Sr. Program Associate - Outcome Measurement (NITI) - New Delhi

About CEGIS

The Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS pronounced See-Jis) aims to improve lives by helping Indian state governments deliver better development outcomes. Informed by cutting-edge research and evidence as well as a practical orientation toward implementable ideas, CEGIS aims to provide Indian states with both an analytical roadmap for governance and expenditure reforms and strategic implementation support to deliver on this vision. The organisation has a sharp focus on improving the quality of public expenditure, personnel, and data. Through it, it creates templates for achieving a step-function improvement in development outcomes across India.

The Outcome Measurement (OM) team plays a vital role in institutionalising data-driven decision-making within government departments. The work involves setting up the required infrastructure and technical capacity for (i) collection and reporting of better quality administrative data; (ii) meaningful analysis and visualisation of data; and (iii) effective use of data for localised prioritisation and decision-making.

About the position

This position is being sought for the planning and execution of a data-driven governance program of a highly prestigious central government agency. The Senior Program Associate (SPA) - Outcome Measurement will be instrumental in realising CEGIS's vision for the same. The key responsibilities of the Senior Program Associate include:

Conduct fieldwork (primary data collection and discussion with relevant stakeholders) as required
Conduct analysis of primary data, secondary data, and administrative data from relevant government line departments using prescribed templates and pre-analysis plans.
Support in the development of high-quality outputs (presentations, reports, briefs) summarizing project progress, data analyses, and insights for both technical and non-technical audiences and for dissemination at various forums.
Follow strict data management and security protocols
Assist in the standardisation of measurement and analysis protocols for projects
Assist in maintaining thorough documentation of project processes and learnings and insights from the project
Keep track of global best practices in measurement and assist in strengthening the team’s capacity to adopt those

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree or equivalent preferred) in economics, public policy, social science, or related fields from a reputed institution
3 to 5 years of work experience in India with a research organization (research agency/ think-tank (government or private sector) preferred
Experience with data cleaning and analysis of large and complex data sets and econometric analysis
Knowledge of STATA or R (strongly preferred) or any other data analysis software preferred

Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities

Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, strong research aptitude ability to analyse complex quantitative and qualitative data and formulate solutions
Fluency in English and excellent writing and communication skills (ability to communicate complex ideas in a meaningful way and across different audiences) within and outside the organization.
Strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines
Ability to think creatively, willing to take risks to experiment with new ideas, and the ability to turn ideas into action
High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others’ views
Operating style suited to working independently and in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued

Location and Compensation

This role will be based out of New Delhi with the possibility of regular travel to states where CEGIS has a presence.
Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidate’s experience levels.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application here.

Pre-reads for the application process

To learn more about the type of reforms CEGIS is seeking to implement in states, please go through the following materials before sending in your application:

Concept note on CEGIS

Podcast episodes with Prof. Karthik Muralidharan – one each on education and healthcare in India.
Collection of Prof. Karthik Muralidharan’s work here.