Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS)
Location: Delhi, India
About the RTDC Initiative
The NCAER Real Time Data Center (RTDC) initiative, led by Professor Sam Asher (ImperialCollege London, NCAER, and Development Data Lab), aims to establish the premier source of real-time economic data and analysis in India. This groundbreaking initiative will support responsive policymaking and research through high-frequency, high-spatial resolution economic activity tracking. The RTDC will combine real-time data streams from the public and private sectors, ultimately covering the major domains of the Indian economy: consumption, business activity, employment, health, education, migration, and urbanization.
Role Overview: We are seeking an Delhi-based Director to lead the development of the RTDC initiative. This pivotal role involves overseeing the critical first phase of developing high-resolution data partnerships and initial data-driven products, including securing key data partnerships, formalizing and spearheading our strategic vision, and working with the technical team to set and achieve ambitious milestones. The Director will play a critical role in liaising with government agencies, private sector firms, research institutions, and funders to ensure the success of this initiative. The Director will also play a critical role in building a world-class teamof economists, data scientists, and administrative staff.The India Director will be an employee of NCAER, and will report jointly to the NCAER Director General (Dr Poonam Gupta) and Professor Asher.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the strategic plan for the RTDC, aligning with broader organizational goals.
- Data Partnerships: Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including leading federal agencies in India, leading private sector firms, and the research and philanthropic communities to secure access to vital real-time data streams and ensure demand-driven roadmap.
- Funding and Resource Mobilization: Work closely with the NCAER board and potential funders to secure the necessary resources for the initiatives sustainability.
- Advocacy and Engagement: Represent the RTDC in key forums, enhancing the initiatives visibility and impact through strategic communications and partnerships.
- Program Management: Oversee the design and development of a data-driven insights product tracking urban growth and change. Ensure alignment with user needs and organizational objectives, and facilitate rapid and effective implementation.
- Team Leadership: Build and manage a multidisciplinary team, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to forge and maintain partnerships with governmental and private sector entities.
- Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in presenting complex concepts in accessible formats.
- Strategic thinker with a proven track record in project management and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong leadership skills with experience in managing high-performance teams.
- Significant experience in leading data-driven projects, preferably in economic research or a related area.
- Deep understanding of the data landscape in India, particularly in relation to economic indicators.
- Advanced degree in Economics, Data Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
Compensation:
- A competitive salary package, including base salary and performance-based incentives. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and support for remote work setups.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
Work Environment:
- This position is based at NCAERs offices in Delhi.
- The role may require occasional travel within India and internationally, in line with the centres needs.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and their vision for the RTDC. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
