Research Associate (Gender and Social Inclusion)

Futures Research

WELL Labs is looking for a skilled and motivated Research Associate (Gender and Social Inclusion) to join the Climate Adaptation and Resilience In Tropical Drylands (CLARITY) project.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Research Associate to conduct cutting-edge research on gender and social inclusion. This collaborative role involves working with researchers and programme staff to design studies, collect and analyse data, and translate research findings into actionable recommendations. A Master’s degree with 3-4 years of experience or a recent doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., gender studies, social sciences, or a related discipline) is required.

About the Project: The project addresses the critical need to identify equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient development pathways in tropical drylands. Alongside research being undertaken in the Sahel (Niger/Nigeria) and central Tanzania, CLARITY is establishing ‘Transformational Labs’ (T-Labs) — collaborative spaces where people take an active role in co-developing sustainable, equitable pathways — in Chikkaballapur and Raichur districts in Karnataka.

CLARITY consists of three work packages: (1) Co-construct narratives of water management based on video diaries and interviews and train ‘para-hydrogeologists’ in the community to collect and analyse data for local action; (2) Use the narratives and data to build models that generate disaggregated, technically and socially ‘plausible’ pathways; (3) Engage with key change makers to ensure the research gets embedded in wider policy processes and communities of practice.

Job Location: Raichur, Karnataka

Type of Engagement: Full time or part time

Responsibilities

Work with researchers and programme staff to develop research questions, methodologies, and data collection plans that effectively address gender and social inclusion considerations.
Assist in the integration of gender and social inclusion considerations in programme planning, design, and monitoring.
Analyse data and compile comprehensive reports on research findings.
Engage with stakeholders, including community organisations, policymakers, and academic institutions, to promote gender and social inclusion.
Experience working with, managing, and coding on web-based data collection applications (e.g., SurveyCTO Or KoboCollect) and using research tools and software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, Microsoft Office).
Experience with data cleaning, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, visualisation, and presentation will be preferred.
Assist in the creation of policy briefs, articles, and other communication materials to disseminate research findings.
Function with utmost sensitivity towards data confidentiality and privacy.
Be a liaison between WELL Labs and collaborating institutions.

Qualifications, Experience and Eligibility

Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Development Economics, Anthropology, or a related field with 3-4 years of experience, or a fresh doctorate.
Proven experience in conducting gender-related research and analysis.
Strong understanding of gender issues and their intersection with other social factors.
An academic background in gender studies is strongly preferred.
Proficiency in gender analysis tools and methodologies, along with expertise in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research and analysis.
Knowledge of Kannada is mandatory
Familiarity with rural India and willingness to travel and live for extended periods in rural parts of the state is desired.