Manager - Policy and Insights

Janaagraha; Delhi; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Janaagraha invites applications for a Manager / Associate Manager – Policy & Insights (P&I). You will shape urban policy agendas through rigorous research, policy analysis and thought leadership, aligning with Janaagraha's reform priorities and engagement with MoHUA.

You will work on diverse projects, develop evidence-based recommendations, and contribute to advancing governance reforms that strengthen municipal institutions across India.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Urban Development, Development Studies or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Understand requirements of work from the Associate Director/Senior Manager – Policy & Insights in the MoHUA engagement within Janaagraha’s reforms priorities.
• Independently undertake and manage research assignments for MoHUA needs, developing house-views on urban governance and city-systems reforms.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, data analysis and policy reviews across municipal laws, decentralisation, transparency, accountability and related urban governance areas.
• Contribute to research on the intersection of urban governance with climate, health, gender, equity and economic development.
• Identify policy questions, review literature and government policies, examining best practices to develop evidence-based insights.

Skills

Policy research

Data analysis

Policy communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Written English proficiency

Hindi language familiarity

Education

Master’s degree in Public Policy/Urban Development or related field

Job description

India is at a pivotal moment in its urban journey. The quality of governance in our cities will determine not only economic growth, but also inclusion, climate resilience, public health and the quality of everyday urban life. Janaagraha believes that building accountable, citizen‑centric city systems are among the most important reform priorities for the country, and this is done through reforms in municipal policies & institutions, deepening decentralisation and developing civic participation and strengthening state capacities.

The Policy & Insights (P&I) team forms the core thinking backbone for Janaagraha, bringing insights from research into public domain and advising the programmatic activities of all teams in the organisation. While the team focuses on Thought Leadership and Policy Reforms, it also incubates newer areas of intersectional work before they mature into programs for reform design and implementation.

As Manager / Associate Manager – P&I, you will support shaping Janaagraha’s urban policy agenda through research, policy analysis and thought leadership. You will work on specific research areas and projects, develop evidence‑based policy recommendations and contribute to advancing institutional and governance reforms. This role offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy and practice, engaging with emerging urban challenges and contributing to reforms that can shape how India's cities and towns are governed and managed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand requirements of work from the Associate Director / Senior Manager - Policy & Insights (MoHUA engagement) in the frame of Janaagraha’s new engagement with MoHUA.
• Where the above aligns with Janaagraha’s deep reforms priorities, work closely with the P&I core team for topics to be researched with the Head Office, communicating both ways.
• For shorter term needs particular to MoHUA, independently undertake and manage research assignments developing the organisation’s existing research and strategic priorities and contributing to new house‑views on urban governance and city‑systems reforms.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, data analysis and policy reviews across areas such as municipal laws and policies, decentralisation, participatory democracy, transparency and accountability, differentiated approaches to urban planning, infrastructure and governance, recognising differentiated needs of cities and towns, and related areas.
• Contribute to research on emerging areas and the intersection of urban governance with climate, health, gender, and equity & economic development.
• Identify emerging policy questions, review relevant literature and government policies, examine best practices and develop evidence‑based insights and recommendations.
• Guide and oversee the application of appropriate research methodologies and data analysis across assigned research projects, providing direction to team members while also undertaking research and analysis as required. Ensure that findings are translated into evidence‑based policy recommendations and thought leadership.
• Develop research outputs, including policy briefs, reports, presentations and background papers, ensuring they are well‑researched, clearly articulated and aligned with organisation’s quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Master’s degree (or higher) in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Urban Development, Development Studies or a related field.
• Around 6–8 years of relevant professional experience in urban governance, public policy, policy research, government advisory, development practice or related fields. Candidates with experience in urban development and/or public policy will be preferred.
• Experience undertaking independent research, policy analysis and managing research projects or workstreams, developing research reports, policy briefs, presentations, articles and other knowledge products.
• Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis and evidence synthesis and exposure to relevant analytical tools.
• A strong understanding of India's urban governance architecture, and the role of municipal institutions in India is desirable.
• Exposure to government engagement, policy advocacy, stakeholder consultations or working with public institutions will be an advantage.
• Strong writing, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex policy issues clearly and articulate evidence‑based recommendations.
• Strong project management and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, engage with diverse stakeholders and deliver quality outputs within agreed timelines.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Thinks critically and analytically, connecting ideas across sectors and disciplines.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and an interest in emerging and evolving urban policy questions.
• Can independently manage research assignments and translate findings into practical policy recommendations.
• Demonstrates rigour and attention to detail in research, analysis and written outputs.
• Communicates complex ideas with clarity, precision and persuasion for diverse audiences.
• Builds productive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively across teams and is able to manage multiple priorities and workstreams.
• Demonstrates initiative, ownership and sound judgement in a dynamic policy environment.
• Has excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in Hindi and additional Indian languages would be an advantage.