Research Analyst – Research Programme on Business-Society Relations

About the Programme

The newly launched Programme on Business–Society Relations at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), New Delhi, will investigate business-society relations and how various stakeholders perceive responsibilities of Indian businesses towards society. Within this broad theme we will research how Indian corporates are responding to social demands and how their responses are moderated by internal factors such as ownership structures and corporate governance and external context set by the regulatory regime and public expectations. While the research will draw upon various theoretical frameworks, the objective will be to produce evidence-based, policy-relevant research at the intersection of business strategy, corporate governance, and public accountability of corporates. The research outputs will be disseminated through publications/workshops and in an annual flagship event that will include a lecture by a globally recognised thought leader followed by a symposium on the theme.

Role Overview

The programme is directed by a Senior Fellow. Associate Fellow/Research Associate(s) will lead various research themes. The Research Analyst will provide substantive analytical, empirical, and editorial support across the programme. The role combines rigorous data work — both quantitative and qualitative — with strong research communication skills. The chosen candidate will play a central role in building and maintaining the programme’s primary datasets, conducting document and disclosure analysis, and drafting research outputs at various stages of completion. This is an opportunity for a talented early-career researcher to develop deep expertise in corporate governance and business-society relations fields under close mentorship.

Advantages of Being Associated With CSEP:

• Opportunity to engage with policymakers, senior government officials and distinguished academics from leading global institutions.
• Opportunity to grow and work at the forefront of collaboration with a diverse network of global partners, including multilateral organisations, research institutions, and leading industry stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and annotated bibliographies to support ongoing research streams.
• Build, manage, and update programme datasets, including structured databases drawn from BRSR disclosures, MCA filings, annual reports, and third-party ESG data sources.
• Perform quantitative data analysis using statistical software (R, STATA, Python, or equivalent), including descriptive analysis, regression modelling, as required. 
• Conduct qualitative data analysis, including coding and thematic analysis of interview transcripts, corporate disclosures, Annual Reports, policy documents, and media content using appropriate tools.
• Design and administer stakeholder surveys; compile, clean, and prepare data for analytical use.
• Draft and edit research outputs including working papers, policy briefs, programme reports, and presentations with the guidance of research lead.
• Prepare background notes, reading packs, and discussion materials for programme events, roundtables, and executive education sessions.
• Support administrative coordination of fieldwork, data collection activities, and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain programme’s knowledge management systems, including filing, citation management and research documentation.

Educational Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Management, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, Law, or a closely related discipline.
• Formal training in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Additional certification or coursework in data analysis, statistics, or social science research methods will be preferred.
• A PhD (in progress or completed) in a relevant area will be an advantage.

Required Experience

Essential

• Two to four years of experience in a research, policy analysis, or data-intensive role.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis, including working with large datasets, and applying econometric or statistical techniques.
• Experience in qualitative research, including designing interview guides, and performing systematic content or thematic analysis.
• Experience drafting research documents — working papers, policy briefs, background notes, or equivalent for professional or academic audiences.

Preferred

• Experience at a think tank, academic institution, management consultancy, or regulatory body.
• Experience with corporate disclosure documents — annual reports, BRSR filings, sustainability reports, or similar.
• Familiarity with India’s corporate regulatory landscape.

Key Competencies and Skills

Essential

• Proficiency in at least one statistical analysis package (R, STATA, Python etc.) and strong spreadsheet skills (Excel/Google Sheets with advanced functions and data models).
• Working knowledge of qualitative analysis tools.
• Strong research writing and editing skills — ability to produce clearly structured, well-referenced drafts and high-quality visualisations and presentations with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, citation standards, and research integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliverables simultaneously, meeting deadlines in a dynamic research environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with citation management tools.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively in a small, high-performance team.

Preferred 

• Familiarity with ESG data platforms.
• Interest in or exposure to corporate governance, business ethics, sustainability reporting, or related policy areas.
• Demonstrated writing for public audiences — op-eds, blog posts, or research summaries in accessible formats.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV, including the names and contact details of two referees, along with a work sample, by June 30, 2026.  Please upload single PDF file.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Click here to apply

About CSEP

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) conducts in-depth, policy relevant research and provides evidence-based recommendations to the challenges facing India and the world. It draws on the expertise of its researchers, extensive interactions with policy makers as well as convening power to enhance the impact of research.

Our researchers work across domains including, but not limited to, Growth, Finance, Health & Human Development; Energy, Natural Resources and Sustainability; and Foreign Policy and Security. All our research and policy recommendations are freely available to the public.

CSEP is an independent, non-partisan research organisation based in New Delhi. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons regardless of race, colour, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation shall have equal access to positions, limited only by their ability to do the job.

CSEP is based in New Delhi and registered as a company limited by shares and not for profit, under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 (earlier Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956).