Job Opportunity for Head – Research at Leadership For Skilled Education Foundation in Pune, Maharashtra

**Job Title:** Head – Research

**Organization:** Leadership For Skilled Education Foundation (LFE)

**About LFE:**

Leadership For Skilled Education Foundation (LFE) is a Pune-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving public education systems in India.  LFE works in partnership with government bodies to co-create programs that enhance teaching-learning practices and improve student learning and well-being.  Their approach involves capacity building for system leaders and teachers, alongside research and policy advocacy to create a more effective government education system.  Currently, LFE operates in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Tripura, impacting millions of students.  Their work is grounded in the belief that public education systems are crucial for social equity, particularly for underprivileged children.

**About the Research Vertical:**

LFE’s research vertical aims to generate high-impact, research-based insights on educational governance, middle management capacity, and teacher capacity.  The research informs public discourse, provides transparent analyses of challenges and successes within the public education system, and enhances understanding of systems change.

**Job Description and Responsibilities:**

The Head of Research will lead the research team, managing projects from inception to dissemination.  Responsibilities include:

* **Project Management (30%):** Designing and implementing research processes, annual/monthly plans, data collection strategies (interviews, FGDs, surveys), report writing, and dissemination plans.  This includes grant proposal writing and coordinating with various stakeholders.

* **Team Management (30%):**  Leading and mentoring the research team, fostering collaboration, ensuring accountability, and assisting with recruitment.  This also involves coordinating with partner organizations and field enumerators.

* **Stakeholder Management (20%):**  Working with senior leadership to secure funding, engaging with existing funders, and submitting timely donor reports.

* **Research Design & Report Writing (20%):** Designing and writing research and grant proposals, conducting literature reviews, data analysis, and producing final reports and media articles.

**Requirements:**

* **Education & Experience:** Master’s degree (MPhil/PhD preferred) in social science, policy research, education, social sciences, or public policy. Minimum 3-4 years of experience executing research projects, with at least 3 published research articles/papers/blogs. Prior experience managing small teams is highly preferred. Experience with research on public schools, capacity building, or policy implementation is a significant advantage.

* **Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities:** Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis tools (R, SPSS, Atlas Ti, etc.). Excellent written and oral communication skills (Marathi preferred). Belief in the potential of public sector systems change. Understanding of social equity, development discourse, and Indian education policy. Ability to work autonomously, adapt to changing responsibilities, build relationships with stakeholders, and create compelling presentations. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Suite.

**Location and Compensation:**

* **Location:** Pune, Maharashtra, with frequent travel to rural areas across LFE’s operational states.

* **Compensation:**  15,00,000 – 16,00,000 INR per annum CTC (commensurate with experience and qualifications).