Assistant Vice President - Research (Child Protection, Education, and Skilling)

Sambodhi Research and Communications helps create high-impact knowledge and catalyze accountability in the public domain through its project management and monitoring and evaluation solutions. At Sambodhi, we offer objective, evidence-based support to implementers, government, donors, and corporates. Over the past decade, we have emerged as a pioneer in developing cutting-edge methodologies for the evaluation of large-scale development interventions. With a close-knit team of 100 professionals, we work across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Headquartered at Noida (Delhi National Capital Region), India, we have full-service regional offices in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Dar-e-Salam (Tanzania).

Sambodhi provides services to federal agencies, donors, foundations, and corporates, in areas of public health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, environment, and renewable energy. We have made valuable contributions in monitoring, learning, and evaluation programs and have influenced development policies and improved implementation efficiency.

Job Responsibilities:
The candidate will perform the following key functions:

Driving Revenue Growth for the Business Unit and Organization

• Develop, write, and review business proposals to ensure alignment with client requirements and organizational objectives.
• Engage with prospective clients for business development opportunities and respond effectively to RFPs (Requests for Proposals).
• Conceptualize, design, and implement innovative Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) frameworks across projects and proposals to enhance impact measurement and performance tracking.

Achieving Excellence in Project Delivery and Management

• Ensure the quality and consistency of project documentation by implementing robust quality control processes and integrating global best practices across all client deliverables.
• Support program stakeholders in interpreting evaluation findings, implementing recommendations, and providing technical troubleshooting to ensure effective project execution.
• Lead effective resource planning and allocation to optimize operational efficiency and project delivery.
• Drive the overall operating profitability of the business unit, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with strategic goals.

Engagement and Potential Development of Team and Organization

• Provide mentoring and professional development support to junior and mid-level research staff, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
• Contribute as a thought leader by designing and contextualizing innovative methodologies and best practices in evaluation and learning.
• Ensure effective team utilization and engagement across all organizational functions to enhance productivity and performance.

Enhance Branding and Visibility of the Business Unit

• Play an active role in engagement (including technical assistance, capacity building, and policy dialogue) with senior government officials, partners, and other actors.
• Publishing industry-focused white papers or case studies and thought leadership articles annually to establish credibility.
• Organizing or participating in key industry events, including webinars, conferences, and panel discussions, to enhance SBU visibility.

In addition to the functions listed here, similar duties and responsibilities consistent with knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be assigned.

Education:

Advanced degree (Master’s/MPhil or PhD) in Economics, Economics of Education, Education, ECCD/ Social Work/ Development Studies/ or allied social sciences

Experience:

• 10-14 years of experience in research, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in child protection, education & skilling or similar thematic areas.
• Knowledge and application of research evaluation frameworks and methods.
• Knowledge and application of mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approaches to data collection and analysis.

Personal Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of research, evaluation, and data analysis with a strong thematic understanding of child protection, education & skilling.
• High level of involvement, engagement, and ownership in designing and implementing education-focused initiatives and child protection & skilling projects.
• Strong ability to build and nurture strategic relationships with clients and stakeholders working in the child protection, education & skilling domain, fostering collaboration and long-term partnerships.
• Demonstrated competence in handling teams.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation ability.
• Proven influencer and communicator with senior stakeholders within and outside the organization.
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize.

Sambodhi focuses on nurturing an inclusive work environment. We stress and reinforce diversity in our workplace. We welcome all applications regardless of race, religion, caste, place of origin, gender, sexuality, or disability.

Application Instructions:
Interested applicants are requested to kindly submit their updated resume and a one-page cover letter via email to hr@sambodhi.co.in. Please note that all applications will be checked for AI use.