Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate – Centre for Minerals and Sustainable Development

IIHS is setting up a Research Centre on Minerals and Sustainable Development under its School of Governance and is looking for qualified and committed researchers to join the interdisciplinary team at the Centre.

This position is for a research associate who will carry out research on the mines and minerals sector and its relationship with sustainable development. It is expected that the ideal candidate will be familiar with the contemporary national (India) and global debates, issues and challenges in the context of mining and minerals, manufacturing, urbanisation, sustainability, including energy transitions, and the broader interface between minerals and decarbonisation.

Activities and Tasks

Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Conducting background research and developing research ideas that enable a holistic understanding of the mining sector in India in its various contexts, with a focus on macro and micro-economics, trade, industrial policy, finance and the role of the market;
• Tracking current trends and developments at global, national and state levels to identify gaps and opportunities for research and intervention, aimed towards understanding the mines and minerals sector in India and its relationship with other sectors;
• Assisting senior leadership in developing a long-term research agenda and its execution;
• Developing and contributing to background papers, working papers, policy briefs, guidance documents, and any other knowledge products;
• Co-producing high-quality academic publications in leading journals, participating in workshops and seminars (outreach activities), and contributing to research dissemination through multiple forms and channels;
• Collaborating with IIHS leadership to conceptualise and execute events, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables on mining and minerals, and related fields;
• Identifying and interfacing with key stakeholders in government, industry, and civil society; and conducting field visits, as needed;
• Assisting in preparation of data-backed visualisation and communication for various digital platforms;
• Contributing to the capacity building agenda pertaining to the activities of the Centre;
• Assisting the senior leadership in day to day management, reporting and administration of the mining related work at IIHS;
• Providing support to other IIHS activities including academics, research, training, practice, operations and others;
• Participating in all activities of Institution-building at IIHS; carrying out tasks as assigned by IIHS; and traveling on IIHS work within or outside the country as and when needed.

Structure and Reporting

The research associate will report to the Head Practice (Infrastructure and Climate) or to any other person designated by IIHS, and will be required to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal teams and external individuals/organizations, and stakeholders.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least a Masters degree in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, International Relations, Sustainable Development, Mining, Geology, or a related field. A PhD would be considered an advantage.
• Around 2- 6 years of relevant work experience in research, policy and data analysis, and field research work. They would be well acquainted with quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. They should be proficient in data analysis tools and data visualization techniques, in addition to the Microsoft suite. Ideally, the candidate would have demonstrable evidence on secondary research pertaining to the mining and minerals sector.
• Keen interest in policy-oriented research related to the mining, minerals or allied sectors, such as energy, environment, sustainable development, urbanisation, decarbonisation. It is expected that the candidate will be conversant with recent developments in the field of the mines and minerals sector at national, regional, and global levels; and its interface with issues like urbanisation, decarbonisation and sustainable development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, along with demonstrable experience in authoring and co-authoring reports, research articles, op-eds, and policy briefs. The candidate should be able to present complex research and data in simple and effective formats for diverse audiences, including non-specialist audiences.
• Reasonable previous experience in managing or assisting in conceptualising, organising and managing international and/or national conferences and workshops.
• The ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams. An ability to build and foster relationships with external stakeholders, including industry, government, and civil society would be an added advantage.
• Spoken and written proficiency in English and Hindi. Ideal applicants will be proficient in one other modern Indian language.

This offer is on an exclusive basis, which implies that other professional assignments (whether compensated or not) that bear a potential conflict of interest with IIHS cannot be undertaken.

The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Location

This position is based in New Delhi and may entail travel to other locations in India.

Review and Assessment

The role and performance of the incumbent shall be subject to normal review and assessment systems at IIHS.

Diversity Policy

IIHS is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities and those from economically and socially excluded communities with the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for positions.

Contact

Please write to us at [HIDDEN TEXT] if you need any clarifications while filling the online application form.