Job Description

Position Title & Name

Head - Research

Location (Field/ HO/Site)

HO

Organization profile

Over the years, Reliance Foundation’s initiatives have continued to evolve, while remaining responsive to the ever-changing needs of society. The Foundation is currently focusing on creating change in areas of Rural Transformation, Health, Education, Sports for Development, Disaster Response, Arts, Culture & Heritage and Urban Renewal.

To know more about Reliance Foundation, visit our website: www.reliancefoundation.org

Read our latest Annual Report on https://www.reliancefoundation.org/AnnualReport-2020-2021/v1/index.html

Job Purpose

Head of Research will develop Reliance Foundation’s research initiatives, including research papers, conferences, seminars and collaborations with partners to share best practice and learnings in the development sector.

Outcomes (KPIs)

• Roles & Responsibility and Outcomes (KPI)

Roles & Responsibility

To develop and lead the Reliance Foundation research team and work closely with the Reliance Foundation leadership, M&E team and communications team

• Develop a coherent and coordinated research programme to share best practices and learnings in the development sector
• To produce and commission a wide range of high quality written outputs for various audiences including well targeted and well evidenced research papers, blogs, and other outputs
• To commission thoughtful agenda setting pieces of work, working in collaboration with a range of partners including think tanks and academic researchers
• Work with leading national and global organisations to develop and organise conferences, seminars, and other events and opportunities to drive the conversation in the development sector
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with relevant peer organisations and stakeholders in the development sector, including development organisations, NGOs, and other external agencies

Key Stakeholders/ Collaborators

Experience & Educational Requirements

• EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Include Additional Certification Required if any
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Scope of Work

a) People Management Scope (Range of no. of Direct Reports):

b) Geography Coverage (Country-wide/ Region-wide / Location-wide / Other)

Necessary:

• Masters or PHD in a related discipline (e.g. public policy, research, social sciences, or development)
• 15-20 years’ work experience in relevant fields including first-hand experience with research / writing and/or policy work in the development space
• Strong understanding of the Indian development and social environment
• Experience of leading the development and managing the production of research outputs including full research programmes, papers, reports and surveys
• Working with, collaborating and managing external high profile stakeholders from international development organisations, NGOs, academia, and similar
• Experience of line management and ability to work as a team player

Desirable

• Knowledge and/or experience with the thought leadership and research landscape in which Reliance Foundation operates, including first-hand experience in one or more of the following areas: Rural Transformation, Education, Women Empowerment, Healthcare, Sports for Development and Disaster Response
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to negotiate and influence
• Curiosity, strategic thinking
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation and project management skills
• Experienced leader, having managed and motivated a professional team of researchers or writers on strategically important issues