Action Researcher – Early Childhood (Birth-6 Years)

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

Job summary

Pratham Education Foundation seeks an Action Researcher – Early Childhood (Birth–6) to strengthen learning, evidence generation, and program improvement within Early Years initiatives. You will lead action research and mixed-methods studies embedded within program delivery, collaborating with field teams and partners.

The ideal candidate is analytically strong, field-oriented, and adaptable to evolving contexts, with a track record in education research and a willingness to travel to remote

Qualifications

• 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 travel frequently, including to remote field locations.
• Knowledge of mixed-methods research and familiarity with descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Familiarity with education sector planning and program management.

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

Data analytics

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Field coordination

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences, or related fields

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

R

Stata

Job description

Pratham Education Foundation (Pratham) is one of the largest education NGOs in India with a record of innovative, rigorously evaluated programs that have inspired similar programs across three continents. With a history spanning 30 years, Pratham’s work today extends from programs for early and elementary years to girls and women, and youth skilling. Through programs covering 24 states and union territories, in an average year, Pratham usually reaches over 7 million children and youth. This is achieved through a combination of efforts: directly working with children and youth in communities, as well as through collaborations with state and district-level governments.

Pratham has received notable awards such as the Lui Che Woo Prize, WISE Prize for Innovation, Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, the Henry R Kravis Prize in Leadership and the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year for Public Service. Pratham also received the 2021 Yidan Prize for Education Development and the Yashraj Bharati Samman in 2025.

Over 85% of brain development occurs before the age of six, making early care, stimulation, and caregiver engagement critical for lifelong outcomes.Pratham’s Early Years (Birth-6) programs focus on holistic child development across physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, language, and cultural domains. The programs use play-based pedagogies, locally available and low-cost materials, and place strong emphasis on caregiver, especially maternal, engagement to strengthen nurturing home environments.

Position 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.
• 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.
• Academic background (degrees, institutions, academic record)
• Coursework in education, development, research, or management (if applicable)
• Experience in research, development, teaching, or education (if applicable)
• Languages spoken
• Areas of interest

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.

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.