Position: Research Lead
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Overview: Research Lead will play a pivotal role in driving research excellence, managing complex development projects, and leading grant proposal initiatives. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across the development ecosystem. The role demands a balance of technical research expertise, project management acumen, and relationship-building skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research & Knowledge Management:
Design and lead primary and secondary research studies on development themes including livelihoods, governance, education, health, and rural development
Develop research frameworks, methodologies, and tools (qualitative and quantitative) for various project requirements
Conduct field research, data collection, analysis, and synthesis to generate actionable insights
Prepare high-quality research reports, policy briefs, case studies, and knowledge products
Stay updated on sectoral trends, best practices, and emerging issues in the development sector
Maintain research repositories and knowledge management systems
- Program & Project Management:
Lead end-to-end project management for multiple consulting assignments simultaneously
Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation strategies
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and quality project delivery
Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies
Ensure adherence to project budgets, timelines, and quality standards
Facilitate project review meetings and prepare progress reports for clients and leadership
Mentor and supervise junior team members and field staff
- Grant Proposal Development:
Identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities and client needs
Lead the conceptualization and development of compelling grant proposals for bilateral/multilateral donors, foundations, and government schemes
Develop program theories of change, logical frameworks, and results frameworks
Prepare detailed budgets, M&E frameworks, and sustainability plans for proposals
Collaborate with partners and clients to co-create proposals
Maintain high success rates in grant applications through quality and strategic positioning
Build and maintain relationships with clients, donors, government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders
Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, conferences, and forums
Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory planning processes
Manage client expectations and ensure high levels of client satisfaction
Identify opportunities for business development and strategic partnerships
Coordinate with government officials at district, state, and national levels
Map, maintain and engage field partners in all locations for appropriate engagement and timely delivery of projects
- Capacity Building & Thought Leadership:
Design and facilitate training programs and capacity-building workshops for partners and clients
Contribute to thought leadership through blogs, articles, and presentations
Participate in sector networks and communities of practice
Required Qualifications
- Education: Master's degree in Development Studies, Social Work, Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Rural Management, or related fields. Preference for PhD qualified candidates
Additional certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) or research methodologies would be an advantage
- Experience: 8-10 years of progressive experience in the development research and consulting sector
Proven track record of leading research projects and managing research and consulting assignments
Demonstrated experience in grant proposal writing with successful funding outcomes
Experience working with diverse stakeholders including government, donors, and grassroots organizations
- Essential Skills & Competencies:
- Technical Skills:
Strong research design and methodology expertise (mixed methods preferred)
Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (SPSS, STATA, R) and qualitative analysis software (NVivo, Atlas.ti)
Advanced MS Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
Experience with data visualization tools
Understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks
Excellent written and verbal communication in English; knowledge of Kannada or other regional languages is an advantage
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
Project management and organizational skills with attention to detail
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Budget management and financial acumen
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities
Team leadership and mentoring abilities
Facilitation and presentation skills
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse contexts
Problem-solving mindset and adaptability
Experience in sectors such as livelihoods, agriculture, WASH, education, health, governance, or gender
Familiarity with donor requirements (World Bank, UNDP, bilateral agencies, foundations)
Field experience in rural or urban development contexts
Understanding of government schemes and programs
Pay: ₹50,000.00 - ₹70,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person
