Job Description: Team Lead - Trade/Investment & External Relations (TIER) - India's Premier Economic Policy Think Tanks

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) invites applications for the position of Team Lead in its Trade, Investment and External Relations (TIER) team. The appointment will be at the rank of Senior Fellow / Professor depending on qualifications and experience. The ideal candidate will combine a strong academic and policy background in areas such as international trade, capital flows, macroeconomics and geoeconomics with leadership skills and project experience.

About ICRIER:

ICRIER is one of India's premier economic policy think tanks, committed to its mission of linking India with the world. Established in 1981 to offer policy guidance in navigating external economic shocks, ICRIER has evolved into an independent development institution and a thought leader in inter-disciplinary research.

The Position:

The Team Lead will direct research and policy engagement in TIER's focus areas. The role demands intellectual leadership, building strategic networks and collaborations, raising funds and bidding for projects, project management capabilities, and active participation in the national and international policy discourse.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead original and high-quality research on international topics such as trade strategy, foreign direct investment and portfolio flows, exchange rate dynamics, comparative advantage in AI and the potential for labour-intensive exports.

- Lead, mentor, and further strengthen a high-performing team of researchers.

- Conceptualize and oversee research studies, working papers, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagements under the TIER work program.

- Contribute to institutional development through fundraising, strategic planning, and thought leadership.

- Build partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, industry bodies, and international organizations.

- Organize policy dialogues, roundtables, and conferences to disseminate research and generate impact.

- Represent ICRIER in national and international forums related to trade and investment.

Preferred Skills:

- Ability to develop and execute an academically rigorous and policy-relevant research agenda.

- Strong track record of projects with the government and other partners such as foundations, corporates and multilateral institutions.

- Grant writing and fundraising experience for research projects.

- Expertise in emerging areas such as AI policy, platform regulation, fintech, digital public goods, or gig economy.

- Experience in designing and conducting primary surveys or using big data for policy research.

Qualifications:

- PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Technology, or related fields from a reputed institution or equivalent experience (PhD is desirable but not required).

- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in research and/or policy engagement.

- Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead research teams.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Location:

The incumbent will be based in Delhi.

Remuneration:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. ICRIER offers a competitive package plus retirement benefits, medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development.