Research Associate (Gender Based Violence and Work Theme)

[InstituteofSocialStudiesTrust]

Location: New Delhi 

Application Deadline: 12th May 2025

About ISST
The Institute of Social Studies Trust (ISST) is a nonprofit organisation that was established as a charitable trust in 1980. Over the last forty plus years, ISST has been consistently working towards bringing social change with focus on livelihoods, work, and well-being of vulnerable communities in India It attempts to make visible and address gendered dimensions of labor through a critical public-spirited inquiry and a gender transformative approach necessary to build a just and equitable society. The organisation pursues its mission through its four programme pillars – research, evaluation, community outreach and capacity building across four thematic areas of Gender based violence and work, Informality, precarious work and care, Gender and digitality and Movement building and claims making. For more visit: https://www.isstindia.org/

To amplify our work and extend our reach, ISST is looking for a dynamic Communications Associate who can develop engaging narratives, drive digital campaigns, and manage media outreach to support our advocacy efforts.

Role Overview

The Research Associate will play a crucial role in conducting research using mixed methods, policy analysis, and program development from a gender transformative lens aimed at advancing gender equality and social justice.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in gender studies, public policy, social sciences, or related fields and 2-3 years of work experience.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Knowledge Building:
Support research activities across intersecting themes related to gender, work, and gender-based violence. This includes reviewing literature, policies, and practices, as well as collecting and organizing primary data. The RA will assist in analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data and contribute to drafting reports, briefs, and other publications.

Curriculum and Manual Development:
Assist in designing and delivering interdisciplinary learning materials across thematic areas. This includes supporting the development of courses (such as a blended format course on Women and Work) and capacity-building manuals. Tasks may include conducting background research, helping draft content, coordinating with experts and partners, and organizing workshops or modules for in-person and digital formats.

Programmatic Support and Consultations:
Coordinate and support consultations with diverse stakeholders—such as community-based organizations, researchers, activists, and practitioners—to inform program design and research agendas. The RA will assist in documentation, logistics, and synthesis of insights from these engagements.

Strategic Input and Integration:
Provide research-based inputs to support strategy development and programmatic planning across focus areas. The RA will contribute to drafting strategy notes or concept papers, and work with teams to align thematic insights with organisational goals, including efforts at fundraising..

Program Design and Innovation:
Assist in conceptualising and documenting innovative program design elements, including training tools, intervention strategies, and partnership frameworks that reflect grounded feminist praxis.

Knowledge Dissemination:
Support the documentation and dissemination of research findings, pedagogical materials, and field-based knowledge through multiple formats—reports, blogs, social media, or learning tools. The RA will also help identify platforms and networks for wider sharing and uptake.

Coordination and Collaboration:
Work closely with the Program Lead and other team members to support the planning, implementation, and documentation of thematic and project-based work. This includes regular communication and coordination to ensure timely execution of responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Education: Masters or MPhil degree in gender studies, economics, sociology, public policy, development studies social science  or a related field. A solid understanding of feminist theory and its application is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the development field in research, policy analysis, or advocacy related to gender and women's rights. Experience of working on issues around gender based violence and understanding on intersectionalities of gender  will be advantageous.

Research Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Proficiency in data analysis tools and software is essential .

Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and articulate solutions to complex gender-related issues particularly on gender based violence in the world of work .

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. The ability to present research findings in a clear and compelling manner for a various diverse audience is essential. Hindi or knowledge of an Indian vernacular language will be an added advantage.

Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment, sharing ideas, and contributing to collective goals.

Passion for Gender Equality and Social Justice: A deep commitment to feminist principles, social justice, and gender equality issues in India and globally.

Adaptability: Flexibility to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to evolving research priorities.

Compensation

This is a full time 11 months contract which is extendable upon mutual agreement. The compensation depends on educational qualification and experience within the range of 50,000 – 60,000/- per month.

Selection process

To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter,  2 reference letter and a writing sample showcasing your writing and research abilities to “[e-mail]”. The application deadline is 12th May, 2025. Please mention in the subject line ‘Application for Research Associate in gender based violence and work .’ Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and a written test in person.