Research Officer – Rural Livelihoods

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a dynamic & multi skilled candidate to join its office in Anand, India, as a Research Officer – Rural Livelihoods.

Established in 2001, the IWMI-Tata Water Policy Research Program (ITP) is a unique partnership between the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, and Tata Trusts, Mumbai. ITP operates with the credo: “converting science into policy action” and undertakes research with a managerial, ‘problem-solving’ approach and a strong ‘bias for action’. The program’s research agenda is closely entwined with the ‘Rural Upliftment Portfolio’ (RUP) of Tata Trusts, through which it supports numerous livelihood programs.

The Research Officer – Rural Livelihoods will be part of ITP’s core team and will participate in field studies, field experiments and action research pilots, institutional and policy analyses, and stakeholder consultations aimed at rural livelihood enhancement. In addition to ITP, the Research Officer will also contribute to other IWMI India projects with a similar scope.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the ITP Program Leader in achieving the objectives and delivering the research and action research outcomes of the program.
• Contribute to ITP’s core research and action research themes ‘Millionaire Smallholder Cohorts’ and ‘Water, Energy, Food Nexus’.
• Contribute to the development and execution of ITP field experiments and action research pilots in collaboration with Tata Trusts’ field teams, associate organizations, and partners.
• Provide guidance and oversight to young consultants, field associates, and student interns.
• Produce articles for peer-reviewed publications, in a timely manner, jointly and independently, in accordance with IWMI’s policies and procedures for publication of research outputs. Author/co-author synthesis papers and policy highlights/briefs based on research and field evidence.
• Engage with key stakeholders in project implementation, policy advocacy, and dissemination of project outcomes to contribute to development goals.
• Assist the ITP Program Leader in Program Management and Donor Reporting.
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the ITP Program Leader.
• Contribute to similar IWMI India ongoing and future research projects focusing on improved resource management for livelihoods enhancement.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Master’s degree in rural management, livelihood, economics, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.

Desirable,

• Research or action-research experience with a proven track record of publications in relevant national and international journals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Sound quantitative, qualitative, and analytical skills coupled with the ability to synthesize and write persuasively.
• A clear understanding of development challenges, especially with respect to water resources development, management, and governance in the context of rural livelihoods in India.
• Ability and eagerness to undertake field-based research and action research.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Desirable,

• Ability to apply knowledge from other related fields to rural livelihoods.
• Familiarity with relevant literature and field initiatives of Tata Trusts and key civil society organizations in fields relevant for poverty and rural livelihoods.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Indian nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension.

IWMI strongly values diversity; therefore, qualified women are highly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on July 25, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.