Overview

Job Title: Field Researcher (female)

Function: Project Execution & Field Research

Location: Uttar Pradesh (Sampled Districts) / BIPP, ISB Mohali

Reports to: Project Lead

Band: Fixed Term (Project-Based – 3 months)

Job Description

Job Purpose:

The Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business (ISB) invites applications for the position of Field Researcher for its research study, "Independent Evaluation of the WFP-Supported Strengthening of the ICDS Take-Home Ration (THR) Programme in Uttar Pradesh." The Field Researcher will conduct primary field research — including structured surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and direct community observations — to generate highquality, evidence-based data in support of the evaluation. This role is well-suited for graduate students (Master's or PhD) or early-career researchers with a strong interest in nutrition policy, social development, and applied field research in rural India.

Job Outline:

Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) is one of India's leading public policy think tanks, generating critical, data-driven evidence for policymakers. As BIPP expands its field research portfolio, we are seeking Field Researchers to join the THR Evaluation team and directly carry out primary data collection and analysis activities in Uttar Pradesh.

The Field Researcher will:

• Independently conduct primary data collection — including structured household surveys, individual interviews (with ICDS beneficiaries/PLW, Anganwadi Workers, SHG members), and focus group discussions — across sampled districts in Uttar Pradesh.
• Apply mixed-method research approaches including quantitative surveys and qualitative techniques such as semistructured interviews and participatory observation.
• Engage respectfully and professionally with community members, local government officials, ICDS/Anganwadi functionaries, UPSRLM representatives, SHG women managing THR production units, and WFP technical staff.
• Maintain rigorous data quality standards — accurately recording, reviewing, and cleaning data collected in the field in accordance with the study's research methodology and ethical protocols.
• Contribute to the preparation of field notes, daily/weekly research logs, and preliminary findings summaries to be shared with the research team.
• Participate in study training, debriefs, and team discussions; flag field-level challenges or observations that may have implications for the research methodology.
• Adhere to research ethics guidelines, including informed consent procedures, data privacy protocols, and respectful engagement with vulnerable communities.
• Support secondary data review tasks (programme documents, government records, SHG performance data) as needed to complement primary findings.

Job Specifications

Knowledge / Education:

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Nutrition, Rural Development, Economics, or a related field.
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a Master's or PhD programme in a relevant discipline are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated understanding of social science research methods — both quantitative (surveys, sampling) and qualitative (interviews, FGDs, ethnography).
• Familiarity with field-based research ethics, including informed consent, data privacy, and working with vulnerable populations.

Specific Skills:

• Ability to independently conduct structured interviews, FGDs, and household surveys with diverse community members.
• Proficiency with digital data collection tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication in Hindi (required); knowledge of local UP dialects is a distinct advantage.
• Attention to detail in data recording, field notes, and ensuring consistency with study protocols.
• Ability to work independently in rural field settings with limited supervision.

Desirable Experience:

• 0–2 years of field research experience, OR equivalent academic fieldwork as part of a Master's/PhD programme.
• Experience in qualitative data collection methods (in depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnographic observation) is highly desirable.
• Prior experience with ICDS, Anganwadi systems, SHG networks, nutrition programmes, or community health/livelihoods projects is desirable.
• Familiarity with UP's social, cultural, and administrative context is an advantage.
• Participation in any large-scale survey or evaluation project (academic or professional) is a plus.

Additional Notes & Project Fit

• The Field Researcher will directly carry out primary data collection activities aligned with the project's Terms of Reference — including beneficiary surveys, SHG production unit assessments, and qualitative research across all evaluation dimensions.
• This is an individual contributor, research-focused role. The Field Researcher is not expected to manage or supervise a team; rather, they will work closely alongside fellow researchers and report directly to the Project Lead.
• The position involves significant multi-district travel across Uttar Pradesh. Candidates must be willing and able to travel and stay in field locations as required by the study schedule.
• Master's and PhD students are strongly encouraged to apply. This engagement offers an excellent opportunity for academic researchers to contribute to a nationally significant policy evaluation and gain hands-on applied field research experience.
• Working knowledge of field realities, social dynamics, and cultural context in Uttar Pradesh will be a significant advantage.

How to Apply?

ISB is committed to diversity at the workplace and strongly encourages applications from women (particularly for field roles involving engagement with PLW, mothers, AWW, and SHG women), minority candidates, and researchers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Send your application through this link here

https://form.jotform.com/260971179207058.

Upload your updated CV and cover letter (no more than 500 words) discussing your motivation and relevant research experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. You will be contacted only if shortlisted for an interview.