The Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR) is a not-for-profit trust dedicated to making the Constitution work for everyone through law and policy research, social and governance interventions, and strategic impact litigation. Our primary focus is on addressing discrimination at the intersections of caste, gender, disability, and other minority groups.
About the Position and Role
The Director of Research will report to the Executive Director and will be the overall in-charge of all research activities undertaken by CLPR. The Director of Research is responsible for undertaking legal research and policy work of CLPR, supervising and reviewing the work of the Senior Research Fellows, Research Fellows and Research Associates at CLPR. The Research Director is responsible for creative leadership and execution of research efforts, in a fast-paced environment that requires outstanding project-management, analysis, and communication skills. The Director of Research will also be in charge of project budgets, and manage them in conjunction with the Executive Director and the Director of Operations. In addition, the Director of Research will lead proposal writing and take part in the fundraising activities of CLPR. They will also assist in allied administrative functions necessary for the smooth execution of research and project activities, including participating in recruitment for their team. This is a full-time role, and can be based in Bengaluru or New Delhi.
Scope of Work
- Developing and managing new research projects from design and analysis to presentation and communication of findings, effectively using quantitative and qualitative resources.
- Collaborating closely with other director-level staff to develop policy and communications strategies.
- Researching and developing expertise on emerging law and policy initiatives.
- Leading efforts to use data to tell stories about CLPR’s work.
- Supporting legislative efforts by tracking and analyzing impact of policy proposals, interpreting research and data for policymakers, and bringing an all-hands-on-deck attitude to support other needs.
- Providing research support for CLPR’s work, including policy analysis, identification of best practices, data analysis to inform our work, and creation of written materials such as policy briefs, research reports, one-pagers, and fact sheets.
- Maintaining an understanding of national and local laws and policies and research to inform the team’s work and incorporate best practices in policy analysis, research, and impact.
Required Skills
- Exceptional legal research and writing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to write for diverse audiences.
- Capacity to manage teams and multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Good project management skills, including budget management.
- Experience in proposal writing and fundraising is desirable.
- Demonstrated experience with research and analysis, including the ability to synthesize data and draw informed, accurate conclusions.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, with ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, and to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Working knowledge of and policy in the areas of gender, disability, caste, gender identity and sexual orientation laws, policy, research, and practice.
- Comfort presenting to groups, facilitating collaborative work, operating across lines of difference, and developing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Education & Experience
- A postgraduate degree in Law and a PhD is preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in legal research or policy advocacy.
- Prior work on issues relating to Dalit and Adivasi rights, gender justice, disability rights, or minority rights will be an advantage.
- Demonstrated commitment to rights-based research and social justice work.
Remuneration:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
- Write to careers.clpr@clpr.org.in with the subject line: “Your Name_Application for Director of Research”
- Attach the following:
- Cover Letter (500–800 words)
- Resume
- One Writing Sample
- Two References
Equal Opportunity
CLPR is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from individuals from SC/ST backgrounds, minority religions, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.