Vikasanvesh Foundation (VAF) is an initiative of the Tata Trusts. VAF was founded in 2016, and the initiative was hived off into a separate legal entity in 2017. VAF is now a Company registered under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act. VAF aims to become a unique centre focusing on key development issues faced by various communities and grassroots workers, by conducting high quality and high-intensity research on them and ensuring that the findings are taken up seriously in policy discussions. VAF works with a range of partners across India for identification, characterisation, and advancement in such issues. More details about VAF and about its research work can be found on www.vikasanvesh.in.

VAF is looking to hire a seasoned researcher to join its leadership team. S/he should be in her/his early forties and have at least 8-10 years of proven research track record in a field broadly connected with rural development. The ideal candidate would have demonstrated domain competence in one theme (e.g. education, livelihoods, natural resource management, public health) and adequate versatility and interest to also lead/conduct research in other themes. The duties of the selected candidate will include conduct of research conceptualised by her/him, providing mentoring and support to younger researchers, liaising with potential funders and supporters of paid research, undertaking writing of an academic nature for publication in academic platforms as well as writing of popular pieces, design and conduct of capacity building programs. The candidate will have to take increasing initiative and leadership in fund mobilization and should be prepared to relocate to Pune. S/he can look forward to taking over operating leadership of VAF from the incumbent Director in 2021. Remuneration is negotiable.

Interested candidates may write by email to us on [email protected]  copying their mail to [email protected] by May 31, 2019.