Head (Research)

Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS)

Job Location: Palam Vihar, Gurugram, NCR

The Infravision Foundation (TIF)

TIF Is an independent think-tank dedicated to shaping and evaluating Indias public policy related to infrastructure, with a particular focus on transportation, energy, water & sanitation, social infrastructure, agricultural supply chains, and cities. We are a growing hub for exchange of knowledge and research, providing independent analysis, initiating new subjects for public deliberation, participating in official and civil society discourses on infrastructure, evaluating development programmes and promoting solutions for policy, investment, and capacity building, with a particular emphasis on the role of the private sector and public- private-partnership.

TIF upholds the impartial, enlightened, and respected voice of reason. TIF has been created by reputed professionals and industry leaders. Our understanding of critical issues and insight regarding future trajectories in infrastructure and economic growth draws on the deep insight of policy experts, scholars, and practitioners from various technical domains. We execute our work by partnering with practitioners, thinktanks and research centres that share our commitment to excellence.

Our work

TIF works at the intersection of infrastructure development and public policy. We use rigorously produced research to advocate for policy reform or fill policy gaps and, wherever needed, to convert the learning from research and advocacy into a capacity building programme. Since its inception in 2022, TIF's advocacy efforts have resulted in improvements in project delivery through the use of surety bonds and the evolution of public transport project planning for Indian cities. Our Sooraj Se Rozgaari initiative is deeply resonant with the Prime Minister's vision for solar rooftops for ten million households. Our initiative on improving regulated warehousing infrastructure to enable warehouse-receipt based sales and credit will contribute to India's, and the world's largest, grain storage plan for agriculture cooperatives. TIF identifies macro as well as granular issues related to infrastructure to contribute to making economic growth sustainable, resilient and inclusive.

The role of Head (Research) at TIF

You will be the first incumbent of the role titled as Head (Research). We are also recruiting a Head (Programmes), and the two Heads will work closely on delivery of the Foundations work. The Head (Research) will work under direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and will support him in engaging with the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Council and the Distinguished Fellows. While you will lead a team, you will also be a member of a larger team teamwork is a core value at TIF.This is an excellent opportunity for an outstanding individual to contribute to promoting the economic and social importance and impact of infrastructure and urban development in India and the Global South. You will interact with the best minds and will have the opportunity to shape and inform a growing portfolio of projects, diverse outreach and communication channels and events for civic engagement.

The Head (Research) is expected to promote timely and relevant research output, to ensure excellence in all activities and to present the work of the Foundation with the seriousness of purpose and depth of understanding that is appropriate for public discourse on infrastructure. S/he must be an aware and open- minded individual with an eye for quality, due regard for others and respect for the core values of the Foundation.

Minimum Educational Qualification

Postgraduate degree from a reputed university, in Public Policy, Management, Engineering, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, Economics or equivalent.

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience working in non-profit, research or consultancy organisations, with at least one stint of minimum 3 years at an organisation of repute.

Competency

Ability to articulate a holistic big picture of national infrastructure, urban and regional development in the context of economic growth.
Understanding of interlinkages between different infrastructure sectors and scales of development.
Advanced understanding of national and sub-national discussions on infrastructure and urban policy in India.
Advanced understanding of international developments in infrastructure and urban development, especially in the emerging economies and the Global South.
Evidence of leading teams of researchers.
Evidence of writing policy/issue briefs and editing of research output documents.

Skills And Proficiency

The candidate must be proficient in the use of:
Statistical analysis, using tools such as MS Excel, STATA, etc.
Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) approaches and methodologies.
Internet Browsers, Communication software, Search Engines.
AI-based (artificial intelligence based) research tools.
The candidate must have working knowledge of:
Archival Research tools, including the use of physical libraries and archives as well as online databases and archives.
GHG accounting and Climate Modelling.
Financial models and analysis.
Geographical information systems (GIS) and applications.

Personality