Position: Research Associate – Sanitation

Organization: Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS)

Location: Chennai

Job Description

IIHS seeks a Research Associate for a project that seeks to study and understand the local sanitation conditions within a select number of urban poor settlements. This study will then support the development of strategic options towards improving and sustaining sanitation related outcomes.

This is a contractual position for a duration of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent.

Activities and Tasks

Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Conducting literature review on sanitation for urban poor in Chennai, and other related thematic areas, covering policies, regulations, schemes, academic research, and news articles;
• Carrying out secondary data collection (quantitative, qualitative, spatial, etc.) including supporting on data collection from relevant government authorities to analyse and understand the sanitation situation within the city, and other relevant areas of work as may be required;
• Providing assistance in the development and testing of research tools and instruments (both qualitative and quantitative), and undertaking field work as necessary including collection of spatial data ;
• Drafting research reports and briefs, and providing support in producing map-based outputs;
• Producing other outputs as required for the project, including presentations and short briefs, and for dissemination on social media;
• Ensuring timely completion of project activities according to the project plans;
• 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 travelling on IIHS work within or outside the country as and when needed.

Structure and Reporting

The Research Associate will report to the Senior Specialist or to any other person as designated and will be required to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal teams and external individuals/organizations, and students.

Person Specification

• A Masters’ Degree in Development Studies / Social Work / Urban Planning, or a related discipline;
• 1-2 years of prior research and fieldwork experience is mandatory;
• Knowledge of GIS and spatial analysis would be an added advantage;
• Full professional proficiency in both Tamil and English is mandatory;
• S/he should also have experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams, and significant competency in documentation and coordination, along with proficiency in MS Office;

This is a contractual position for a duration of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent. 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 Chennai with regular travelling to the project locations in Chennai.

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.