates with expertise in either area will also be considered. The candidate will be responsible for developing knowledge outputs such as research reports and summaries, formulating policy recommendations from research findings, policy briefs, fact sheets, learning notes and evidence briefs, among other materials, in collaboration with the technical specialists and the research team. Responsibilities: Writing and Analysis: Research, draft, and refine policy briefs, high-level summaries, position papers, and recommendations tailored to decision-makers, funders, and partners; Synthesise information and evidence from diverse sources to develop coherent and impactful recommendations and action areas; Stay abreast of developments, trends, and best practices in the development landscape, including but not limited to the gender and digital space. Content Development and Strategy: Create high-quality, audience-specific communication materials/collaterals, such as op-eds, articles, fact sheets, reports, and presentations; Simplify complex research findings and technical information into accessible formats for internal and external audiences, and contribute to the larger ecosystem. Qualifications: A Master s degree in Public Policy, Gender, Economics, Development or a related field; Demonstrated sound understanding of the global and regional development landscape; experience working in gender and related domains is a plus; At least 8-10 years of relevant work experience is preferred; Writing Excellence: Demonstrated ability to write for diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, funders, and the general public; ability to translate complex, technical information into user-friendly content; Analytical Skills: Strong capability to synthesise and analyse information from various sources and draft clear, concise outputs; Proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines with a creative and problem-solving outlook; Organised, detail-oriented, and analytical, with the ability to work independently or collaboratively, with an entrepreneurial approach to tasks. Application Instructions: Deadline: Applications will be open till the position is filled. To apply, please collate your resume, a cover letter and writing sample in a single PDF and apply in the form here . Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Note: Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact each candidate individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purposes. Job Features Job Category Knowledge Management Specialist

Location : New Delhi / Chennai Organisation : LEAD at Krea University Reports To : Executive Director About LEAD at Krea University: LEAD is an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act), leverages the power of research, innovation and co-creation to solve complex and pressing challenges in development. LEAD specialises in developing in-depth granular understanding of socio-economic contexts and harnessing actionable insights that have a wide range of applications in industry, policy, and academia. LEAD is a collaborative hub that brings experts from diverse disciplines and sectors together to develop innovative solutions by harnessing innovation, technology and analytics. About the Role: We are looking for a Senior Program Manager to oversee and manage research projects within the Small Growing Businesses and Employment (SGBE) vertical. The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for the design, execution, and dissemination of research aimed at understanding the dynamics of small businesses, entrepreneurship, employment, and policy impacts. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, a multidisciplinary research team, and external stakeholders to manage and support field-based research and ensure the quality of outputs, and possess a deep understanding of MSME, rural entrepreneurship, microfinance, and livelihood programs. Key Responsibilities: Research Management : Lead the design and development of rigorous research projects focusing on small businesses, entrepreneurship, employment, and related policy issues; Ensure timely implementation of research projects, including data collection, analysis, and reporting; Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources efficiently; Coordinate with internal and external teams, including research assistants, analysts, partner organisations, and field staff; Ensure adherence to research protocols, quality assurance measures, and ethical guidelines; Manage end-to-end project/research cycle and ensure timely deliverables of the outputs. Team Leadership & Collaboration : Lead and mentor a team of researchers; Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as policymakers, donors, and industry experts; Collaborate with other verticals within LEAD and leverage interdisciplinary expertise for project success; Support the development of funding proposals and contribute to strategic planning for the vertical; Assist in the identification of new research opportunities and partners for collaboration. Data Analysis & Reporting : Oversee data management and perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to derive insights and support decision-making; Write and review technical reports, policy briefs, research papers, and presentations. Communication & Dissemination : Develop insights and actionable recommendations for policy and practice based on research findings; Ensure effective communication of research outputs to both academic and non-academic audiences; Present research findings at workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance the impact of research; External Engagement: Connect with key stakeholders, organisations, and potential partners including government/private sector/civil society/academia; Lead discussions, finalise terms, and ensure mutually beneficial partnerships; Ensure timely submission of donor / grant reports liaise with internal teams to gather appropriate information for submission. Manage donor communications. Qualifications and Experience: Education : Master s degree or higher in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience : 10-12 years of experience managing research projects, preferably in development economics, entrepreneurship, or small business sectors; Proven track record of leading teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously; Experience working in small business development, employment generation, or related sectors is highly desirable. Skills : Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies; Proficiency in statistical tools (STATA, R, Python) and data analysis; Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage complex timelines and deliverables; Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate research into practical insights; Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; Attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision; Desirable Attributes: Knowledge of small business ecosystems, rural entrepreneurship, or MSME dynamics in India or developing economies; Familiarity with CSR and its role in creating sustainable business ecosystems; Experience in managing large datasets and field-based research; A passion for translating research into action, particularly in development contexts. Application Instructions: Deadline: Applications will be open till the position is filled. To apply, please collate your resume, a cover letter and writing sample in a single PDF and apply in the form here . Note: Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact each candidate individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purposes. Job Features Job Category Senior Program Manager