Job Opportunity for Associate Director, Policy and Research at FAST in New Delhi

About Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India)

The world is increasingly moving towards an innovation economy, driven by exponential progress in science and technology (S&T) and the growth of vibrant ecosystems to commercialize research. To be a global leader in science and technology, India needs to be at the forefront of research by way of the creation of new science & technology knowledge (research) and its translation to economic and social goods. The Government of India has recently announced multiple new interventions and structures in the science and technology ecosystem including setting up of a National Research Foundation with a budget allocation of INR 50,000 crores over 5 years, and working to improve Ease of Doing Research which have opened up various avenues for initiating large-scale change.

The Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India) is a non-profit institution of excellence dedicated to build capacity and advance policy solutions that foster scientific enquiry and research, and facilitate the creation, dissemination, and translation of new scientific knowledge. The Foundation will work with all stakeholders to develop and strengthen the science ecosystem in India in order to advance scientific research and its translation into economic value and social good. The Foundation also aspires to be a thought-leader in the space of science in India and set the narrative for science in the country by creating change akin to the economic reforms of 1991 for the Science and Technology ecosystem. FAST India will have five key verticals: Policy and Research, Government Support, Institutional Strengthening, Corporate Sector Engagement, and Science Communications (flagship event, www.indiasciencefest.org).

FAST India is backed by Ashish Dhawan, a private equity investor turned philanthropist, and Varun Aggarwal, who is a successful tech entrepreneur and researcher. Varun is passionate about building science for India and has written books on the science ecosystem of India and redefining tech in India through deep tech and AI. He believes that India needs to be a frontrunner in scientific research to have sustainable social and economic progress. Ashish Dhawan is the chairperson of Ashoka University, a leading liberal arts university in India, and Central Square Foundation, and is passionate about promoting science and technology in India.

FAST India receives guidance from its panel of advisors that comprises Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Thomas Barlow, Dr. Swaminathan Sivaram, Samir K. Brahmachari, Sanjay Sarma, Luis Miranda, Venkatesh Narayanamurti, Vijay Chandru and Gagandeep Kang.

FAST India is led by Jayant Krishna as its CEO, a senior professional with many years of diverse work experience in the tech industry, Government of India and nonprofits. He earlier played a pivotal role in the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission as the CEO and COO of the National Skill Development Corporation. He was also the Group CEO, UK-India Business Council, and had worked in global leadership roles with the Tata group for over two decades.

Position Summary

We are looking to hire an exceptional Associate Director for Policy and Research to lead the team in an exciting time of organisational growth and development. This role will require working closely with the organisation leaders and science and technology stakeholders to conceive, develop and evangelize policy reforms; and render implementation assistance intended to place India at the forefront of global innovation through the creation of an appropriate science and technology research ecosystem and its translation into social and commercial applications. Overall, the Associate Director will provide policy and research expertise, aligned with FAST India’s mission, goals and targets.

Linked with its mission, FAST India has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Capacity Building Commission, Government of India for collaboration on projects in the science and technology ecosystem. FAST India is entering into more such MoUs with relevant stakeholders.

This is a high-energy, entrepreneurial role and a great opportunity for those who enjoy working in a start-up environment and care deeply about the impact sector. This role includes developing and managing relationships with decision makers and influencers to liberalize science and technology policy and research.

Roles and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Associate Director for Policy and Research include, but are not limited to:

• Clarity on the policy landscape: Understanding of the multiple national and state level policy initiatives in the science and technology sector is key to the role. This includes identifying policy gaps which need to be addressed at the center, state or institutional level and develop appropriate interventions.
• Developing the appropriate policy frameworks: Take a lead in framing policies that help bring efficiency and effectiveness in scientific R&D financing, enhance ease of doing research and dismantle barriers to innovation and science entrepreneurship in India. The role would also include facilitation of decisions based on research and insights to recommend an appropriate approach for diverse policy questions at the central or state level.
• Driving Stakeholder engagement: Support and drive stakeholder engagement including senior level relationships at the central or state governments, funders, and subject matter experts to ensure recognition of FAST India as a professional & effective partner.
• Leading the team: Scale the existing team to bring on board the necessary skill sets required to deliver across the various programs and policy interventions (current & planned). Leadership of the team and effective engagement with the Project Implementation teams is a key expectation from this role.
• Organisational support: Take on diverse operational tasks to ensure organisational success

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Masters degree in relevant disciplines from top tier institutions. While there is no preference for a particular major, we expect to see a high degree of intellectual curiosity, sophistication and analytical skills
• 15+ years of work experience with managerial responsibilities, demonstrating excellent project delivery and relationship development in or related to field of policy and research
• Entrepreneurial self-starter, passion for science and technology, and desire to develop and strengthen the science ecosystem in India
• Team management to be able to lead large teams
• High intellectual vitality, the desire to continuously learn, read, and engage on a variety of topics.
• While the person may only have a basic understanding of science and technology, we highly value the willingness to learn
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, planning and organizational skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, professionalism, and deadlines
• Strong communication, writing, interpersonal, and stakeholder-facing skills including great presentation and facilitation skills

Desired Qualities

• Drive to excel in every aspect of work with high level of innovation and strong perseverance
• Ability to take initiative and develop solutions quickly and effectively
• Ability to understand and consider organisational culture and change
• Ability to function and interact in a professional level capacity to sustain the mission, culture and best interests of the organisation
• Ability to adapt and exhibit confidence in a highly evolving, agile, and fast paced work environment
• High level of discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive materials and issues
• Operating style suited to working in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued

Remuneration

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy pay scales and with organizations working with a similar mandate.