Action Researcher

Pratham Software Inc.; Thane; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratham Software Inc. is seeking an Action Researcher - Early Childhood (Birth-6) to strengthen learning, evidence generation, and program improvement within our Early Years initiatives. You will lead and support action research and mixed-methods studies embedded within program implementation, collaborating with field staff and partners.

The ideal candidate is analytically strong, field-oriented, reflective, and comfortable working in evolving program contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is required
• 3-4 years of experience in research and/or data analytics, preferably in education or early childhood programs
• Strong grounding in early childhood development and education
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel frequently, including to remote field locations

Responsibilities

• Design and lead qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research aligned with Early Years program goals.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and synthesis to ensure rigor, relevance, and contextual fit.
• Review and strengthen research tools and methodologies for different stages of program implementation.
• Integrate research findings into program planning, reviews, and decision-making processes.
• Participate in programmatic discussions at district, state, and central levels to embed evidence into practice.
• Generate actionable insights to improve pedagogy, caregiver engagement, and delivery models.
• Coordinate closely with field teams to ensure timely and high-quality research execution.
• Build research capacity of program staff to enable effective action research and reflective practice.
• Document research processes, tools, learnings, and adaptations specific to Early Years contexts.
• Contribute to internal learning notes, reports, and presentations.
• Support dissemination of findings and policy-relevant insights to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Data analytics

Research design

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

R

Stata

Job description

Job Summary

The Action Researcher - Early Childhood (Birth-6) will play a critical role in strengthening learning, evidence generation, and program improvement within Pratham's Early Years initiatives.

The role involves leading and supporting action research and mixed-methods studies embedded within program implementation. The Action Researcher will work closely with program teams, field staff, and partners to generate actionable insights that inform program design, adaptation, and scale.

The ideal candidate is analytically strong, field-oriented, reflective, and comfortable working in evolving program contexts.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design Implementation

• Design and lead qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research aligned with Early Years program goals.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and synthesis to ensure rigor, relevance, and contextual fit.
• Review and strengthen research tools and methodologies for different stages of program implementation.

Action Research Program Learning

• Integrate research findings into program planning, reviews, and decision-making processes.
• Participate in programmatic discussions at district, state, and central levels to embed evidence into practice.
• Generate actionable insights to improve pedagogy, caregiver engagement, and delivery models.

Field Team Coordination

• Coordinate closely with field teams to ensure timely and high-quality research execution.
• Build research capacity of program staff to enable effective action research and reflective practice.

Documentation, Dissemination Knowledge Sharing

• Document research processes, tools, learnings, and adaptations specific to Early Years contexts.
• Contribute to internal learning notes, reports, and presentations.
• Support dissemination of findings and policy-relevant insights to internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Social Work, Social Sciences, or related fields (Master's degree preferred).
• 3-4 years of experience in research and/or data analytics, preferably in education or early childhood programs.
• Strong grounding in early childhood development and education.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel frequently, including to remote field locations.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of early childhood development, caregiver engagement, nutrition, and child maternal health.
• Experience with mixed-methods research and familiarity with descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Comfort with statistical or analytical tools, such as R, Stata, or similar platforms.
• Ability to translate research findings into programmatic and policy-relevant insights.
• Familiarity with education sector planning and program management.
• Strong understanding of gender, equity, and inclusion in development programming.

Location

Thane, Maharashtra

Resume should include

• Contact information
• Academic background (degrees, institutions, academic record)
• Relevant work experience
• Coursework in education, development, research, or management (if applicable)
• Experience in research, development, teaching, or education (if applicable)
• Languages spoken
• Areas of interest

Note

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to provide individual responses to every applicant and will reach out only to shortlisted candidates. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent rounds telephonic/online interview, written assignments, field round and a final interview.