National Council of Applied Economic Research

Number of Positions: One Last Date: May 20, 2025. The positions will remain open until filled. Compensation: A salary that is commensurate with market and experience of the right candidate. Main Responsibilities and Duties Communications and Outreach Associate will report to the NCAER National Data Innovation Centre (NDIC) Director. His/her duties will involve: Taking care of NDIC’s overall external engagement working under the supervision and guidance of the Centre Director and Senior Fellows. Driving NDIC’s print, and digital communications programme to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and creative media communications. Maintain content on NDIC’s website. Design presentation templates, brochures and outreach material. Maintaining consistency across different outputs to nurture a brand identity. Develop short videos documenting NDIC’s research and data collection activities. Work with NDIC researchers to co-ordinate newsletters and infographics. Work with NDIC researchers to help them disseminate their research including via presentations, blogs and short video clips. Co-ordinate meetings with external stakeholders. Derive multiple messages calibrated for different stakeholder audiences and across the latest multi-media and other platforms, while ensuring these are always consistent with NDIC’s and NCAER’s key brand, messaging, and values. Develop and maintain NDIC’s social media profile under guidance from Centre Director. Actively seek to promote a culture of knowledge sharing across NCAER’s research teams. Other additional tasks as deemed necessary by the Centre Director. Qualification, Experience and Demonstrated Skills Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree /diploma in Mass Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design or related fields from a reputed institution. Experience: Prior experience in content creation and designing communication materials for economic research or policy institute is highly desirable. Time Management: Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and managing multiple tasks efficiently. Communication Skills: Excellent writing and communication skills are essential. Software Skills: Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint and other designing, editing and writing digital tools including Canva, Mailchimp, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and so on. How to Apply Interested applicants should send a detailed CV, with a covering letter, and names and contacts details of three references to hr@ncaer.org with the subject line “Communications and Outreach Associate ”. Job Overview Job Posted 12 May, 2025 Job Expires in 20 May, 2025 Experience Prior experience in content creation and designing communication materials for economic research or policy institute is highly desirable Education A Bachelor's (or Master’s) degree /diploma in Mass Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design or related fields from a reputed institution Location NCAER, New Delhi

The Governing Board of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has initiated the selection process for a new Director General following Dr. Poonam Gupta’s appointment as the RBI Deputy Governor. Under Dr. Gupta’s leadership, NCAER has undergone a successful transformation, emerging as a more networked institution with enhanced capabilities in policy research, outreach and project execution. NCAER seeks to find a candidate who will build on its long-standing legacy of policy impact. NCAER – ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION India’s largest and oldest economic research and policy think tank, NCAER, was established in 1956. The vision behind NCAER’s establishment was of a newly independent country needing neutral institutions to serve as sounding boards for the government and the private sector. In 1959, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone for the present campus. In 2013, Dr Manmohan Singh, while laying the foundation stone for the new buildings, suggested that public-private institutions like NCAER ensure economics is both “light-bearing” and “fruit-bearing”. NCAER’s Governing Board is chaired by Mr Nandan M. Nilekani (Infosys) and includes Mr Mukesh Ambani (Reliance), Mr Deepak Parekh (ex-HDFC), Mr Sanjeev Puri (ITC), Ms Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Mr Sandeep Singhal (WestBridge), Mr Anil Rai Gupta (Havells), Mr Manish Sabharwal (Teamlease), Ms Ireena Vittal (ex-McKinsey) and Ms Anuradha Thakur (Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance). NCAER currently has 103 research staff members, of whom 40 hold PhDs. Its flagship products include the annual India Policy Forum (the country’s longest-running policy conference, now jointly with NITI Aayog and the World Bank), the India Human Development Survey (India’s longest non-government panel survey data, in collaboration with the University of Maryland), and the States Economic Forum (jointly with NITI Aayog). NCAER’s – FOCUS AREAS For over 69 years, NCAER has upheld its core promise: asking the right questions, gathering robust evidence, conducting rigorous analysis, and sharing insights widely. As India enters one of its boldest and most ambitious phases of economic growth, NCAER is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping growth-oriented policymaking. Today, it operates across the following thematic areas: National Growth and Macroeconomic Centre; Human Development and Data Innovation Centre; Investor Education and Protection Fund Chair Unit; Computable General Equilibrium Modelling and Policy Analysis Unit; States, Sectors, Surveys, and Impact Evaluation Unit; Agriculture, Trade, Technology, and Skills Unit; Centre for Health Policy and Systems; and Centre for Gender and Macroeconomy India’s next wave of reforms requires a shift from macroeconomics to microeconomics, from the bird’s-eye view of fiscal and monetary policy to the worm’s-eye view of daily life issues faced by participants in healthcare, education, finance, skills, gender, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, and employment. NCAER proposes to advocate for this shift through rigorous, relevant and credible policy research that participates in the battle for ideas. For more information, refer to NCAER’s Annual Reports, research outputs, and other details at www.ncaer.org DIRECTOR GENERAL – ROLE SPECIFICATION The Director General serves as the Chief Executive Officer of NCAER and reports to its Governing Board, of which he/she is also an ex-officio member. This position is based in New Delhi and carries a four-year term, which can be renewed based on performance and institutional requirements. The NCAER Governing Body seeks a leader to uphold the institution’s proud legacy of respected and influential leadership, guide its research agenda for decades ahead, and advance its tradition of relevance, excellence, and impact. Over the decades, NCAER has been staffed by distinguished leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions to India’s economic governance. These include Mr Suman Bery, current Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Dr. Rakesh Mohan and Dr. Subir Gokarn, former Deputy Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, Mr SL Rao, former Chairman of Central Electricity Regulator and many others. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership and Vision: Define and drive the long-term strategic vision of the institution in alignment with national development priorities. Ensure the continued relevance of the institution’s research agenda to emerging economic challenges and opportunities, especially in Indian states. Policy Engagement and Influence: Actively strengthen relationships with policymakers at the central and state levels. Position the institution as a key contributor to policy design, not just analysis, bridging the gap between evidence and actionable policy. Represent the institution in high-level policy dialogues, advisory bodies, and national and international forums. Research Excellence and Institutional Management: Oversee the quality, independence, and relevance of all research output. Lead a high-performing team of researchers, analysts, and operational staff (approx. 130 personnel, including outsourced roles). Foster an internal culture of academic excellence, ethics, inclusion, and innovation. Resource Mobilisation and Financial Stewardship: Significantly grow the institution’s endowment through philanthropic partnerships and strategic fundraising. Expand project-based funding from the government, multilaterals, foundations, and the private sector. External Partnerships and Visibility: Enhance the visibility and reputation of the institution nationally and globally. Build collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, industry leaders, and multilateral organisations. Ideal Experience and Qualifications Cross-Sectoral Exposure At least 20 years of experience and a strong track record in economic research, public policy, applied economics or a related field in one or more of the following institutions Academia, think tanks, research institutions; Multilateral and international organizations; Government or Regulatory institutions; and Indian or Multinational Private Sector organisations (Financial institutions, consulting firms, corporates) Institutional Leadership Experience in leading research institutions or large programmes with interdisciplinary teams, guiding long-term agendas, and delivering credible, independent output aligned with policy and institutional priorities. Thought Leadership and Market Credibility Demonstrated thought leadership and a public voice in the domain of applied economics and policy. Track record of engagement with senior policymakers and government officials. Fundraising and Partnerships Proven ability to build strategic, long-term relationships with philanthropic institutions, government, multilaterals, and the private sector to mobilise institutional funding and support. Values and Purpose Alignment Demonstrated commitment to India’s long-term growth and to the principles of non-partisan, public-interest research that informs inclusive and sustainable policymaking. Educational Background Advanced degree in economics or a related discipline Application Process Applications and nominations for this position can be submitted by email to Search Committee 2025 ( searchcommittee2025@ncaer.org ) until August 15, 2025 and should include: A comprehensive resume, with an optional list of at most five chosen links to websites, publications, and profiles that best represent the candidate. A 750-word cover letter on the suitability of the candidate for this position and vision for NCAER over the next decade. All initial applications and nominations will be acknowledged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further engagement. The NCAER Governing Board reserves the right to fill the position through a direct invitation if deemed appropriate. Job Overview Job Posted 21 Jul, 2025 Education Advanced degree in economics or a related discipline Location NCAER, New Delhi