Job Opportunity for Research Lead at SSA in New Delhi

About the organization

The Sports and Society Accelerator is an ecosystem-builder using sport for positive social  outcomes. Established as a Section 8 not-for-profit, the Accelerator has a dual engine  approach. It uses independent policy and research output in collaboration with governments, civil society, and individual participants and also works through  partnerships and directly on programmes tailored, each to help enhance inclusion,  empowerment, and equality.

Position Summary

We are looking to hire an exceptional Research Lead to join the team to work on heading  the organization’s overall research agenda in the sports sector. The role includes sharing  actionable insights from the policy and research mandates, and extends to building  implementation and evaluation frameworks to monitor progress. Candidates from diverse  backgrounds are encouraged.

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a lean, core-group environment,  leading pioneering research initiatives in the sector. The right candidate also enjoys being actively involved in building and scaling organizations, while caring deeply about impact.  This role requires working with senior stakeholders and engaging with them on strategic  projects that have the potential to solve key development challenges. It also involves leading  the research projects with state and central governments and working closely with key  decision-makers for actionable research output.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the leadership and Board of Advisors to set and execute against the  organization’s targets and goals in line with budget.
• Support the leadership team with frequent research briefs and insight,  recommending an appropriate approach.
• Oversee the creation of knowledge products across the priority areas, including  engaging in primary and secondary research, speaking with experts and synthesizing  data from multiple data points.
• Managing small work groups and coordinating research projects by leveraging several  key resources both internally and externally.
• Implement a culture of data rigour – data clearly interpreted, outcomes analysed using  statistical approaches, and reports sent on a regular basis.
• Develop and deploy databases, data collection systems, data analytics, and other  statistical efficiency and quality improvement initiatives.
• Gather data from primary and secondary sources and keep databases and data systems  up to date.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• A Master’s degree with a good academic record along with at least 5 years of work  experience.
• Outstanding communication skills both written and spoken.
• Experience in handling small teams, and overseeing at least one significant research and outcomes project.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend software solutions based on existing tools and  databases.
• Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings.
• Knowledge of statistics and experience with statistical software for data analysis are  required (Excel, SPSS).
• Technical knowledge of data models, database design, and data segmentation  techniques is required.
• Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.

Desired Qualities

• A broad awareness of policy and developments in the sports and social impact sector,  along with aligned sectors, so as to be able to effectively communicate qualitative  contributions to research projects.
• A passion for sports, whether as a participant or fan, is ideal.
• High level of discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive materials and  issues
• Ability to take initiative and develop solutions quickly and effectively
• Ability to function and interact in a professional level capacity to sustain the  mission, culture and best interests of the respective organizations
• Ability to adapt and exhibit confidence in a highly evolving, agile, and fast paced  work environment, where teamwork and resourcefulness are critical for success