Research Manager (PMU) (India)

Precision Development; New Delhi; Hybrid; INR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Precision Development (PxD) is seeking a Research Manager to join our team embedded within a government ministry in India. You will drive adoption of digital agricultural initiatives at scale, coordinating with government partners to design evidence-based services and ensure rigorous delivery.

The role requires a master's or PhD in economics or policy, plus experience leading large research projects in LMICs, with strong data analysis skills (Stata/R).

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in economics, agricultural economics, public policy, or related field.
• Experience on at least three large projects involving design and management of rigorous research or evidence-based programs in LMICs.
• Ability to draw inferences from data to identify program improvement pathways.
• Strong synthesis of academic literature and applying takeaways to design.

Responsibilities

• Identify impact opportunities and provide strategic input on research ideas and projects.
• Develop learning objectives and resources for multiple projects; manage research activities with government timelines and budgets.
• Scope, design, pilot, and scale evidence-backed digital agriculture services within government systems.
• Oversee data management and analysis for project surveys and A/B testing.
• Guide teams on evidence-based approaches and ensure rigor and standards are maintained.

Skills

Stata

R

Data analysis

Survey design

English writing/presentation

Project management

Education

Master's degree or PhD in economics/agricultural economics/public policy or related field

Tools

SurveyCTO/ODK

Stata

R

Job description

Title

Research Manager (PMU) (India)

Location and Work Authorization

This role is based in Delhi, India. We will also consider remote candidates based elsewhere in India who can travel to Delhi frequently. Candidates must already have authorization to work in India, as PxD is unable to sponsor visas for this role.

Position: Full-time
Compensation: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's skills, experience, and the local labor market in India
Application deadline: October 25, 2026 (applications may be reviewed as they are submitted)

About the Role

Precision Development (PxD) is looking for a Research Manager to join our team embedded within a government ministry. We're seeking a self-starter with excellent project management skills who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. This role will help drive the adoption of digital agricultural initiatives at scale, with a focus on designing solutions that are both impactful and inclusive.

Responsibilities

This is a general overview, and the role will grow as you develop.

• Identify impact improvement opportunities and provide strategic design input on new research ideas and projects that support PxD's programs, in close coordination with the government department/agency where the role is embedded
• Work with the team to develop learning objectives and resources available for multiple projects and manage the implementation of research activities, ensuring that projects adhere to appropriate rigor, government protocols, timelines, and budgets
• Work with team leadership, government counterparts, and colleagues to scope, design, pilot, and scale evidence-backed digital agriculture services within government systems
• Interpret and contextualize external and internal evidence and insights for PxD programs and government stakeholders
• Guide teams, including government staff and partners, on the use of evidence-based approaches, and ensure that PxD maintains standards for technical appropriateness and rigor
• Oversee data management and analysis for project and survey creation, A/B testing, and implementation, working within government data systems where applicable
• Oversee documentation of research activities, research results, and rationale for decisions made, in a format suitable for both PxD and government reporting requirements
• Develop and fill in frameworks with specific information to identify program insights relevant to government decision-making
• Manage relationships with government officials and departments, and work with external stakeholders for successful project implementation
• Develop and ensure compliance with IRB protocols for human subject research and relevant in-country and government research permission requirements
• Contribute to funding proposals and project reports, including those required by government partners
• Contribute to the strategic planning and global functioning of the organization
• Provide close mentorship and guidance to Associate and Manager level staff
• Contribute to and support internal and external communications to disseminate project results and research findings to both PxD and government audiences, including briefs, blogs, reports, and presentations
• Contribute to PxD's institutional knowledge management and internal learning efforts

What You’ll Bring

• Master's degree or PhD in economics, agricultural economics, public policy, or a closely related field
• Professional experience working on at least three large projects involving the design and management of rigorous research and/or evidence-based programs in LMIC countries, ideally including government or public-sector settings
• Ability to draw inferences from data to identify pathways for program improvement
• Adept at consuming large amounts of academic and scientific literature as well as other technical information, synthesizing key findings, and applying takeaways to program and research design
• Deep understanding of economics and randomized evaluations
• Excellent knowledge of Stata or R or similar software for data analysis
• Experience in survey design using SurveyCTO/ODK or similar tools
• Strong grasp of the research & program life cycle and ability to supervise all activities on the ground, including within government systems and processes
• Experience managing program and/or research staff
• Experience managing partnerships with an implementing organization or government agency
• Comfort operating within government bureaucratic structures, protocols, and decision-making processes
• Understanding and application of research ethics for human subjects in the social sciences
• Strong writing and oral communication skills in English, with attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel to field sites in India, including government offices and field locations

About Precision Development (PxD)

PxD is a rapidly scaling global nonprofit working with governments across Africa and Asia to close the last-mile gap in smallholder farming. We deliver evidence-based information and tools — from timely farming and weather guidance to climate-resilient inputs — that millions of farmers use to improve their lives. In the last 12 months alone, we reached over 60 million farmers at a cost of just $0.47 per farmer per year, with our flagship program in India delivering a benefit-cost ratio of 12:1–19:1.
Operating in Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond, the majority of our team is based in our program countries, working directly alongside government partners and farming communities toward our goal of improving the lives of 100 million farmers by 2030.

In line with our values, we evaluate candidates on merit alone, without regard to gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, caste, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We offer flexible working arrangements to support your wellbeing. Personal data provided is used for recruitment purposes only.