Senior Research Associate/ Consultant – Centre for Minerals and Sustainable Development

The Indian Institute for Human Settlements seeks a Senior Research Associate for its Centre for Minerals and Sustainable Development in New Delhi. The role involves researching policy and regulatory issues in the mining sector, tracking global developments, and contributing to academic publications and events. Candidates should have a Master's degree and familiarity with legal regimes related to minerals and sustainable energy transitions.
Job Description

IIHS is setting up a Research Centre on Minerals and Sustainable Development under its School of Governance and is looking for qualified and committed researchers to join the interdisciplinary team at the Centre.

This position is for a senior research associate who will carry out research on policy and regulatory issues, and emerging global dynamics around the mines and minerals sector. It is expected that the ideal candidate will be familiar with the contemporary national (India) and global legal regimes, developments and issues in the context of mining and minerals, supply chain, sustainable energy transitions, circular economy, and the interface between minerals and decarbonisation.

Activities and Tasks

Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Conducting background research and developing research ideas that enable a holistic understanding of the mining and minerals sector in India; this would include conceptualising and conducting research on mines and minerals in its various contexts, with a focus on legal and regulatory issues, institutional and policy challenges, international relations, international trade and geopolitics;
• Tracking current developments and discourses at global, national and state levels to identify gaps and opportunities for research and intervention aimed towards improving the mines and minerals sector in India;
• Assisting the senior leadership in developing a long-term research agenda and its execution;
• Developing and contributing to background papers, working papers, policy briefs, guidance documents, and any other knowledge products, including databases and digital platforms;
• Co-producing high-quality academic publications in leading journals, participating in workshops and seminars (outreach activities), and contributing to research dissemination through multiple forms and channels;
• Collaborating with IIHS leadership to conceptualise and execute events, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables on mining and minerals, and related fields;
• Identifying and interfacing with key stakeholders in government, industry, and civil society; and conducting field visits, as needed;
• Contributing to the capacity building agenda pertaining to activities of the Centre;
• Assisting the senior leadership in day to day management, reporting and administration of the mining related work at IIHS;
• Providing support to any other mining related activities at IIHS across academics, research, training, practice, and operations;
• Providing support to other IIHS activities including academics, research, training, practice, operations and others;
• Participating in all activities of Institution-building at IIHS; carrying out tasks as assigned by IIHS; and traveling on IIHS work within or outside the country as and when needed.

Structure and Reporting

The senior research associate will report to the Head – Practice (Infrastructure & Climate) or to any other person designated by IIHS and will be required to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal teams and external Individuals/ organisations, and stakeholders.

Person Specification

An ideal candidate will have:
• At least a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Law, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Economics, Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Mining, or a related field. A PhD would be considered an advantage.
• Around 5-9 years of relevant work experience in research, policy, and field research work. They would be well acquainted with qualitative and quantitative methods of research. They should be proficient with the Microsoft suite. Ideally, the candidate would have demonstratable ability to conduct good quality research on legal and policy issues, trade, foreign policy, geopolitics, and international institutions; track developments in the mining sector and identify areas for intervention.
• Keen interest in policy-oriented research related to the mining, minerals or allied sectors, such as energy, environment, sustainability, urbanisation, decarbonisation. It is expected that the candidate will be conversant with recent developments in the field of the mines and minerals sector at national, regional, and global levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, along with demonstrable experience in authoring and co-authoring reports, research articles, op-eds and policy briefs. The candidate should be able to present complex research and data in simple and effective formats for diverse audiences, including non-specialist audiences.
• Previous experience in managing or assisting in conceptualising, organising and managing international and/or national conferences and workshops.
• The candidate must be able to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams. An ability to build and foster relationships with external stakeholders, including industry, government, and civil society is desirable.
• Spoken and written proficiency in English and Hindi. Ideal applicants will be proficient in one other modern Indian language.

This offer is on an exclusive basis, which implies that other professional assignments (whether compensated or not) that bear a potential conflict of interest with IIHS cannot be undertaken.

The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Location

This position is based in New Delhi and may entail travel to other locations in India.

Review and Assessment

The role and performance of the incumbent shall be subject to normal review and assessment systems at IIHS.

Diversity Policy

IIHS is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities and those from economically and socially excluded communities with the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for positions.

Contact

Please write to us at hr@iihs.co.in if you need any clarifications while filling the online application form.