Engagement Type - Contractual / Project-based

Location - South India, West India Cluster-based (within assigned districts / industrial clusters); travel as required

Reporting To - Project Lead / Senior Consultant- Study Team

Background:

The MSME Cluster Lead will support a national-level study focused on advancing AI and digital adoption among manufacturing MSMEs, covering sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals (including med-tech), electronics, and allied manufacturing segments. The study involves primary field surveys, factory visits, stakeholder consultations, and on-ground validation, requiring strong local facilitation and coordination.

The MSME Cluster Lead will play a critical field-enablement role, ensuring identification of suitable MSME units, coordination with enterprises, and smooth facilitation of field teams during survey and visit activities.

Objective of the Assignment:

The primary objective of the MSME Cluster Lead is to identify, mobilise, and liaise with MSME units within assigned clusters, and to facilitate efficient and effective field visits by survey and research teams.

Scope Of Work & Key Responsibilities:

Identification of MSME Units:

- Identify and shortlist eligible MSME units within the assigned cluster(s) in line with study criteria and sectoral focus.

- Work with industry associations, cluster bodies, government agencies, and local networks to identify suitable MSMEs.

- Ensure representation across firm sizes, sub-sectors, and operational profiles, as guided by the study team.

Liaison & Coordination with MSMEs:

- Act as the primary point of contact between the study team and MSME units at the cluster level.

- Initiate contact with MSME owners/management, explain the purpose of the study, and seek their consent for participation.

- Coordinate schedules, confirm availability, and manage logistics for surveys, interviews, and factory visits.

- Address basic queries from MSMEs regarding the study, participation process, and timelines.

Facilitation of Field Team Visits:

- Support on-ground facilitation for field researchers and survey teams during cluster visits.

- Assist in planning daily visit schedules and ensuring access to MSME premises as per plan.

- Support field teams in navigating local contexts, industrial areas, and cluster-specific dynamics.

- Ensure adherence to field protocols, safety norms, and local regulations during visits.

Coordination with Study Team:

- Maintain regular communication with the central study team on progress, challenges, and field-level insights.

- Share updates on MSME participation status, visit completion, and any operational constraints.

- Support documentation of field activities, including visit logs and participation records, as required.

Support to Stakeholder Engagement:

- Facilitate introductions and interactions with local industry bodies, cluster associations, and ecosystem actors as required for the study.

- Support organisation of local consultations or group interactions, if planned under the study.

Deliverables:

- Cluster-wise list of identified and contacted MSME units.

- Successful facilitation of scheduled surveys, interviews, and factory visits within assigned clusters.

- Periodic status updates to the study team on field progress and issues.

- Basic field documentation as prescribed by the project team.

Qualifications & Experience:

Educational Qualifications:

- Bachelors degree in Engineering, Management, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.

- Masters degree is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:

- 5-8 years of experience working with MSMEs, industrial clusters, industry associations, or government/implementation agencies.

- Prior experience in field coordination, cluster-level projects, surveys, or industry engagement is strongly preferred.

- Familiarity with one or more sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals/med-tech, electronics, or manufacturing MSMEs will be an advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong local network and familiarity with MSME ecosystems in the assigned cluster(s).

- Excellent coordination, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to engage professionally with MSME owners, managers, and industry representatives.

- Practical problem-solving ability in field and operational contexts.

- Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the cluster.

Duration & Remuneration:

- The engagement will be contractual for the duration of the study or assigned field phase.

- Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and scope of work, as per project norms.