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. Position Overview : We are seeking a skilled Grant Executive to manage our grant management operations while providing essential financial management support. This role focuses primarily on grant lifecycle management, donor relations, and compliance (75%) with additional responsibilities in financial operations (25%). Key Responsibilities : Grant Management (75% of role) Grant Proposals with Budgets and Project Creation Support grant proposal and budget finalisation with collaboration team, project leads, and field teams; Support agreement preparation & signing of contracts and facilitate smooth project onboarding; Prepare and submit PI forms and maintain MMT master’s; Process donor compliance forms submission to IFMR and maintain comprehensive records; Manage agreement amendments including signing addendums and updating IFMR on revised clauses. Grant Compliance & Donor Relations Ensure strict compliance tracking and adherence to all grant requirements and donor stipulations; Maintain reporting schedules and manage due dates for all active grants; Provide financial due diligence details to donors as required. Grant Portfolio Management & Reporting Maintain comprehensive grant portfolio including active grants summary (donor details, amounts, duration, terms); Update monthly MIS reports and support in conducting monthly discussions with project teams; Roll out action recommended during the monthly meetings with project teams. Financial Reporting (Grant-specific) Help in preparing external reports for donors and regulatory bodies as per payment schedules; Generate internal management reports highlighting pending issues and project status; Ensure timely submission of all grant-related financial documentation. Budget Creation & Maintenance (Grant-focused) Monitor project actuals against approved budgets on monthly basis; Prepare 3-month forward projections and variance analysis with actuals. Financial Management (25% of role) – Co-ordination with the group finance department Accounts Receivable and Collections Track outstanding receivables with aging analysis and systematic follow-ups; Oversee invoicing plans and ensure timely raising of invoices. Accounts Payable Support Support vendor payments and maintain outstanding invoices tracking; Monitor major payment schedules and recurring expenses; Ensure compliance with procurement policies and vendor agreements. Required Qualifications : Essential Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; 2-4 years of experience in grant management, preferably in NGO/research/academic sector; Good understanding of donor compliance requirements and grant lifecycle management; Experience with financial reporting and budget management. Technical Skills Proficiency in financial software and grant management systems; Advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting; Knowledge of accounting principles and financial compliance; Experience with donor reporting formats and requirements. Soft Skills Exceptional attention to detail for compliance and reporting accuracy; Strong communication skills for donor relations and internal coordination; Project management capabilities for handling multiple grants simultaneously; Analytical thinking for financial analysis and problem-solving. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in relevant field; Experience with international donors compliance and multilateral funding agencies; Certification in grant management or project management. Key Performance Indicators 100% compliance with grant reporting deadlines; Timely submission of donor reports and compliance documents; Accurate budget variance analysis and forecasting; Efficient receivables management with reduced aging. Work Environment Office-based role with occasional travel for donor meetings; Deadline-driven environment with multiple concurrent projects; Collaborative work with internal and external stakeholders. 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.
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. Position Overview : We are seeking a skilled Grant Executive to manage our grant management operations while providing essential financial management support. This role focuses primarily on grant lifecycle management, donor relations, and compliance (75%) with additional responsibilities in financial operations (25%). Key Responsibilities : Grant Management (75% of role) Grant Proposals with Budgets and Project Creation Support grant proposal and budget finalisation with collaboration team, project leads, and field teams; Support agreement preparation & signing of contractsand facilitate smooth project onboarding; Prepare and submit PI formsand maintain MMT masters; Process donor compliance formssubmission to IFMR and maintain comprehensive records; Manage agreement amendmentsincluding signing addendums and updating IFMR on revised clauses. Grant Compliance & Donor Relations Ensure strict compliance trackingand adherence to all grant requirements and donor stipulations; Maintain reporting schedulesand manage due dates for all active grants; Provide financial due diligencedetails to donors as required. Grant Portfolio Management & Reporting Maintain comprehensive grant portfolioincluding active grants summary (donor details, amounts, duration, terms); Update monthly MIS reportsand support in conducting monthly discussions with project teams; Roll out action recommended during the monthly meetings with project teams. Financial Reporting (Grant-specific) Help in preparing external reportsfor donors and regulatory bodies as per payment schedules; Generate internal management reportshighlighting pending issues and project status; Ensure timely submissionof all grant-related financial documentation. Budget Creation & Maintenance (Grant-focused) Monitor project actualsagainst approved budgets on monthly basis; Prepare 3-month forward projectionsand variance analysis with actuals. Financial Management (25% of role) Co-ordination with the group finance department Accounts Receivable and Collections Track outstanding receivableswith aging analysis and systematic follow-ups; Oversee invoicing plansand ensure timely raising of invoices. Accounts Payable Support Support vendor paymentsand maintain outstanding invoices tracking; Monitor major payment schedulesand recurring expenses; Ensure compliancewith procurement policies and vendor agreements. Required Qualifications : Essential Requirements Bachelors degreein Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; 2-4 years of experiencein grant management, preferably in NGO/research/academic sector; Good understandingof donor compliance requirements and grant lifecycle management; Experiencewith financial reporting and budget management. Technical Skills Proficiency in financial softwareand grant management systems; Advanced Excel skillsfor financial analysis and reporting; Knowledge of accounting principlesand financial compliance; Experience with donor reportingformats and requirements. Soft Skills Exceptional attention to detailfor compliance and reporting accuracy; Strong communication skillsfor donor relations and internal coordination; Project management capabilitiesfor handling multiple grants simultaneously; Analytical thinkingfor financial analysis and problem-solving. Preferred Qualifications Masters degreein relevant field; Experience with international donorscompliance and multilateral funding agencies; Certification in grant managementor project management. Key Performance Indicators 100% compliancewith grant reporting deadlines; Timely submissionof donor reports and compliance documents; Accurate budget variance analysisand forecasting; Efficient receivables managementwith reduced aging. Work Environment Office-based rolewith occasional travel for donor meetings; Deadline-driven environmentwith multiple concurrent projects; Collaborative workwith internal and external stakeholders. 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. Show more Show less
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 GxD hub: The GxD (Gender x Digital) hub is an initiative of LEAD at Krea University (IFMR), focused on addressing the critical intersections between gender and digital systems in India. Through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem engagement, the hub works to inform gender-intentional and inclusive digital platform design and implementation. About the Sanmati 2.0 Project: The Sanmati 2.0 Project is building a structured, standardised taxonomy of digital and AI-enabled work that maps job roles, tasks, skills, and complexity levels across sectors. It focuses on recognising the work of rural and semi-urban informal workers — particularly women — and aligning it with national and international skills frameworks. The taxonomy captures: Digital and AI-enabled tasks across industries; Skill bands pegged to the NSQF with clear task complexity levels; Linkages to credentialing and workforce mobility pathways; Sector-specific and cross-sector task mappings for practical adoption in hiring, skilling, and policy. Role Overview: The consultant will review, refine, and validate the Digital Work Taxonomy, ensuring: Alignment with existing national/international frameworks; Technical rigour and internal consistency; Usability by government, industry, and skilling bodies; Applicability for credentialing, labour market analysis, and workforce planning. Key Responsibilities : 1. Technical Review & Refinement Audit the taxonomy structure, definitions, and categorisations for scientific and methodological rigour; Identify overlaps, gaps, and inconsistencies, and propose revisions. 2. Standards Alignment & Interoperability Map taxonomy skill bands and complexity levels to NSQF and relevant national/global frameworks; Recommend metadata and structuring standards to enable integration with digital credentialing systems. 3. Skills Mapping & Credentialing Pathways Refine skill definitions for each task cluster, integrating hard and soft skills; Recommend how these map to job roles, industry demand, and upward mobility pathways. 5. Documentation & Guidelines Prepare a user manual and implementation guidelines for government, industry, and training providers. Required Qualifications & Experience: Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related technical field is preferred but not mandatory; 8–12 years’ experience in skills framework design, occupational standards development, or large-scale workforce taxonomy creation; Demonstrated work with national skills bodies or global frameworks; Proven expertise in NSQF mapping and sectoral skill standards; Strong understanding of digital economy roles, AI-enabled work, and labour market trends; Experience in gender-responsive workforce development. 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.
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 GxD hub: The GxD (Gender x Digital) hub is an initiative of LEAD at Krea University (IFMR), focused on addressing the critical intersections between gender and digital systems in India. Through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem engagement, the hub works to inform gender-intentional and inclusive digital platform design and implementation. About the Role: The primary role of the Research Associate (RA) will be to conduct secondary research, facilitate and collect primary data, and manage data (including cleaning, analysis, and reporting) for the projects. The RA will work closely with other research team members on: designing survey questionnaires, conducting literature reviews, managing survey teams, monitoring data collection activities in the field, conducting data checks and analysing data, coordinating with the field teams of the partner organisations, and writing reports and other knowledge products. The candidate must also have prior experience and a strong interest in research to assist with mixed-methods projects. Key Responsibilities of the Position: Assist in the design and development of mixed methods research projects, including literature reviews, research methodology and implementation; Work with colleagues at GxD hub and LEAD to generate a data collection strategy to maximise the efficient collection of data and its implementation; Lead the hiring, training, and management of the field team; Conduct field monitoring exercises to ensure data quality and supervise field work where required; Conduct data checks to ensure data quality, conduct data cleaning and prepare data for quantitative analysis; Assist in qualitative data collection and analysis; Design survey questionnaires and interview protocols; Conduct pilots for survey questionnaires as well as data collection methodologies; Contribute to writing clear and compelling reports, blogs and other project deliverables, including evidence summaries, insights, and program updates; Conduct secondary research where required; Develop and maintain good relations with key stakeholders. Required Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Statistics, Sociology, Public Policy or other related disciplines. A master’s degree is preferred; A basic knowledge of STATA, R, SAS, or a related programming language is required; At least one year of experience in data collection and analysis required; Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills across technical and non-technical audiences; Proficiency in spoken and written English and Hindi is required; Willingness to travel extensively to field locations is required; Basic knowledge of NVivo or other similar CAQDAS is preferred; Strong interest in gender, labour markets, and digital inclusion in low-income countries is preferred; Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team; Problem-solving aptitude and a self-starter; Mature, self-directed individual with the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment. Application Instructions: Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please collate your resume, a cover letter and writing sample 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.
As a Knowledge Management Specialist at LEAD, you will play a crucial role in developing impactful knowledge outputs focusing on policy writing, synthesizing evidence, and delivering compelling messaging to various stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include: - Research, draft, and refine policy briefs, high-level summaries, position papers, and recommendations tailored to decision-makers, funders, and partners. - Synthesize information from diverse sources to develop coherent and impactful recommendations and action areas. - Stay updated on developments, trends, and best practices in the development landscape, particularly in gender and digital spaces. As a qualified candidate, you are expected to meet the following qualifications: - Hold a Masters degree in Public Policy, Gender, Economics, Development, or a related field. - Have a demonstrated understanding of the global and regional development landscape, with experience in gender-related domains being an advantage. - Possess 8-10 years of relevant work experience. - Exhibit excellent writing skills for diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, funders, and the general public. - Demonstrate strong analytical capabilities to synthesize and analyze information from various sources and produce clear and concise outputs. - Be organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently or collaboratively with an entrepreneurial approach to tasks. If you are interested in applying for this position, please collate your resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample into a single PDF and submit your application through the provided form. The application deadline will remain open until the position is filled. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Kindly note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purposes.,
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 IWWAGE: Institute for What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE) aims to build on existing research and generate new evidence to inform and facilitate the agenda of women’s economic empowerment. IWWAGE is an initiative of LEAD, an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act). LEAD has strategic oversight and brand support from Krea University (sponsored by IFMR Society) to enable synergies between academia and the research centre. About the Position : The Director – Research will be leading a team of researchers in addressing critical issues as identified, fostering innovative thinking, and generating evidence to strengthen gender transformative policies that encourage women to take part in economic activities without facing structural and systemic barriers. They will be providing sharp insights on various policy discourses, and IWWAGE’s position on the same. They will support the leadership of IWWAGE in the effective implementation of the IWWAGE strategy, building partnerships, and raising resource mobilisation. Key Responsibilities: Establishing research agenda: Consult and collaborate with the senior team to build and lead a strong research strategy and portfolio; Provide technical rigour on identified themes and sub-themes: Develop high-quality proposals, conceptualise integrated research and policy plans, methodologies and other related areas for maximum impact. Lead the development of research summaries, position papers, blog posts, presentations and other forms of outreach as required. Ensure that data collected through research tools are complete, accurate and comprehensive; Build synergies between research and policy: Collaborate with relevant policy teams to develop clear pathways from evidence creation to policy; Building partnerships with national, state and sub-national governments, experts, academia, think-tanks, and non-government organisations: In consultation with the senior leadership, forge partnerships and collaborations with like-minded to drive the IWWAGE research agenda; Collaboration in organising panels in conferences, workshops, seminars, roundtable meetings and related dissemination activities to place IWWAGE as a credible research and policy institute; Institutional building: Support the Senior Management Team of IWWAGE/LEAD in building IWWAGE as an institution and brand; Project management: Develop and update the project plan, assigning tasks to complete the same, and ensure compliance with project requirements. Keep track and be accountable for the development of detailed project reports. Oversee budgets, subgrantees, review their deliverables and ensure compliance with project requirements; Team leadership : Provide leadership and guidance to the research team, in particular, team anchors, including setting clear goals, managing performance, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration; Professional development : Foster the professional development of research staff through training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. In particular, for Team Anchors to ensure a strong second line of command; Any other tasks as assigned. Qualifications and Experience: Essential: PhD in any discipline, Gender Studies/Public Policy/Sociology/Development Studies or a related field; Minimum 15 years of experience in applied or action research with a strong track record of working on gender issues, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role; Strong track record of designing and executing large-scale or field-based research projects; Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals; Experience engaging with policymakers, funders, and practitioners. Desirable: Experience working in India or South Asia, particularly in areas related to livelihoods, gender, health, labour force participation; Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects and research teams; Familiarity with mixed-methods research and participatory or community-based approaches; Strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems. Skills and Attributes: Strategic thinker with a strong commitment to evidence-based action; Excellent communication and writing skills—able to bridge research and policy audiences; Collaborative leadership style, fostering inclusion and intellectual curiosity; Strong analytical and project management capabilities; Passion for advancing social impact and community engagement. 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.
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 GxD hub: The GxD (Gender x Digital) hub is an initiative of LEAD at Krea University (IFMR), focused on addressing the critical intersections between gender and digital systems in India. Through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem engagement, the hub works to inform gender-intentional and inclusive digital platform design and implementation. About the Position : GxD hub is seeking a motivated, organised, and self-driven Research Manager who will assist in leading, designing, and implementing GxD hub’s research and evaluation agenda of gender-equitable digital development. We are seeking a professional with a strong background in mixed-methods research in the social sciences, as well as proven experience and expertise in designing and conducting impact evaluations and assessments. The successful candidate will be familiar with developing a theory of change and a results framework, designing mixed-method evaluations to generate robust evidence on what works, and writing rigorous, evidence-backed reports. In terms of thematic expertise, the successful candidate will ideally have demonstrated experience in sectors such as gender equality, digital inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, livelihoods and skilling. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker who can connect the dots across themes and issues, and will also be able to manage and execute research projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of work. Key Responsibilities : Evaluation, Research, and Learning Lead the development and implementation of impact evaluations; formulate and test research hypotheses through rigorous quantitative methods; and design mixed-method evaluation studies; Develop indicator frameworks and metrics, and develop and review survey tools and guides; Lead data analysis, triangulation, and visualisation as per project requirements; Ensure that sampling frameworks, survey instruments, and the collected data are complete, accurate and comprehensive; Write comprehensive reports, prepare decks, papers and other knowledge outputs as per project requirements; Work with Vertical Heads to execute the team’s research agenda and develop new research projects. Project Management Take ownership of end-to-end research and evaluation management, which would include developing and updating the project plan, assigning tasks to complete the same, and ensuring compliance with project requirements.; Conduct regular field visits as required to assess project progress and gather firsthand insights and feedback; Contribute to the hiring process of project-related positions; Contribute to reviewing sub-grantees and partner deliverables. Report Writing and Documentation Produce and edit high-quality documentation across formats, including briefs, decks, research papers, and reports; Contribute to landscape and secondary reviews, strategy documents, and other knowledge outputs tailored for diverse audiences, including government stakeholders; Support the dissemination of knowledge products to key stakeholders, ensuring materials are tailored, accessible, and actionable. Stakeholder Management Develop and maintain a good working relationship with implementation partner(s) and donor organisations; Present research/project findings to partner organisations and larger audiences through workshops/conferences. Adaptive & Entrepreneurial Contribution Take ownership of emerging areas of work; proactively identify process or insight gaps and help plug them; Stay responsive to evolving priorities and work collaboratively across a small and high-performing team. Skills, Experience and Knowledge: Essential Qualifications Master’s with five years of experience (with increasing responsibility) or Ph.D. in Economics, Development Economics, Development Studies or related disciplines with at least three years of applied research or evaluation experience; Evaluation expert with in-depth knowledge and experience implementing social science research methods, including experimental research; Demonstrated ability to develop research and evaluation plans, sampling frameworks, and to implement them; Good knowledge of current developments in development economics in India and South Asia, including gender and digital inclusion. Strong interest in AI and digital inclusion is preferred; Demonstrated experience in leading and managing primary data collection; Experience in conducting in-depth systematic review and synthesis of research; Independent and takes initiative to lead and manage multiple tasks and propose solutions; Excellent oral and written communication skills. Good writing skills and adaptability to work on academic as well as non-academic literature; Capacity to keep an organised and structured work style in a fast-paced environment; Good track record of academic and non-academic publications. Key Attributes Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as commitment to equal opportunities; Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn; Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments and work with multiple stakeholders; Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to interact with a wide range of individuals from Research Associates, Research Managers, etc., to academics, donors, research institutions, etc. Screening checks: Successful candidates will be asked to undergo background/reference checks. Application Instructions: Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please collate your resume, a cover letter and writing sample 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.
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. Position Overview: The Fundraising & External Engagement Specialist will lead LEAD’s resource mobilisation strategy to support its mission of advancing high-impact, action-oriented research. The role demands a strategic thinker and dynamic relationship-builder who can develop long-term partnerships with donors, foundations, corporates, and multilateral agencies. The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision, operational discipline, and storytelling ability to articulate LEAD’s value proposition to diverse audiences—ranging from philanthropic investors to institutional funders. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Fundraising Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with LEAD’s mission and growth plans; Proactively identify new outreach funding opportunities from bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, CSR arms, high-net-worth individuals and global philanthropies; Build a robust and diversified funding pipeline to ensure the sustainability and flexibility of research initiatives; Seek core/institutional/ unrestricted funding to build and strengthen core functions; The ideal candidate should bring an existing network of potential donors and funding partners, leveraging their established relationships to support key fundraising initiatives. Donor/External Engagement Cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors and institutional partners; Prepare compelling concept notes, proposals, and presentations tailored to funder priorities; Represent LEAD in high-level meetings, forums, and external networks to enhance visibility and credibility; Lead Impactful communication strategy & activities for fundraising.; Explore strategic partnership opportunities for LEAD/IWWAGE/Catalyst. Internal Collaboration and Alignment Work closely with the Executive Director, research leads, and communications teams to align fundraising priorities with research strategy and impact goals; Anchor the collaboration process end-to-end and work with the team on proposal development, budgets, and reporting to ensure compliance and timely delivery; Support thought leadership and knowledge-sharing initiatives that showcase LEAD’s work to funders and partners. Systems, Data, and Reporting Build systems to track prospects, commitments, and donor engagement; Ensure timely submission of proposals with quality and due diligence materials; Maintain transparency and accountability through regular documentation and performance reporting. Qualifications and Experience: Essential Master’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field; Minimum 10–15 years of professional experience , with at least 5 years in fundraising or business development within the development, academic, or research sectors; Proven track record of securing large-scale grants and managing donor relationships; Excellent proposal writing, communication, and negotiation skills; Strong understanding of India’s development funding ecosystem, including CSR, philanthropic, and international donors. Desirable Prior experience working with corporates/institutions, think tanks, or social impact organisations; Exposure to donor fund/proposal/tender management systems and compliance frameworks (e.g., FCRA, CSR, bilateral funders); Demonstrated ability to take full ownership of assigned responsibilities, work independently, and drive outcomes within tight timelines; Ability to bridge technical research insights with persuasive storytelling for non-technical audiences; Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills in building and managing teams. Desired Characteristics Strategic, entrepreneurial, and outcome-driven mindset; Strong relationship-building and networking ability across diverse stakeholders; Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills; High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and professional integrity; Deep interest in inclusive development, evidence-based policy, and LEAD’s thematic focus areas. Application Instructions: Deadline: Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis 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.
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 IWWAGE: Institute for What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE) aims to build on existing research and generate new evidence to inform and facilitate the agenda of women’s economic empowerment. IWWAGE is an initiative of LEAD, an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act). LEAD has strategic oversight and brand support from Krea University (sponsored by IFMR Society) to enable synergies between academia and the research centre. About the Position: We are actively seeking a qualified, self-sufficient and thorough Senior Research Fellow, preferably trained in Economics/Development Studies/other social sciences with a strong focus, particularly on Women Labour Force Participation and Women Economic Empowerment, for carrying forward the research agenda of IWWAGE. The successful candidate will have superior research and analytical skills, will be an excellent writer, and will have a solid understanding of evaluation methodologies. They will be adaptable, quick-to-learn, and uncompromising with respect to research quality and thoroughness. Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential in order to be able to present research insights to various stakeholders and on national and, possibly, international platforms through a wide range of media. In the long run, the Senior Research Fellow will support the Executive Director to develop and expand the team’s research agenda and grow the team’s research portfolio, with the opportunity of leading/pursuing other research opportunities. The Fellow is also expected to supervise and guide field staff as well as liaise with local government partners and stakeholders. The candidate should be willing to travel whenever necessary. Responsibilities: Research Role: Contribute to determining the research objectives for the time-bound research programmes; Conceptualise and carry out independent in-house research projects to enhance the research portfolio of IWWAGE; Develop survey design, questionnaires, polls, etc., specific to research requirements and test research methodologies to confirm the intended purpose of the evaluation for the current research; Oversee and monitor fieldwork, interviews, and experiments to gather evidence. Institution and Capacity-building Role: Contribute along with other senior team members in establishing the broader research agenda of IWWAGE; Contribute actively in managing project deadlines, maintaining timelines, reviewing outputs and coordinating with funders/research/academic partners; Maintain project information on internal systems (like Asana), monthly and periodic reporting on progress, managing resource requirements; Manage and build the capacity of the research assistants and young researchers/interns, and fellows at IWWAGE; Actively contribute to developing research opportunities; Respond to RFPs, or anchor proposal development in particular on the technical aspects; Where relevant expertise area, forge partnerships with donors and other research organisations to co-develop research concepts and implement them; Networking across sectors, including government, for the expansion of the vertical. Learning, Policy and Outreach Role: Publish articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals, opinion pieces for magazines and newspapers, and blog pieces; Develop policy briefs, factsheets and short research outputs for IWWAGE internal publications; Ensure compliance with LEAD’s research protocols across all project activities to maintain the integrity and quality of research; Any other task assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications: PhD/Masters in Gender Studies/Development Economics Studies/Public Policy with at least 8-10 years of relevant work experience, involving varied responsibilities in formulating, developing, implementing, managing and delivering evidence-based research projects of various levels of complexity. Strong research and evaluation skills to lead impact evaluations and research studies. Would also consider a PhD with at least 5 years of experience; however, strong project management skills are required; Demonstrable experience in supporting the capture and recording of impact from research projects. Knowledge of advanced statistical methods used for impact evaluation of large programs; Demonstrated experience in fundraising for projects; Record of publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals; Significant experience in establishing strong relationships with external partners, such as government, industry, NGOs, think tanks and multilateral donor organisations; Excellent communicator, both written and oral, able to express complex technical issues in plain language; Demonstrated ability to lead a team and a strong understanding of the entire research project development and research management cycle; Excellent relationship management skills at an executive level. 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.