Fellow/Senior Policy Advisor: Public Report on Secondary Education

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) invites applications from experienced academics or professionals with 10–15 years of experience in field-based education research, including the use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Familiarity with social sector research at the state level, along with an understanding of human resource issues, organisational behaviour, and public management challenges, will be an advantage.

Applicants should hold a PhD in an education-related field. The selected candidate will join CSEP’s Public Report on Secondary Education (PROSE) team. The PROSE team has recently completed its first study examining the human development needs of 14–21-year-olds and the opportunities currently available to them within the education and skills ecosystem. Titled Schools, Skills and Work: A Detailed Study of 14–21-Year-Olds in NCR Delhi, the book will be published later this year and made freely available to the public.

Building on this work, CSEP plans to undertake a similar study across ten representative states, incorporating refinements to the research design based on lessons from the Delhi NCR study. The selected candidate will play a leadership role in shaping the revised research design, overseeing fieldwork, and coordinating implementation across two to three states. In each partner state, the candidate will work closely with a designated state-level team leader and will also engage with state government officials, in coordination with the Senior Programme Manager, to secure necessary approvals prior to fieldwork. The survey is tentatively scheduled for September–October 2026, with the National PROSE Report expected to be released by June 2027.

The remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with experience. This role offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to rigorous, policy-relevant mixed-methods research, critical in understanding India’s challenges in securing the demographic dividend from the youth bulge. The appointment will be for a period of 18–24 months, depending on the completion of project.

Education Background and Experience

• PhD (or equivalent professional experience) with a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
• At least one book or peer-reviewed journal publication
• International research exposure

Organisational Skills

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage complex workflows, including stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and interviews
• Proven capacity to handle team communications with professionalism and clarity

Teamwork and Motivation

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, contributing actively to group efforts and sharing insights
• Comfort operating in a dynamic research environment requiring flexibility and initiative
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple tasks effectively, including research and administrative responsibilities.
• High levels of motivation, proactiveness, and willingness to engage with stakeholders across the research and policy ecosystem
• Flexibility and initiative to take on new challenges and contribute to the growth of the team’s impact.

Only candidates who meet the specified criteria are encouraged to apply. The designation offered will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competence.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their résumé and a letter of motivation by February 15, 2026.

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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants may be required to complete skill-based and technical assessments as part of the selection process.

About CSEP

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, 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013).