Job Description
Research Officer
About us
VAYAM is a not-for-profit organization that transforms grassroots realities into data-driven, techenabled solutions across health, livelihoods, education, and social inclusion. As the community arm of Sambodhi—India’s largest data-driven social impact organization—VAYAM leverages over 20 years of sectoral expertise to design scalable, evidence-based interventions. Rooted in equity, collaboration, and capacity building, its mission is to empower communities through inclusive, community-led solutions. VAYAM envisions a future where vulnerable populations become self-reliant, equitable, and resilient, creating lasting impact across generations. Adopting a community-first approach, the organization harnesses real-time data and AI innovation to tailor and scale its initiatives. One such initiative is its AI chatbot program, designed to equip over 100,000 learners with foundational digital and AI literacy, soft skills for employability, and gamified, certificate-based learning experiences.
Job description:
Job Title : Research Officer
Job Summary VAYAM is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Research Officer who will design, lead, and execute field-based research initiatives to measure the impact of grassroots interventions. This role bridges grassroots community realities with evidence-based policy advocacy and program design.
Essential Functions
• Research Design: Develop qualitative and quantitative research frameworks, methodologies, and data collection tools.
• Field Data Collection: Lead community surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and participatory rural appraisals (PRA).
• Data Analysis: Clean, manage, and analyze primary and secondary data sets using statistical or qualitative software.
• Report Writing: Draft high-quality research reports, policy briefs, case studies, and documentation for donors.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with grassroots community members, local government bodies, and academic partners.
• Program Support: Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for ongoing grassroots program adaptation.
The above essential functions are representative of major duties of positions in this job. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary. Other duties may be assigned similar to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.
Qualifications
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master’s degree in Development Studies, Rural Development, or related social science disciplines.
Experience: 1–3 years of proven experience in field research, data collection, or community based development projects.
Personal Competencies
• Methodology: Strong grasp of social science research methods, ethics, and participatory field techniques.
• Software: Proficiency in data tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata, Excel) or qualitative software (e.g., NVivo).
• Adaptability: Willingness to travel extensively and reside in remote, rural grassroots communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of design tools (e.g., Canva) is a plus.
• Interest in digital technologies and their application in social development.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Vayam focuses on nurturing an inclusive work environment. We stress and reinforce diversity in our workplace. We welcome all applications regardless of race, religion, caste, place of origin, gender, sexuality, and disability.
Those interested, kindly send in your resumes to hr@sambodhi.co.in