Research Specialist – Centre for Social and Behaviour Change (CSBC)

Centre for Social and Behaviour Change (CSBC), hosted by Ashoka University, is set up by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The vision of the Centre is to establish an institution in India that is globally reputed for thought leadership and excellence in impactful, evidence-based behaviour change interventions for poor and marginalized populations. The Centre works in the areas of nutrition, sanitation, maternal health, family planning and financial services. The Centre executes this vision through a mix of (i) behaviour change programmes, in partnership with the Government of India and non-government organizations (ii) foundational research to improve the field’s understanding of poor & marginalized communities, the channels to reach them and the content to engage them and (iii) capability building – bringing latest advances in behavioural science, design thinking, data science & implementation science to design sharper interventions

Reports to Director (Research)

Project Context
CSBC, along with its partner, Immunisation Technical Support Unit (ITSU), is undertaking a project to conduct a behavioural audit of immunisation program components that affect the demand for vaccinations with the aim of identifying best practices and uncovering gaps. The project will also involve designing behavioural solutions to improve immunisation coverage, completion and timeliness across India.

Overview of the Role
The Research Specialist will lead the direction and design of projects, working closely with government and non-government stakeholders, designing the research methodology, surveys, interview tools etc., overseeing data collection and monitoring activities, formulating analysis framework and plan, and ensuring high quality and rigour is maintained throughout the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the literature/training/design reviews, landscaping and scoping analysis while applying a behavioural lens and framework to draw insights.
• Lead research design – including the methodology, data collection protocols and specifics, survey tools, and analysis plan.
• Ensure rigorous research methodology and quality are maintained in all project activities, including ethics compliance.
• Design analysis plan and behavioural frameworks to collate and draw qualitative and quantitative insights.
• Supervise data collection in the field, stakeholder interviews, and data monitoring and analysis.
• Conduct ideating workshops, conceptualise, design and develop behavioural solutions to improve immunisation coverage, completion and timeliness. Design evaluation and scale-up plans for the solutions.
• Stakeholder management: Communicate with stakeholders about research design and behavioural science, supervise the creation of project reports, and assist in disseminating results.
• Provide advisory and rapid research support to the stakeholders and project as required.

Skills and Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. economics, behavioural and social sciences, statistics, management, public policy, public health).
• Minimum 4-6 years of work experience in a research role, with proven instances of conceptualising projects and leading project design.
• (Desirable) Experience in conducting fieldwork or primary research in peri-urban/rural India.
• Experience with managing datasets using programming languages such as R, Stata, etc.
• Ability to manage varied tasks quickly and efficiently with high analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills – able to manage various stakeholders and guide a team of associates on the project.
• An understanding of experimental research methods would be an advantage.
• Fluency in English (Required).

Location and Days of Work
The role can be based anywhere in India, but the preferred location is Delhi. This role may require travel to the field. This is a full-time role (Monday-Friday) with a contract for a duration of one year, extendable upon mutual agreement. Applicants should be authorised to work in India.

Compensation
Remuneration is competitive with the sector and will vary depending on the candidate’s qualifications and work experience.

How to Apply
Please send your application to careersatcsbc@ashoka.edu.in

Your application must include:

• The name of the position you are applying for (in the subject line).
• A one-page cover letter highlighting relevant experience and a one-page CV. Please combine both documents into one PDF attachment.
• A mention of where you came across this job opening.
• If you were referred by or have already spoken to someone at CSBC, kindly mention their name.

Closing Date Rolling applications

We recommend that you apply early as applications will be processed as they are received and the position may be filled before the closing date.

We are an equal opportunity organisation and promote diversity. Women, differently-abled persons, and SC/ST/OBC candidates are especially encouraged to apply.