Senior Associate

About the Organisation

NalandaWay Foundation is a 21-year-old non-profit that uses the arts to empower Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, and Jharkhand - by creating safe learning spaces and experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and compassion.children and adolescents from disadvantaged communities by strengthening their resilience, agency, and emotional well-being. Working in partnership with governments and local communities, we have integrated arts and well-being initiatives into government-run schools, Child Care Institutions (CCIs), urban slums, and Anganwadi Centres, ensuring our impact spans both bustling cities and remote villages.

Over the last two decades, we have reached 10 million children across 10 states in India - including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir,

Role Overview

The Senior Associate - Research & Impact will play a critical role in strengthening research, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) functions of the organisation. The position will be responsible for designing and implementing robust MEL frameworks, generating high-quality analytical reports, and ensuring effective dissemination and uptake of research findings. The role requires strong analytical skills, team management skills, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation to enhance programme effectiveness and organisational impact.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Development of MEL Plans and Data Collection Tools

• Design, develop, and refine comprehensive MEL plans aligned with programme objectives and organisational theory of change.
  

• Develop qualitative and quantitative data collection tools (surveys, observation tools, discussion guides, etc.).
  

• Support project teams in implementing MEL plans, ensuring methodological rigour and ethical data practices.
  

• Ensure data quality through capacity building of field teams and monitoring of data collection processes.
  

2. Analytical Reports and Learning

• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to assess programme effectiveness, outcomes, and impact.
  

• Develop clear, evidence-based analytical reports and presentations
  

• Translate data insights into actionable learning and recommendations for programme improvement.
  

• Support internal learning processes by facilitating reflection sessions and contributing to organisational learning functions.
  

3. Research Dissemination and Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the dissemination of NalandaWay’s research and impact work through conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops.
  

• Undertake literature reviews on relevant topics whenever required.
  

• Support strategies to enhance research uptake to inform the organisation's vision and strategy.
  

4. Communication and Collaboration

• Work closely with programmes, partnerships, and leadership teams to ensure alignment between research, MEL, and implementation.
  

• Communicate research findings and MEL insights effectively to internal teams and external stakeholders.
  

• Foster a culture of open, transparent, and constructive engagement across teams.
  

5. Development Initiatives and Capacity Building

• Mentor team members and interns, providing technical guidance and constructive feedback.
  

• Contribute to internal capacity-building initiatives, trainings, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
  

• Demonstrate accountability for personal and team learning, supporting a culture of continuous professional growth.
  

Requirements

1. Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences/Education/Psychology/Development Studies/Public Policy/related fields.
   

2. 4–5 years of relevant experience in research, MEL, or impact evaluation within the development or education sector.
   

3. Demonstrated experience in designing MEL frameworks and conducting mixed-methods research.
   

4. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate meaningful insights.
   

5. Experience in writing high-quality analytical and research reports.