Lead - Research and Policy Engagement

Bharat Digital; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Bharat Digital is looking for a Lead - Research and Policy Engagement to lead research on data, AI, and development, based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research and policy advocacy, a commitment to social justice, and at least six years of relevant experience.

The role involves building networks, producing research outputs, and mentoring early-career researchers. A PhD or master's in development studies or a related field is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of professional experience in technology and society.
• At least three years in a team lead or supervisory position.
• Fluency in English and one additional Indian language (Kannada, Tamil, or Hindi preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to original research and analysis on data governance and tech policy.
• Build and sustain relationships with partner organizations and stakeholders.
• Mentor and support early-career researchers in collaborative efforts.

Skills

Data Governance Analysis

Policy Brief and Report Writing

Grant and Proposal Writing

Team Leadership and Supervision

Public Speaking

Technology Governance Analysis

Global South Development Justice Frameworks

Political Economy Analysis

Network Building

Feminist Perspectives on Technology

Data Justice in Health Systems

Climate Justice and Tech Policy Research

Education

PhD or master's degree in relevant field

Job description

# Lead - Research and Policy EngagementOpenFULL TIMEY5 10≥ 6 yrsIT for ChangeAll jobs## About this roleWe are seeking to recruit a senior researcher and policy advocate to help lead and deepen our work on data, AI, and development. This position is for someone with at least six years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of research, policy engagement, and public-facingthought leadership on technology and society from a Global South standpoint. A commitment to social justice and equity is essential for this role.This role straddles both substantive expertise and strategic capability: the ability to produce rigorous analysis while also building networks, influencing discourse, and contributing to policy and advocacy efforts across multiple spaces. This is a full-time employment position in Bengaluru, with travel for research and policy engagement purposes.## ResponsibilitiesThe thematic focus of this role includes a wide range of topics at the intersection of digitalization and society, such as:● Data governance, platform regulation, and corporate accountability frameworks in national, regional, and international governance regimes● Digital public infrastructure, data justice in health systems, digitalization and the right to food, and climate justice and tech policy● Digital futures of work, workers’ rights in the platform economy, working conditions in digital value chains, and sustainable digital infrastructures● Feminist perspectives on technology, society, and justiceA successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:1. Research:a. Lead and contribute to original research and analysis in relation to the aforementioned themesb. Produce high-quality research outputs, such as reports, policy briefs, essays,submissions, blog posts, media articles, and other public-facing commentary ondigital issuesc. Independently develop research tracks and shape programmatic priorities, including proposal and grant writingd. Track and analyze global developments in technology governance, digital political economy, and geopolitical shifts relevant to the organization’s work2. Network-Building:a. Build and sustain relationships with partner organizations, researchers, advocacy networks, and institutional stakeholdersb. Represent the organization in conferences, consultations, workshops, and public forumsc. Conceptualize and convene dialogues, workshops, and coalition spaces acrosssectors and geographies3. People and Organizational Development:a. Mentor and support early-career researchers and contribute to collaborative and interdisciplinary ways of workingb. Co-shape the future trajectory of the organization for sustained impact and continued relevancec. Contribute to fundraising, proposal development, and strategic institutional initiatives## RequirementsEssential Qualifications● A PhD or masters' degree in development studies, law, public policy, economics, gender studies, political science, or other allied disciplines● Minimum of six years of professional experience at the intersection of technology and society, with at least three years in a team lead or supervisory position● Expertise in political economy and development justice frameworks and Global South thought leadership● Excellent research and writing skills, with the ability to distill complex theoretical frameworks and discourse into accessible research outputs for diverse audiences● Demonstrated expertise with a track record of original research and publications — in digital governance and its intersections with development and human rights● Ability to build consensus and work effectively across networks, coalitions, and institutions● Comfort with public speaking and engaging with diverse audiences at national and international advocacy events● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively supervise and lead a team of early-career researchers● Fluency in English and at least one additional Indian language (Kannada, Tamil, or Hindi preferred)## Skills & TechnologyData Governance AnalysisPolicy Brief and Report WritingGrant and Proposal WritingTeam Leadership and SupervisionMentorshipPublic SpeakingTechnology Governance AnalysisGlobal South Development Justice FrameworksPolitical Economy AnalysisInstitutional StrategyNetwork BuildingFeminist Perspectives on TechnologyData Justice in Health SystemsClimate Justice and Tech Policy ResearchDigital Political Economy TrackingGeopolitical Shift AnalysisCoalition Building and Consensus ManagementSustainable Digital Infrastructure Research## Compensation & DatesSalary not disclosedValid through 7/5/2026## LocationBengaluru, Karnataka, India