Job Description

We are actively seeking a self-driven Principal Economist to strategically lead the research agenda for the Financial Inclusion and MSME and Entrepreneurship focus areas at IFMR LEAD. He / She willsteer the research staffs and workin close collaboration with the senior team members to present avenues for new research ideas, supervise research projects, dissemination through publications or otherwise and addressing policy relevant questions that are salient to the sector.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To provide strategic research direction and oversight for the research agenda on Financial Inclusions and MSME & Entrepreneurship.

2. To provide thought leadership direction to the research team.

3. To provide technical inputs to research staff on the policy relevant research questions and identify knowledge gaps in the research work carried out on this theme.

4. To manage advocacy work including design, implementation, relationship building and partnership management;

5. To work in close collaboration with the team to discuss new research ideas, recent and relevant sector trends and brainstorm on possible ways to expand the financial inclusion and MSME & Entrepreneurship agenda of the research team at IFMR LEAD.

6. To diligently motivate teams and implement activities such as events, trainings, and research by working collaboratively with local stakeholders to achieve mutual goals.

7. To liaise with policy makers, regulators and academia to identify knowledge gaps and expand the research agenda of the financial inclusion team at IFMR LEAD.

8. To contribute to peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, blog posts and other dissemination output as required.

9. To collaborate on fundraising activities for the various initiatives and research projects and ensure sustainability.

10. To contribute to capacity building activities of IFMR LEAD.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

1.Deadline: Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.
2.Please submit: Resume and cover letter.
3.Questions and application submission at: recruitment-lead@ifmr.ac.in.

Eligibility Criteria

1. PhD in economics, development studies, rural management, finance, or related field. 2. Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the subject of financial inclusion, MSMEs, livelihoods.

Desired Candidate Profile

Post Graduation - Post Graduate-Other

1. Solid understanding of social science research methods, research project management, design and processes.

2. Proven ability to produce peer-reviewed publications.

3. Proven analytical skills, including, specifically, skills working with quantitative data using econometric methods.

4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

5. Proven ability to manage multi-tasking and propose solutions in a timely manner with nominal supervision.

6. Capacity to maintain an organized and structured work style in a fast-paced environment.

7. Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments and work with multiple stakeholders.

8. Strong interpersonal skills, and willingness to interact with a wide range of individuals from Research Associates, Research Managers, etc. to academics, donors, research institutions, etc.

Organization Details

• Organization Name:IFMR Lead
• About Organization:

  We specialize in conducting high-quality policy-oriented and action-oriented research by partnering with influential stakeholders to inform policymaking debates. We collaborate with leading professors and economists, development specialists, and industry experts on research design and implementation, and data analysis and dissemination. For details of our work, please visit our Projects and Publications and Reports pages.

  Our projects are headed by Principal Investigators (PI) and supported by Research Managers and Associates. Our field and data management experts ensure that data is collected and safeguarded in compliance with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.

  
  
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