Associate Director - Research & Implementation - Agriculture

Foundation for Economic Development (FED)

Associate Director - Research & Implementation

Location - Delhi

Experience Range - 12-15 years

FED will spearhead initiatives in the field of agriculture [focus on Direct Benefit Transfer] and allied activities leading to systemic change at the state and national level in India.

FED is looking for an Associate Director to join the leadership team and lead two defined verticals:

1. Research: This vertical will engage in research studies focusing on Direct Benefit Transfer [https://dbtbharat.gov.in/] in the agriculture domain to influence policy at the state and national level. You will lead a team of research managers to analyze DBT schemes, develop insights and communicate findings through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research ( primary and secondary)

2. Implementation/Program Management: Conceptualizing and running development initiatives at multiple state and national levels focusing on DBT. You will lead a program management team that will help various stakeholders including Government implement these findings/ reforms/ initiatives

As a member of the core team, you will craft, implement and support advocacy objectives in the agriculture space. You will collaborate on challenging large-scale projects impacting millions of people, increase your understanding of complex agricultural policies from diverse perspectives and develop new skills and experiences to link learnings from the work of FED to the strategic policy advocacy agenda and implementation for agricultural reform.

This position provides an invaluable opportunity to be immersed in and affect agricultural reforms at a local and national level in India.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Strategically identify research themes for implementation in agriculture to build both internal and ecosystem knowledge on topical issues

- Partner with the research team, and be responsible for coordinating and delivering rigorous, relevant and evidence-based research

- Communicate finding of research through concept papers, opinion pieces, policy briefs presentations, talking points, briefings, research notes, and powerpoint presentations to the government & other stakeholders

- Identify opportunities for FED to partner with the government to bring about reforms in the agricultural policy

- Lead a small team that would help the government implement the reforms

- Develop networks within agriculture and policy research communities focused on the agricultural space

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

- Excellent research skills and the ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data

- Understanding of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

- Familiarity with agriculture policy issues

- Demonstrated track record of at least 10-15 years in research and implementation of policy in a think tank, consultancy or any other organization that conducts policy research and implementation around agriculture

- Ability to research and address complex issues with a practical problem-solving approach, crafting possible solutions and recommending policy actions and implementation

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong presentation skills

- Strong planning and organizational skills; be able to set timelines and meet deadlines

- Have good judgment and be able to make decisions in a timely manner

- Ability to set priorities and identify any areas that require further research, change of policy and eventually implementation

- Ability to build and maintain positive collaborative relationships both within and outside the organization e.g. with the government

- Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and deliver quality output

- Proven ability to manage multiple roles such as timely project delivery, and stakeholder relationship

management, quality assurance, team building and mentorship, brand visibility and thought leadership.

- Excellent leadership and administrative skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects at a time, and work without supervision

- Ability to work closely with fellow leadership team members, and brainstorm with them

- Voracious reader, with an analytical bent of mind

Desired Qualities:

- Entrepreneurial mindset and a can-do attitude

- Operational style suited to working in a small organization where teamwork, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit is highly valued

- Intent and drive to make a large-scale impact

- Clarity of purpose and intent of working in the agriculture space

- Attention to detail, diligence, entrepreneurial and extremely hard working

Notes:

Direct Benefit Transfer: You can read about the 36 Direct Benefit Transfer schemes by the Department Of Agricultural Research And Education and Department Of Agriculture, Cooperation And Farmers Welfare here- https://dbtbharat.gov.in/scheme/dbtapplicablelist

Agriculture Policy Review: http://icrier.org/pdf/Agriculture-India-OECD-ICRIER.pdf