About Indus Action
Indus Action (IA) is committed to bridging the gap between vulnerable citizens and the welfare benefits they are entitled to. In the first decade, we have enabled 18 lakh+ citizens, and by 2027, we aim to enable 1 crore+ vulnerable citizens with sustained access to legislated rights and welfare entitlements.
India faces the challenge of chronic poverty, with millions living just above the poverty line, where 90% are employed in the informal economy. Unforeseen events like illness, unemployment, or natural disasters can easily push them back into poverty. With ~81 cr Indians living on food security entitlements, there is an urgent need for a robust social safety net, such as insurance and pension schemes, which can reduce poverty and inequality while fostering inclusive growth. However, accessing these benefits is often fraught with difficulties such as multiple visits to government offices and complex processes, which result in daily wage loss and ultimately lead to citizens not accessing the welfare schemes to which they are entitled.
Since 2013, Indus Action has worked on social welfare delivery across 19 states of India. We work with communities, governments, and civil society to achieve a less-than-3-step citizen journey to access entitlements and strengthen the country's social protection systems. We enable this through three core pillars: Technology, Process Redesign, and State Capacity Building. Since 2013, our work has supported over 19 lakh+ citizens accessing welfare entitlements worth INR 1,705 crores.
About Agency Fund Project
Indus Action (IA) is currently part of Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Labour Department, Chhattisgarh Government. We are implementing an Agency Fund-supported Project aimed at strengthening decision making capacity of two sections of women:
Postpartum mothers who are registered under BOCW and who avail maternity cash transfer scheme, and
Domestic workers who wish to improve their livelihood through skill development schemes and other welfare oriented programs,
The project adopts an action-research approach, combining A/B testing, process evaluations, and field-intensive exploratory research. Through this, we intend to demonstrate measurable behavioural change and build evidence-backed recommendations for policy design and system strengthening.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
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Conduct research in social protection, livelihoods, income increase and behaviour change communication; and prepare literature reviews, concept notes, and research papers.
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Support the implementation of large-scale field studies, help design surveys, travel to field sites, and conduct data analysis.
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Help organise conference events to share research findings and developments with scholars, policy and development practitioners, and other experts in the field..
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Manage and organise a repository of literature and datasets related to the project
Education and Experience:
- Work Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a similar role in a related field required.
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Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s in Public Policy / Political Science / Economics / Sociology / Anthropology / Development Studies or similar fields.
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Please note this position is for 1 year
Desirable Skills: [Desirable but not compulsory]
- Thematic experience in public health, especially in the state of Chhattisgarh
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Experience in academic and report writing, proficiency in reviewing and synthesising research for literature reviews, etc. to lead the production of written outputs for the research project
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Exposure to quantitative research methods and a willingness to learn statistical coding
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Prior experience in researching topics related to the project
