Policy & Research Manager

Diluchicago; Delhi; Hybrid; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Trust in India seeks a full-time Policy and Research Manager to advance economics research and policy projects in India, collaborating with leading researchers. The role is based in Bhubaneswar with multiple base locations such as Delhi and other project sites.

We value experience in economics, econometrics, and policy engagement with government bodies. The position involves extensive travel, coordination across partners, and supervision of research staff to deliver

Qualifications

• Master's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
• Graduate-level training in economics and econometrics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience engaging with government(s) in India and managing research teams.
• Experience running or coordinating policy and economics research projects.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and sustain high-level research relationships with governments, non-profits, donors, and collaborators; develop new partnerships.
• Coordinate policy engagement and outreach to key stakeholders across Odisha and other states.
• Develop work plans, track milestones and deliverables for multiple projects.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform research design and policy recommendations.
• Oversee data collection, research administration, and donor reporting for DIL-India projects.
• Provide guidance to junior research staff and onboard new team members on current projects and policies.
• Lead end-to-end implementation of research projects, including proposals, budgeting, and grants management.

Skills

Communication skills

English fluency

Research management

Policy engagement

Econometrics

Education

Master's degree in economics/public policy

Job description

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by an alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support agriculture, water, or educational programs, research programs, and activities for the betterment of India.

About The Development Innovation Lab - India (DIL-India)

DIL-India, based at the Trust in India, is dedicated to using the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people. We have work in work across sectors like health, education, agriculture, climate change, road safety, and others. We do so by collaborating with government agencies, firms, and non-profits in India to identify, test, and scale evidence-based solutions.

DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. For example, in 2025, DIL-India supported the Government of India to deliver cutting- edge AI-based monsoon onset forecasts to almost 40 million farmers across the country. DIL-India plans to build on this work, aiming to reach more people and expand to other types of weather forecasts that have the potential to improve livelihoods and impact well-being .

Position Description

The Trust and DIL-India are seeking a full-time Policy and Research Manager to support the development of economics research and policy projects in India in collaboration with Michael Kremer and other researchers. The Policy and Research Manager will contribute to DIL-India’s policy-engagement efforts and research projects in Bhubaneswar.

We are hiring for multiple base locations including Delhi, Bhubaneswar and other project sites

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Lead Researchers, and Policy Managers to cultivate and sustain high-level research relationships with collaborators including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; develop new collaborations for the organization.

With input from the Assistant Director and other collaborators, coordinate DIL’s policy engagement and conduct outreach to key stakeholders in the state of Odisha and multiple other states

Develop research or policy engagement work plans, tracking milestones and deliverables across multiple projects.

Conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design or policy recommendations.

Administer research and data collection activities for DIL-India projects.

Provide policy and research project guidance and direction to DIL-India research staff including Predoctoral Associates, (Senior) Research Associates or Policy Associates.

Onboard and train new DIL-India staff on current research projects, UCT policies, DIL-India activities and policies.

Responsible for end-to-end implementation of research projects —including new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with research needs and other project operations—while providing guidance to junior research and operations staff.

Serve as the primary liaison to other departments at the University of Chicago Trust including those handling program administration.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or related field

Graduate-level training in economics and econometrics

Experience

Minimum of 3 years of experience, which can be a combination of graduate education and work experience.

Knowledge of and experience with fieldwork in developing countries.

Experience conducting research and managing research teams.

Experience engaging with government(s) in India.

A strong track record of managing complex, fast-moving programs.

Strong attention to detail

Ability to work independently and problem-solve, as well as enlist the support of other teams within the organization.

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Practiced running randomized evaluations.

Experience or familiarity with development research themes in Agriculture, Public health, WASH or Education and EdTech is preferred.

Fluent in English both orally and in writing.

Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Working Conditions

Extensive travel, based in state capitals (active project locations), with travel to other states and project sites as per the requirements of the assignment(s).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in India.

Application Documents

Resume

Professional References Contact Information (3 required)