Job ID: 289551

Senior Research Officer

Rati Foundation For Social Change

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Apply by: 25 Apr 2026

Relevant Sectors

Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child

Base Location: Mumbai
Education: Masters degree in relevant Social Science, PhD preferred
Language requirement: English & Hindi

Background:

RATI (Rights. Action. Technology. Inclusion.) Foundation, is a Mumbai-based organisation, that works to address gender based violence against women and children in both online and offline spaces by supporting survivors and families until they thrive again.

We address the issue of gender-based violence through three interconnected pillars: immediate response, long-term survivor recovery and systemic reform. Our helpline, Meri Trustline, is India’s trusted support service for online abuse. Beyond this, through our Socio Legal Interventions we provide on-ground legal representation, counseling and social support to children and women survivors of gender violence.

What sets RATI apart is our multidisciplinary team that has the ability to work across multiple vulnerabilities with a comprehensive, holistic approach ensuring survivors not only regain safety, but also have the chance to thrive again. Our work has been recognized with the Presidential National Award (2017) for launching India’s first hotline to report Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and the Social Innovation Award (2024) from Pune International Centre for our pioneering efforts in addressing online gender-based violence through Meri Trustline.

About the Research Vertical:

Our research work advances survivor-centred frameworks and approaches, examines structural and contextual vulnerabilities affecting women, children and other marginalised genders across online and offline environments. We also document and study trauma and its impact on survivors & families and critically analyse the implications of emerging technologies & laws on safety, rights, and access to justice.

Since its inception in 2020, RATI has released the Ideal Internet 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 reports examining digital inequalities, vulnerabilities and the lived online experiences of marginalised children in India. The organisation also publishes annual reports of its Online Safety Helpline, Meri Trustline, analysing patterns of technology-facilitated gender based harm and survivor’s responses to the helpline. In 2025, RATI co-authored “Make It Real” a report that examined the impact of AI Based Image Abuse on lives of survivors in collaboration with Tattle Civic Technologies.

Job Description:

The Senior Research Officer will play a pivotal role in driving high-impact, data-driven research grounded in frontline casework. The role involves regularly collecting, analysing, and representing critical data on technology-facilitated abuse and other online and offline harms, with a strong emphasis on survivor-centred approaches. Leveraging insights from RATI’s program data, the position will identify key trends and patterns and produce compelling knowledge outputs that shape platform accountability, influence legal reform, and strengthen survivor-centred interventions. The role will report to the Director.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement frameworks for research design, documentation, routine monitoring
and implementation across qualitative and quantitative projects - including regular analysis of
data from Meri Trustline
- Conduct literature reviews and landscape analyses on key issues and support the
development, piloting, and implementation of research tools, data collection, and analysis.
- Analyse data to identify trends and insights, and produce research reports, policy briefs, and
other knowledge outputs for dissemination.
- Ensure all research is conducted in line with survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and ethical
practices, while upholding confidentiality and child protection protocols.
- Supervise research associates, field investigators, and external partners, and build the capacity
of field teams to collect, enter, and maintain high-quality data.
- Engage with external partners to support and advance research projects, and manage teams as
the research function expands.
- Manage risks, respond effectively in crisis situations, and undertake periodic fieldwork and
travel, including engagement with partner organisations, communities, and institutions.
- Carry out additional responsibilities as required, in line with evolving project needs.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Postgraduate degree in relevant social science subject (Public Policy, Gender Studies, Law,
Technology, or related field). PhD preferred.
- Demonstrated research experience in gender-based violence, online harms, digital safety,
technology policy or other relevant fields
- Minimum 4 years of research experience, with at least 1 year of people management
experience.
- Proficiency in research and data analysis tools such as Excel, SPSS, Stata or R, and qualitative
analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti) is highly preferred.
- Fluency in speaking English, Hindi. Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
- Strong research expertise, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to child rights and -
protection including a non-judgemental attitude, sensitivity and empathy.

Remuneration: Approximately ?10 lakhs per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Terms of Engagement:
- This is a full-time position based in Mumbai.and the candidate may be required to undertake
field work.
- RATI works 05 days a week (Monday to Friday) but depending on cases and emergencies,
holiday and weekend work may be required. This will be duly compensated.
- RATI is a new and evolving workspace. We seek colleagues who are adaptable and committed
to the cause. As we work with vulnerable women and children, our policies are designed and
implemented to ensure the rights and well-being of the women & children we work with are
upheld. All employees, without exception, are expected to adhere to these policies.
- RATI values its team and fosters a supportive and wellbeing-focused work environment. Efforts
to support team development and wellbeing include mid-year and annual retreats, monthly
team lunches, and learning circles, along with a year-end break.
- We are trying to build an inclusive culture to make our office a space where individuals feel
valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds,
women, LGBTQIA+ persons and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:
Candidates must submit the following documents to jobs@ratifoundation.org with the subject line : Senior Research Officer

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Research writing sample - max. 2 pages
Names and contact details of two references.

Job Email ID:

jobs(at)ratifoundation.org