Policy and Development Advisory Group
Job Overview
Position: Research Assistant (RA)
Location: New Delhi Project
Duration: 3 months (with possible extension based on performance & project needs)
Employment Type: Contract-based
About the Role:
We seek a Research Assistant with expertise in qualitative research to support a study on the political participation and leadership trajectories of marginalised women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The research will be conducted in Maharashtra and Jharkhand and will examine the impact of gender quotas, structural barriers to leadership, and systemic enablers for political mobility.
Candidates must have rigorous academic training, with the ability to engage with theoretical frameworks, research papers, and policy reports. The candidate should have a strong grasp of caste, class, and gender dynamics in governance.
The role includes literature review, research tool development, field data collection (life-history interviews, key informant interviews (KIIs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs)), data analysis, and report writing.
Key Responsibilities:
1) Research & Data Collection
● Conduct literature reviews on gender, caste, and political representation in India.
● Develop research tools, including interview guides and observation protocols.
● Conduct qualitative field research and engage with elected/non-elected women representatives, policymakers, and civil society actors.
● Transcribe, code, and analyse qualitative data.
● Conduct interviews with political leaders and community representatives.
2) Data Analysis & Report Writing
● Manage research activities, scheduling, and field coordination.
● Assist in qualitative content analysis (NVivo/ATLAS.ti preferred but not mandatory).
● Contribute to research reports, policy briefs, and academic papers.
Qualifications & Experience
Languages:
● Proficiency in Hindi and English is mandatory.
● Proficiency in Marathi is desirable (not mandatory).
Education:
● Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Public Policy, or related fields.
Preferred Background:
● 0–3 years of experience in qualitative research, fieldwork, or policy analysis.
● Prior experience in qualitative data collection is preferred (conducting interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and ethnographic research)
Remuneration & Benefits:
● Competitive stipend based on qualifications and experience.
● Fieldwork expenses (travel, accommodation, per diem) covered as per project guidelines.
● Opportunities for professional development, including research training and networking
Note - In case of any queries, please reach out to recruitment@pdag.in
