Openings- Sankala Foundation

Apply by 10th Dec 23

Sankala Foundation, working at the intersection of climate, sustainability, natural resources management, SDGs, innovation and promote people-centric policies and programmes, is looking for suitable candidates with domain knowledge in respective fields to work on its various programmes. All positions are based at New Delhi with travel to various parts of the country.

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about working in relevant areas and keen to contribute in policy making, public service delivery and governance, have the ability to analyse issues and possess excellent writing and presentation skills, are invited to apply and be part of our mission- driven team. All positions carry remuneration matching in the non-profit sector and will be commensurate to qualification, experience and capacity to contribute. Sankala provides an excellent work environment to excel and contribute. Sankala Foundation is a place for people with Indian ethos and values to bring change to make people’s lives better. Sankala is looking for candidates with ideas and energy, who are thoughtful, highly motivated, self-driven, and have hunger to contribute to make others as well as their own life more meaningful.

To apply, please review the role and responsibilities, and submit your application in the prescribed form in digital format with your updated resume with a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications. Please also attach a statement of objectives (about 500 – 600 words) about joining the Sankala Foundation and chosen area of work highlighting how you will be an asset to the organization.

Sankala Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Here, diversity is an asset and is celebrated. We welcome applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview, will be contacted.

Positions Open

1 : Programme Associate – Rural Water Supply

This position is for a person with extensive experience in research, analysis, report writing, book writing, analyzing, and formulating policy documents in the field of drinking water supply both in rural and urban areas. You have to contribute in government’s endeavour to ensure clean tap water supply to every household by studying various models and practices in the water sector within the country and abroad. You will be advancing our mission to improve India’s water governance and water security by documenting best practices, technology, and systems in drinking water supply sector, while critically analyzing challenges in the field.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience (Preferably 10 years) in conducting research, documenting, analyzing, report-writing, and formulating policy documents and reports related to drinking water supply in rural India;
• In-depth knowledge of the water sector related to drinking water supply in rural India specifically;
• Ph.D. or Postgraduate degree or PG diploma from a reputed organization in public policy/ public administration/ rural management/ public health engineering/ environmental engineering/ development subjects/ resource economics or a related field having strong research and analytical skills;
• Proven track record of producing high-quality policy papers, reports and books;
• In-depth knowledge of water supply sector in the country/ various states, including service delivery, challenges, utility development and management, regulations, and policies;
• Prior experience in evaluating and analyzing water-related programmes in the field of drinking water supply in India; and
• Prior experience of having worked in a reputed national/ international organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the water supply programme/ vertical on drinking water supply;
• Conduct in-depth studies to assess the state of drinking water supply, quality, and accessibility in different regions of India;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather data, conduct primary/secondary research, and analyze findings;
• Produce comprehensive reports, books, and policy papers providing valuable insights into India’s water supply challenges and potential solutions;
• Stay updated with the latest drinking water supply technologies developments, policies, and best practices;
• Engage with government and its agencies, NGOs, academicians, R&D institutions, agencies, and relevant stakeholders to contribute to policy discussions and reforms in the sector;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of various drinking water supply interventions and programmes;
• Develop and maintain partnerships with academic institutions and research organizations as well as funding agencies;
• Disseminate research findings through presentations, publications, and conferences;
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and analysts.

2 : Programme Associate – Water Resource Management

The position is to work on programmes/ vertical to contribute in improving water governance and better management to achieve water security by developing models and practices in the water sector. The Sankala Foundation is opening this position to attract a seasoned water sector professional with extensive experience in research, report and book writing, analyzing and formulating policy documents in Water Resource Management. In this role, you will advance our mission to improve India’s water governance and help in achieving security by researching, documenting and promoting best practices in water governance and resource management while critically analyzing challenges in the field.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience (preferably 10 years) in conducting research and analysis related to water resource management, water governance and irrigation in India with an in- depth knowledge of the sector;
• Ph.D. or a Postgraduate degree/ PG diploma from a reputed organisation in public policy, water resource management, hydrology, environmental sciences, rural management, natural resource economics or management, or any related field with strong analytical and writing skills;
• Proven track record of producing high-quality reports, books, and policy papers;
• In-depth knowledge of India’s water resource management challenges, including various practices, participatory management, governance, regulations, policies, etc.;
• Prior experience in evaluation and analysis of water resource management related projects, irrigation management, water use efficiency, recycling, water resource economics and management; and
• Prior experience of having worked in a reputed organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee research initiatives focused on water resource management in India;
• Conduct comprehensive studies to assess the state of water resources, availability, distribution, and sustainability in different regions of India;
• Collaborate with experts, researchers, and stakeholders to collect and analyze data to inform research;
• Produce research reports, books, and policy papers that offer valuable insights into India’s water resource management challenges and potential solutions;
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in water resource management technologies, policies, and best practices and cultivate partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and international bodies;
• Engage with government agencies, environmental organizations, and relevant stakeholders to contribute to policy discussions, reforms, and sustainable practices;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of various water resource management interventions and programs; and
• Disseminate research findings through presentations, publications, and participation in conferences and workshops.

3 : Research Assistant – Rural Water Supply

Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal to ensure clean tap water to every rural household. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) embodies more than a mere shift in water access; it signifies a transformation across India’s varied landscapes with regard to piped water delivery. Beyond its impact on water availability, JJM triggered a substantive transformation in societal and technological realms. It has become a benchmark for project planning, execution, community mobilization, technological innovations, people’s participation, use of digital technology and shift from infrastructure development to service delivery. All these aspects need to studied, documented and shared, so that it reached to a wider audience with the aim of learning and replication.

Sankala aims to develop evidence-based solutions through field research, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making and progressive policies. Given the increasing challenges posed by climate change, ideas and work done to develop climate resilience infrastructure and approaches through practices such as rainwater harvesting, drought management, and groundwater recharge can make it an attractive model for countries vulnerable to water scarcity. Through active engagement via publications, conferences, and collaborations, the documented success stories will be invaluable for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations globally, offering practical insights into water management strategies and their real-world impacts.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Postgraduate degree from a reputed organisation in public policy/ rural development/ management/ public health engineering/ resource economics/ water science/ environmental science or a related field having strong research and analytical skills;
• Minimum 2 years of experience in conducting primary and secondary research, report-writing, and analysing data and policy documents; and
• Prior experience in evaluating and analysing water-related programmes is desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and document case studies related to water supply in rural areas especially under Jal Jeevan Mission through secondary research;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather data, conduct primary research, and analyse the case studies;
• Produce comprehensive research reports, books, and policy papers providing valuable insights into India’s water supply challenges and potential solutions;
• Stay updated with the latest drinking water supply technologies developments, policies, and best practices;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of JJM and various drinking water supply programmes and disseminate to varied audiences.

4 : Programme Associate – Watershed Management

We are seeking a Programme Associate to conduct field research in the area of watershed management leading to preparation of best practices, case studies, policy papers, monographs, books, etc. We are looking for a professional with a deep understanding of water security challenges in the Indian subcontinent and knowledge of various government initiatives promoting micro- watershed management solutions. The role requires an individual with insight into community and water issues, management experience, analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree with Ph.D. preferred from a reputed organisation in any of the fields viz. Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Sustainable Development, Resource Economics, Forestry, etc.;
• Over 8 years of experience (preferably 10 years) in research, documentation, report-writing, data and policy analysis, and formulating policy documents related to water/ watershed/ resource management;
• In-depth knowledge of the water sector, hydrology, river basin management, and environmental assessment desired;
• Technical expertise and data analysis skills required, with experience in designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative research;
• Prior experience in evaluating government schemes or working with reputable or international organizations in a similar field is preferred; and
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research papers, reports, and books.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Manage, design, and lead the programmes related to watershed/ water security in the country;
• Research oversight: Head research initiatives focusing on watershed management, overseeing their design, execution, and analysis. Conduct in-depth studies to assess the status of water supply, quality, accessibility, soil health, and other related aspects across diverse regions in India;
• Collaborative approach: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to collect and analyze data through primary and secondary research;
• Insightful reporting: Produce concise and comprehensive research reports, policy papers, monographs, books, etc. and offer valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for India’s water security issues;
• Industry awareness: Stay abreast of the latest developments, technologies, policies, and best practices in the field of watershed management/natural resource management;
• Impact evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various watershed management interventions and programmes, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with project goals; and
• Knowledge dissemination: Disseminate research findings through engaging presentations, impactful publications, and participation in relevant conferences.

5 : Programme Associate – Rural Livelihood

Sankala Foundation, a New Delhi-based non-profit organization, is seeking a Programme Associate for its sustainable livelihood programme to conduct qualitative research leading to development and advocate sustainable policies and programmes. We are looking for a professional with a deep understanding of the challenges in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural India, especially for communities living in and around forests and mountains with knowledge and awareness of various government initiatives creating innovative sustainable livelihood opportunities like promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), medicinal plants, ecotourism, running wellness and recreation centres, etc. The role requires an individual with insight, project management experience, analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree with preference to Ph.D. in any field such as Rural Development, Rural Management, Natural Resource Management, Social Work, Agriculture, Forestry, Sustainable Livelihoods, or related disciplines;
• Over 8 years of experience (preferably 10 years) in qualitative research, evaluation studies, analysis, documentation, report-writing related to rural livelihoods in India;
• In-depth knowledge of challenges in rural India especially in hilly and forested areas, with a focus on forest dwellers and the utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products;
• Technical expertise in qualitative research methods and the ability to independently manage and execute research projects;
• Familiarity with governmental initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods, especially for forest dependent communities. Prior experience in collaborating with government bodies, NGOs, or international organizations in the field of rural livelihoods;
• Knowledge of sustainable development practices and innovative approaches to rural livelihood creation; and
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research papers, reports, and books.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Manage, design, and lead the programmes/ vertical related to sustainable livelihoods in rural areas;
• Research oversight: Head research initiatives focusing on sustainable livelihoods, overseeing their design, execution, and analysis. Conduct in-depth studies to assess the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable livelihoods in rural India, particularly among forest dwellers;
• Collaborative approach: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to collect and analyze data through primary and secondary research, fostering a collaborative research environment;
• Insightful reporting: Produce concise and comprehensive research reports, policy papers, case studies, monographs, books, etc. offering valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities;
• Industry awareness: Stay abreast of the latest developments, technologies, policies, and best practices in the field of rural livelihoods, with a focus on forest communities and Non-Timber Forest Products.
• Impact evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions and programmes aimed at creating alternate livelihoods in rural areas, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with project goals.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Disseminate research findings through engaging presentations, impactful publications, and participation in relevant conferences, contributing to the broader discourse on rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

6 : Research Associate – Watershed Management

Sankala Foundation, a New Delhi-based non-profit organization, is seeking a Research Associate for Watershed Management. The role involves conducting research leading to a case study/publication, focusing on water security challenges in the Indian subcontinent and governmental initiatives promoting micro-watershed management solutions.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree with preference to Ph.D. in the fields like Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Rural Management, Sustainable Development, Forestry or related disciplines;
• Minimum 4 years of experience in conducting research, report writing, documentation, analysis, and formulating policy documents related to water/ resource management in India;
• Knowledge of the water sector, hydrology, river basin management, and environmental assessment is beneficial;
• Technical expertise and data analysis skills required, with experience in designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative research;
• Prior experience in evaluating government schemes or working with reputable or international organizations in a similar field is preferred; and
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research papers, reports, and books.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the leadership by contributing to the research work related to various programmes;
• Support research initiatives focusing on water management, assisting in the design, execution, and analysis of studies assessing the status of water availability, across diverse regions;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assist in collecting and analyzing data through primary and secondary research, fostering a collaborative research environment;
• Contribute to insightful reporting by assisting in the production of research reports, offering valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for water security issues in India;
• Stay informed about the latest developments, technologies, policies, and best practices in the field of water management innovations;
• Support in assessment of management effectiveness of various watershed management interventions and programmes, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Assist in the dissemination of research findings through presentations, publications, and participation in relevant conferences, contributing to the broader discourse on water management.

7 : Research Associate – Rural Livelihood

Sankala Foundation, a New Delhi-based non-profit organization, is seeking a Research Associate for our Rural Livelihood programme. The role involves conducting qualitative research leading to publications of case studies, policy papers, monographs, etc. with a focus on creating and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural India, particularly in forested areas and Himalayan regions. We are looking for a professional with a deep understanding of rural development challenges, knowledge of various government initiatives promoting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and a commitment to sustainable development.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. preferred in fields such as Rural Development, Rural Management, Natural Resource Management, Social Work, Agriculture, Forestry, Sustainable Livelihoods, or related disciplines;
• Minimum 4 years of experience in qualitative research, analysis, report writing and documentation related to rural livelihoods in India;
• In-depth knowledge of rural development challenges, with a focus on forest dwellers and the utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products;
• Technical expertise in qualitative research methods and the ability to independently manage and execute research projects;
• Familiarity with various government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities like NTFPs, medicinal plants, eco-tourism, running wellness and recreation centres, etc. especially for forest-dependent communities;
• Knowledge of sustainable development practices and innovative approaches to the creation of rural livelihood opportunities;
• Prior experience in collaborating with government bodies, NGOs, or international organizations in the field of rural livelihoods; and
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research papers, reports, and books.

Responsibilities:

• Be a part of the programme team, support research initiatives focusing on rural livelihood, assisting in the design, execution, and analysis of data, assessing challenges and opportunities in creating alternate livelihoods;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assist in collecting and analyzing data through primary and secondary research methods, fostering a collaborative research environment;
• Contribute to insightful reporting by assisting in the production of research reports, offering valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for rural livelihood creation in India;
• Stay informed about the latest developments, technologies, policies, and best practices in the field of rural livelihoods, particularly in forest communities and Non-Timber Forest Products;
• Support in assessing the effectiveness of various interventions aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas, ensuring alignment with programme goals; and
• Assist in the dissemination of research findings through presentations, publications, and participation in relevant conferences, contributing to the broader discourse on rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

Deadline:December 10th, 2023

Note:Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and the selected candidate(s) will be expected to join and start the work at the earliest.