RESEARCH MANAGER- IFMR LEAD
Introduction: IFMR LEAD is a non-profit research organization housed within IFMR. We conduct high-quality policy-oriented and action-oriented research by partnering with influential stakeholders to inform policymaking debates. We are dedicated to leveraging evidence-based research to further economic and financial development of poor people living in India and other low-to-middle income countries. Our vision is to foster improved financial access, better legal and physical infrastructure, and targeted social services for individuals, households, and enterprises, to help them attain their socio-economic aspirations.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Directing a broad research portfolio
- The Research Manager manages a portfolio of 3-4 research projects under the broader theme of MSMEs & Entrepreneurship and interacts with various potential local or national partners.
- S/he initiates and supervises multiple projects relating to access to financial services for MSMEs& Entrepreneurship, which involves designing research projects, preparing research proposals, identifying sources of funding, and designing program interventions for partner organizations. As part of this responsibility, the Research Manger may lead a dynamic team of Research Associates working on these projects.
Ensuring dissemination and policy outreach
Beyond research results, the Research Manager is responsible for ensuring research results are effectively translated into practice and policy decisions. This involves conducting workshops, producing innovative dissemination material and actively engaging with practitioners, policy makers, banks and international organizations involved in the sector.
Contributing to the Centre’s management and overall strategic visioning
The Research Manager will work closely with the other staffs at IFMR LEAD and the Associate Director on overall management and strategic visioning for future work in MSME & Entrepreneurship research. S/he will participate in developing potential research ideas, identifying funding sources, and partner organizations. The Research Manager will be responsible for representing IFMR LEAD at seminars, conferences, the press, and meetings with various key sector stakeholders. While taking complete ownership of some projects in the MSME & Entrepreneurship research agenda, the Research Manager is an integral part of defining the direction of IFMR LEAD.
Other responsibilities:
- Research Managers will work closely with academic researchers and other staffs to perform a variety tasks including, but not limited to:
- Overseeing the implementation of the research study, in association with the partner organization on the topic of MSMEs& Entrepreneurship
- Managing teams: Recruiting, training, and supervising the team
- Maintaining relationship with partner financial institution or other at both headquarters and field levels
- Maintaining relationship with partner academic institutions if required
- Ensuring quality of data during data collection and assisting with data cleaning
- Conducting data analysis using statistical methods
- Identifying and collecting useful administrative data
- Disseminating preliminary and final research results through publications, conferences, and/or innovative methods such as podcasts or blog articles
- Take part in capacity building activities at IFMR LEAD (at least 20% of time)
Qualifications and Skills:
- Master’s Degree (or higher) in Economics, Finance, Business, Development or related field is mandatory. Well-qualified Bachelor’s candidates with significant related work experience will also be considered
- At least 4 years of management and/or research experience in doing research in MSMEs in an international development context (or related fields).
- Flexibility and ability to deal with uncertainty. Adaptability to project needs and schedules
- Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of quantitative research methodology
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Indian language skill is preferred.
- Independent worker; takes initiative to lead and manage multiple tasks and propose solutions with minimal supervision
- Can maintain an organized and structured work style in a fast-paced environment
- Willing to translate research into practice for highest impacts on the ground
- Motivated to travel to various places in India
- Strong interpersonal skills, and willingness to interact with a wide range of individuals ranging from MFIs and NGO leaders to bankers and finance regulators
- All nationalities can apply
Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
- Econometric Analysis
- Knowledge of an Indian language
- South Asia regional experience
- Academic research experience
- Familiarity with experimental research design and varied data collection methods
- Project management and financial management
This position is based in India – specific location within the country is flexible, will require travel to other parts of India.
Compensation:
IFMR LEAD provides a highly competitive salary in the industry.
To Apply:
Please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to recruitment-lead@ifmr.ac.in. Please use the subject line Research Manager (MSMEs & Entrepreneurship), IFMR LEAD. We will contact you shortly after submission if we are interested in interviewing you. We hire on a rolling basis.
Closing Date: 17 December 2016
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