Fellow/Policy Advisor/Associate Fellow – Collaborative Governance

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) invites applications for the position of Fellow/Policy Advisor/Associate Fellow (Collaborative Governance). The selected candidate will serve as a senior member of the programme team for an upcoming Public Report on Collaborative Governance. This flagship study aims to generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence on the design and effectiveness of collaborative governance mechanisms in India.

This role is best suited to an accomplished scholar in the social sciences with substantial research experience, particularly in case study methodologies. Prior research experience in governance will be an advantage.

Research Programme on Collaborative Governance

The proposed research will draw on multiple theoretical frameworks on collaborative governance. Approximately 24 case studies from across India—where collaborative governance has been practised—will be examined, and insights from these will be synthesised to inform recommendations for more collaborative approaches to governance.

Each sector-specific case study will be undertaken by teams comprising academics and practitioners from government, private, and not-for-profit sectors. While each team will determine its own methodology, all will address a shared set of research questions.

In addition, two large-scale survey-based studies—one in urban areas and one in rural areas—are planned to complement the qualitative insights from case studies with quantitative evidence on key variables.

The research project will be guided and coordinated by the programme team at CSEP, led by the Project Leader and comprising a Senior Fellow, Fellow, Senior Programme Manager, and Research Associate(s). The initiative will also work closely with the research programme on a Public Report on Secondary Education.

Role Overview

The selected candidate will be a core member of the programme team and will contribute to the planning, research design, and timely execution of the research programme.

Key Responsibilities

The role entails two broad sets of responsibilities:

I. Lead responsibility for two large survey-based studies:

• Lead the research design, including development of quantitative and qualitative tools, in consultation with the respective research advisory team
• Oversee recruitment of field investigators or agencies to conduct the surveys
• Finalise sampling strategies and supervise data collection, including field visits where necessary
• Engage with senior state government officials (in coordination with the Senior Programme Manager) to secure approvals and facilitate field access
• Ensure data validation and conduct data analysis, and lead the drafting of report chapters based on survey findings

II. Programme team responsibilities:

• Support the Project Leader and Senior Fellow in overall research coordination and publication of the final report
• Finalise research design for all case studies in consultation with research teams and provide technical support as needed
• Supervise multi-state fieldwork, including data collection and validation
• Ensure adherence to agreed timelines through regular follow-up
• Review and finalise case study chapters, including managing peer review and ethical clearance processes
• Analyse case study data using a standardised toolkit and synthesise qualitative and quantitative findings
• Contribute to the preparation and finalisation of the Public Report

The chosen candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, methodological rigour, and analytical quality.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in Governance, Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sector Studies, or a related field (equivalent high-level professional experience may be considered)
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in research design and field-based research, including case study methodologies
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex field-based research projects
• Strong grounding in both quantitative and qualitative methods
• At least one book or peer-reviewed journal publication
• International research exposure is desirable

Desirable Expertise

• Experience engaging with government and governance systems; prior work or research in collaborative governance is highly desirable
• Understanding of institutional development, organisational behaviour, public management, and human resource systems

Personal and Professional Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical depth
• High attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and stakeholders effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High levels of initiative, professionalism, and accountability
• Ability to work in a dynamic, policy-oriented research environment

Remuneration

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About CSEP

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is an independent, non-partisan public policy research institution based in New Delhi. CSEP conducts in-depth, evidence-based research across domains including Growth, Finance, Health & Human Development; Energy, Natural Resources & Sustainability; and Foreign Policy & Security. All research outputs are publicly available.

CSEP is registered as a not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF file (maximum 1 MB):

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae
2. A brief statement of interest (maximum 1,000 words) outlining relevant experience and approach to leading large-scale mixed-methods research
3. One writing sample (published paper or report chapter)
4. Names and contact details of two professional referees

Interested candidates may click here to apply.

Deadline for submission: April 15, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CSEP reserves the right to close the position earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.