Job Details: Research Associate - Rural Livelihoods
Full details of the job.
Vacancy Name: Research Associate - Rural Livelihoods
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Delhi Office (DO)
Job Description
Research Associate - Rural Livelihoods
1. Background
The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) promotes evidence-informed equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development. We support the generation and effective use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making and improve the lives of people living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries. We provide guidance and support to produce, synthesize and quality assure evidence of what works, for whom, how, why and at what cost. 3ie is registered as a non-governmental organization in the United States. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.
3ie’s evaluation office, based in New Delhi, is responsible for developing and implementing evidence programs for impact evaluations, reviewing and quality-assuring impact evaluations and conducting in-house evaluations. The office supports projects and programs across thematic areas like aquaculture, agricultural innovation, sanitation, immunization and livelihoods.
An important area of work for our evaluation office is working closely with different agencies to assure quality of impact evaluation of real-life development project and support impact evaluation ready Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems. 3ie has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, on a project that will provide technical support to generate evidence and strengthen capacity for the Government’s flagship rural development program— the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The aim of this project is to produce a diverse set of mixed method studies that, in combination, will provide evidence on the overall impact of DAY-NRLM, and its subsequent transformation phase and other pilots conducted under the program and generate learnings on pathways, contextual factors and other elements that mediate policy impact. In addition to NRLM related learning activities, 3ie is supporting the Government of India’s efforts in other livelihood research agenda.
3ie seeks applications from qualified candidates for the role of Research Associate – Rural Livelihoods to provide Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) support across both NRLM evidence initiatives and other rural livelihoods research agenda. The position is New Delhi-based and will be embedded within the MEL vertical of DAY-NRLM’s Central Unit at the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and will work closely with government counterparts, State Missions, and the 3ie team. The position will be offered on a fixed-term contract for one. year.
2. Summary
The Research Associate will coordinate 3ie’s research agenda and also act as a liaison between 3ie and the Ministry of Rural Development. They will be responsible for providing technical support to the Ministry on key research activities, data analysis, report writing and providing other monitoring and evaluation support. The position is also expected to assist with knowledge management, and stakeholder management related to the program, as well as work closely with program managers at 3ie and with the Ministry to ensure delivery of activities and products.
3. Key responsibilities
The core responsibilities are listed below, but the position may be assigned other duties, in consultation with the rural development ministry.
3.1 Overall Research and Management Support
• Coordinate 3ie’s NRLM and its related rural livelihood research agenda with the Ministry of Rural Development
• Act as a liaison between 3ie and MoRD to coordinate and support various research and communication activities and other related studies.
• Coordinate with State Missions (SRLMs) for data requirements and other research related activities
• Contribute to the generation of writing outputs such as project briefs, progress report, annual report, learning briefs and other documentation as required
• Support the capacity building, training and dissemination workshops with policymakers at the national and state level
• Provide inputs for NRLM annual reviews and meetings by providing data analysis support
• Conduct visits to states and monitor the on-going studies as well as implementation progress.
3.2 Technical Support
• Support the MoRD in designing and implementing research related to NRLM mandate and provide other related inputs
• Support data collection and data monitoring for NRLM and other surveys related to rural livelihoods and where data collection is by a survey firm, ensure timelines and other data quality control measures, including conducting field visits in rural areas to monitor the survey team.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data collected for evidence production.
3.3 Knowledge Support
• Support the National Mission unit at Ministry of Rural Development, in conducting large-scale events/ programmes etc.
• Internal coordination and communication with the program verticals at the ministry
• Prepare knowledge products and support documentation of best practices as well as case studies.
• Any other task required from time to time to achieve efficient and effective results.
4. Qualifications, experience and skills
4.1 Education and work experience
Required
• A Masters degree in Economics/ Development studies or any other related field from a recognized university.
• At least two years of relevant professional work experience.
• Good understanding of livelihood programs in rural India and knowledge of operational aspects of self-help groups
• Proven experience in fieldwork in rural India
Desirable
• Specializations in MIS, and/or Project Management, will be an advantage. Experience in software development/programming for MIS for Governmental bodies or parastatals would be an advantage.
• Experience in managing large-scale surveys in developing country contexts, especially in the field of community-driven development programs and rural livelihoods
• Prior experience and/or knowledge of impact evaluation methodology
• Prior experience with and/or knowledge of qualitative research methods
• Prior experience in writing and producing reports, research papers or briefs
4.2 Skills and abilities
• Strong data analysis skills using statistical software such as STATA, SPSS and/or other statistical software packages such as Power BI
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English and Hindi, both oral and written
• Willingness to travel across India, including to the rural parts of the country
• Strong ability to work on a team and under pressure with strict deadlines
• Strong organization and planning skills, proactivity and perseverance
• Ability to work in a multicultural setting and sensitivity to people of all genders
5. Eligibility
3ie will recruit one individual with the right to work in India and based in New Delhi. 3ie is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equality and diversity. We do not discriminate based on sex, age, religion, ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation or for being differently abled. We particularly encourage ethnic minorities and differently-abled persons to apply.
6. Terms of employment
The selected candidate is expected to start work in July 2026. This is a fixed term project-based position. Continuation beyond one year will be subject to project funding availability and satisfactory performance of the incumbent. 3ie offers competitive remuneration based on experience and qualifications. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.
7. How to apply
Your application package must include the following information:
• A cover letter(not exceeding two pages) highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the job description.
• Curriculum vitae (not longer than three pages), along with names and contact information for at least three professional references.
The deadline for receiving applications is 14 June, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and incomplete applications will not be considered. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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