Job Opportunity for Economic Policy Analyst at CEGIS in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

## Job Description: Economic Policy Analyst

 

**About The Convergence Foundation (TCF)**

 

The Convergence Foundation (TCF) is a grant-making incubator, run by philanthropist Ashish Dhawan, which builds and scales new foundations in key areas of India’s development sector. TCF’s mission is to transform purpose into opportunity by supporting organizations that are driving positive change in India.  

 

**Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS)**

 

CEGIS is a TCF initiative focused on strengthening the capacity and public systems of state governments to improve governance, service delivery, and the effectiveness of public expenditure. CEGIS works closely with state governments to develop and implement evidence-based policy solutions, drawing on expertise from leading academics and researchers.

 

**Job Location:** Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

 

**Experience Required:**

 

* Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience related to empirical research in the domain of public policy (preferred, not a strict requirement).

* Applicants without work experience must demonstrate requisite skills and inclination through a strong academic record.

 

**Position Summary**

 

As CEGIS enters its fifth year, we are seeking multiple Economic Policy Analysts to join our Economics and Statistics Unit. You will conduct economic analysis focused on state-level policy issues in India, contributing to impactful research and policy recommendations. You will work closely with a diverse team of analysts and economists, collaborating with senior government officials and leading experts in the field.

 

**Role and Responsibilities**

 

* **Economic Research and Technical Analysis:**

    * Conduct research and analysis on policy and programmatic issues relevant to state governments.

    * Develop data-driven insights and recommendations to support effective policy implementation and governance reforms.

    * Support CEGIS field projects through sampling design, data analytical frameworks, and analytical tools.

    * Curate and update datasets for rapid analysis.

* **Policy Development and Collaboration:**

    * Identify and address research and analysis gaps for CEGIS.

    * Engage with stakeholders (government officials, researchers, think-tanks) to foster effective policy dialogues and knowledge sharing.

    * Support CEGIS teams in developing and implementing evidence-based policy solutions.

    * Translate economic research findings into practical policy ideas and reforms.

* **Knowledge Creation and Dissemination:**

    * Draft high-quality notes, reports, policy briefs, and academic papers.

    * Communicate complex economic findings and insights to both academic and non-academic audiences.

 

**Qualifications**

 

* A Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, or a related field is strongly preferred.

* Proficiency in data science and experience working with large datasets.

* Knowledge of at least one statistical analysis software (STATA, R) is essential. Proficiency in other programming languages (like Python) and GIS software packages is advantageous.

* Familiarity with major research datasets covering India and experience in compiling and using complex datasets.

* Strong writing and communication skills in English; fluency in other Indian languages is a plus.

* Demonstrated interest in government functioning improvement and using research and evidence to inform policy.

* Exposure to project design and implementation, particularly in collaboration with government officials or large-scale projects, is advantageous.

 

**Personal Characteristics**

 

* Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual skills in economics.

* Ability to work effectively across multiple projects simultaneously.

* Adaptability to work independently and as part of a small, dynamic team.

* Creative thinking, willingness to experiment with new ideas, and ability to translate ideas into action plans and execute them.

* Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning.

* Passion for working with governments to enhance state effectiveness.

 

**Location and Compensation**

 

This role will be based out of Chennai. Remuneration will be competitive with Indian academic and think tank pay scales and will depend on the candidate’s experience levels.

 

**Note:** CEGIS has zero tolerance to sexual harassment and expects all applicants to self-declare related to the same.