Research Specialist - Skilling

About the Role: Research Specialist - Skilling

This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced researcher in skill development or education to lead groundbreaking studies on the future of skilling in an era dominated by AI and digital transformation. As a senior leadership role within a forward-thinking research institute, you will shape the ethical future of work for low-income communities by addressing critical questions, such as:

• How are digital markets evolving, and what employment opportunities do they present?
• What skills are essential for individuals to thrive in these markets?
• How can the labor landscape be reimagined to ensure digital work remains ethical and equitable?

The Research Specialist will spearhead a portfolio of research studies that directly influence the organizations skilling strategy. Collaborating closely with program leads and senior management, this role provides the autonomy to design, manage, and communicate impactful research that shapes policies and drives social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and oversee the roadmap for skilling research in collaboration with program leads.
• Research Design and Execution: Lead studies that explore skilling pathways, career growth opportunities, and the ethical implications of digital work.
• Team Building: Recruit and manage a team of Research Fellows to support ongoing and future research projects.
• Knowledge Sharing: Publish research papers, present findings at conferences, and create tools, frameworks, and Digital Public Goods to drive awareness and adoption of insights.
• Policy and Strategy Development: Collaborate with leadership to create policy briefs and evidence-based strategies for scaling impact and integrating skilling programs with AI-driven opportunities.
• Fundraising Support: Assist co-founders in securing funding by providing data-driven insights and compelling narratives on program outcomes and potential.

Qualifications

• Self-Starter: A motivated individual capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Research Expertise: Minimum 3 years of experience leading market research studies, ideally focused on gig labor, digital markets, or the intersection of gender and labor.
• Analytical Skills: Strong qualitative research experience with social science or anthropological methods. Proficiency in statistical tools (e.g., R, Python, STATA, Tableau) and qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVIVO, MaxQDA).
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication, with the ability to effectively present research findings to diverse audiences.
• Alignment with Values: Commitment to organizational values, inspiring collaboration, and promoting a shared vision.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with GSuite and other productivity tools.

Location: Based in India. Applicants must have valid work authorization.

This role is more than a jobits a chance to lead the conversation on the future of work and transform lives through evidence-based action.