Research Associate – Growth, Finance & Development – Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP)

Apply by 30th Nov 23

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) conducts independent, in-depth, and policy-relevant research, and provides evidence-based recommendations to the challenges facing India and the world. It draws on the expertise of its researchers, extensive interactions with policy makers as well as convening power to enhance the impact of research. Our researchers work across the domains of Economic Growth and Development including Urbanisation; Energy, Natural Resources and Sustainability; and Foreign Policy and Security. All our research and policy recommendations are freely available to the public.

CSEP is based in New Delhi and registered as a company limited by shares and not for profit, under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 1956.

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress is looking for a motivated individual interested in conducting policy-relevant research on public finances, fiscal federalism, and the fiscal architecture. Candidates with relevant qualifications (see below) and a keen interest in policy research may apply.

Responsibilities include:

• Awareness of important global and domestic debates in public finance and fiscal federalism, and passion for playing a role in influencing the policy discourse
• Knowledge of the public finances of the centre and the states in India
• Broad understanding of data availability and the ability to work and manage datasets of the centre and the states
• Keen desire and ability to pursue inter-disciplinary research across public finances, fiscal federalism, fiscal architecture, sub-national economies, and financing human capital
• Contributing to high quality policy relevant publications
• Working with other scholars in planning and executing research and outreach on related topics
• Playing an active role in institutional activities like organising and assisting with CSEP seminars, roundtables, and conferences

Key requisites:

• Advanced degree in Economics, public policy, or other related fields, preferably with minimum 2 years of work experience
• Strong analytical and writing skills, preferably demonstrated in relevant and recent publications
• Ability to undertake research independently
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on multiple studies simultaneously, independently or with guidance from senior/distinguished fellows
• Interest in and ability to pursue inter-disciplinary research
• Knowledge and understanding of India’s federal structure, fiscal architecture and regulation, and inter-governmental fiscal transfers, especially related to human capital, would be an advantage

CSEP is an independent, non-partisan research organisation based in New Delhi. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons regardless of race, colour, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation shall have equal access to positions, limited only by their ability to do the job.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume by November 30 2023. Please submit your resume and add your cover letter as an attachment when you apply, with the subject line ‘Research Associate – Growth, Finance & Development’. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.