Research Associate - Future of Finance Initiative

IFMR Finance Foundation :

The Future of Finance Initiative at the IFMR Finance Foundation is looking for a strong, passionate and rigorous person to join our dynamic, close-knit team. We are a policy research initiative working on frontier issues in technology, finance and policy. Our objective is to address new challenges for policy and regulation in India around consumer protection given the waves of innovation sweeping financial services driven by rising mobile & internet usage, the entry of entities like Payment Banks and P2P platforms and the use of Aadhaar & the IndiaStack. We want to attract people who share our common passion to use regulation and policy as a lever to obtain welfare outcomes through financial services.

The Role: Your role will require you to work closely with our team on research and policy analysis, and to engage with external researchers from whom we will commission research. Doing so will involve the following activities.

- Interdisciplinary research and analysis : Literature review, issue spotting, policy design, detailed analysis on topics including financial services regulation, data protection, consumer protection and competition.

- Writing op-eds, short notes, policy briefs and longer form academic writing for a range of audiences.

- Presentations and formal discussions : Preparing and delivering presentations to various audiences. Articulating the Initiative's position in a transparent and clear manner in written and verbal discussions.

- Policy dissemination and stakeholder engagement : Supporting the Project Head in the dissemination of research findings in innovative formats. Attending, planning and executing events. Helping manage communications with stakeholders including international experts, regulators and policy makers.

- Knowledge Management : Staying up-to-date on developments of interest to the Initiative, and sharing /debating these with the team. Contributing to documentary and knowledge management processes.

- Managing interns and team : Managing work outputs with our interns; coordinating research with team members and the Project Head.

What we look for : Critical thinkers who enjoy team-work, can work in unstructured environments and have an innate flair for finding constructive solutions to problems. We encourage the following attributes.

- Constructive problem-solving : Sound analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyse issues from first principles and develop solutions.

- Reflexive attitude and mindset : An open mind and eagerness to learn new things; being comfortable with uncertainty and changing situations; making sense of large amounts of new information quickly; Being self-critical, self-aware and open to learning from others.

- Interpersonal skills : Communicating clearly and thoughtfully; Dealing effectively and sensitively with different opinions and conflict. Accommodating multiple views and knowing when to collaborate and compromise.

- Motivation and persistence : Thinking independently about issues; being self-motivated and self-sufficient in planning and executing tasks; Being a consistent worker and knowing when to ask for help.

- Integrity and honesty : Exhibiting a high degree of integrity and honesty in one's dealings. Contributing to the team's performance and considering it as important as one's own performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Basic

- Masters or equivalent degree in economics, public policy, business administration or allied discipline;

- At least 2-4 years of working experience;

- Preferred - Experience or exposure to Indian context within public policy, financial inclusion, law, and/or banking and financial services (this is preferred but we welcome applicants from varying backgrounds).

- Remuneration will be competitive.

- This position is based in Chennai and will report to the FFI Project Head directly.

To apply for this position please send in your latest CV along with a covering letter detailing your interest for the position.

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