Research Associate

Position: Research Associate

Location: Dehradun, India
Start Date: 15 June 2025

About Nāgrika

Nāgrika is an independent, non-partisan organization committed to amplifying the voices of citizens in India’s smaller cities. As a resource centre and platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of smaller cities in India, we gather and co-create insights from these cities and transform them into resources for citizens, citizen centric organisations and decision-makers.

Over the last 10 years, we have been addressing the critical gap in knowledge and understanding about smaller cities, which are often overlooked in key citizen discussions, urban planning and policy-making. We have been highlighting the distinct challenges and aspirations of these cities by creation of relevant data, narratives, and formal research that reflect their unique character.

Our work has given voice to over 500 smaller cities across India, focusing on creating knowledge, enabling conversations and evoking action in these cities. We have created a wealth of perspectives from smaller cities on governance, mobility, environment, institutions and various such aspects which did not previously exist. Nāgrika’s work is being used across multiple platforms as building knowledge blocks for furthering understanding of India’s urbanisation especially across smaller cities. It is being used by ministries, various government departments, non-profits, businesses, universities, researchers, students and practitioners

Nāgrika's core strength lies in its people—our dedicated team and collaborators who bring a wealth of expertise and passion for creating meaningful change.

Position Overview

As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in supporting Nāgrika’s research initiatives, contributing to projects that span urban policy, governance, mobility, and sustainability. You will work closely with the Lead, Community Insights & Research to conduct primary and secondary research, engage with local stakeholders, and help translate complex urban issues into actionable insights. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about urban research, enjoys problem-solving, and is eager to learn in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Analysis:
  Conduct primary and secondary research on issues related to urban policy, transport, sustainability, and other urban topics specific to smaller cities.
  Analyze data from existing databases and secondary sources to support research projects.
  Assist in the preparation of qualitative research tools for various Nāgrika programs.
• Communication & Content Creation:
  Convert complex research findings into accessible formats such as reports, policy briefs, and presentations.
  Write field notes, provide insights, and assist in the final outputs of research projects.
  Contribute to social media content creation, sharing research findings and program updates.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Conduct outreach and build relationships with city governments, local community organizations, and other stakeholders to gather insights and support research efforts.
  Support research initiatives by contributing to the design and implementation of outreach strategies.
• Support & Collaboration:
  Work collaboratively with the research team and provide support on ongoing projects.
  Assist with the preparation of proposals, grant applications, and other outreach tools.
  Participate in brainstorming sessions, contributing ideas to refine research strategies and tools.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban studies, social sciences, journalism, law, design, or related interdisciplinary fields.
• Research Skills: Strong interest in urban issues, with the ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research. Familiarity with research methodologies and data analysis is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to convert complex ideas into clear, accessible content.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google Workspace. Knowledge of Canva or similar design tools is an advantage.
• Initiative: Proactive, able to work independently, and take initiative in supporting ongoing projects.
• Previous Experience: Previous experience with research, particularly in the urban policy domain, is a plus but not required.

Why Join Nāgrika?

At Nāgrika, you will be part of a passionate and dedicated team working on projects that amplify the voices of citizens in smaller cities across India. You will gain hands-on experience in research, content creation, and urban policy, while contributing to impactful initiatives that shape the future of India’s smaller cities. This role provides excellent learning opportunities and exposure to high-level research and policy work.

If you're excited about urban research, working in a collaborative environment, and contributing to meaningful projects, we'd love to hear from you!

Fill this form to apply before 30 April 2025