CitiesRISE is a global platform for local collective action, committed to transforming the state of mental health policy and practice through a network of cities to support the mental health and wellbeing of populations across the world, especially young people. We partner with youth leaders, system leaders, and other stakeholders in cities to drive progress via Mental Health Friendly Cities (MHFC). Our MHFC Framework provides a pathway for multi-sectoral action across the inner, social, and environmental dimensions of young people’s mental health. We currently work in Bogotá, Chennai, Nairobi, Sacramento, Seattle.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization’s overall research strategy, and drive key strategic initiatives to ensure that they are operational and desired outcomes are achieved
• Plan, design, conduct, manage and report on high-quality research projects that meet the rigor of academic standards
• Design the most appropriate methodology and techniques for facilitating the research
• Develop appropriate and creative methodologies to test hypotheses. This may involve the use of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and may include both pilot and development work
• Develop qualitative and quantitative research plans, design research questionnaires and moderator guides
• Analyze and evaluate research and interpret data, making sure that key issues are identified
• Conduct post-research analyses and evaluations
• Review research-related fieldwork and validate collected data
• Lead the authoring of reports and publications
• Produce research-based briefings, advice and action plans
• Develop and present proposals for new research projects
• Participate in strategic planning, annual planning and budgeting processes for the organization related to research
• Develop linkages with national and international research agencies/ experts/ universities
• Maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders both internally and externally

Skills Required  

• People Skills: Curious about human behavior, particularly young people. Must have demonstrated people skills and excellent relationship skills - collaboration, cooperation, conflict resolution, understanding others, positive attitude and friendly demeanor. Must have, or be willing to develop, strong positive relationships with local community leaders, academicians, friends of the organization and associates.
• Language Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English, including excellent listening skills. Demonstrated ability to synthesize a broad range of ideas into cogent communications. Excellent writing, analysis and presentation skills.
• Administrative Skills: Extreme attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, excellent working knowledge of database software and management, strong analytical skills, ability to create written documents with little or no oversight.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge and use of statistical tools, Microsoft Excel, Word with PowerPoint preferred. Internet and email savvy. Must be technology oriented.
• Organization skills, including time management and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Flexibility to work across different time zones.

  Experience

• Masters/Doctorate in social science/ research methods/ public health/ statistics or related discipline
• Minimum 4 to 5 years’ experience working in the social research/ market research or related field
• Experience in quantitative and/ or qualitative methodologies and research techniques
• Experience in youth-led research/ participatory action research
• Experience working in cross-country research and implementation science
• Candidate should be based in Chennai or willing to move to Chennai