Job Description

Title

Project Lead - Knowledge

Location

Delhi

About Us

Foundation for Economic Development (FED) is a Delhi-based non-profit organisation that aims to bring about a sustained and broad-based economic growth of over 10% in India.

The evidence clearly shows that economic growth is the best tool to lift people out of poverty and improve the quality of life for everyone. Until 1991, Indias poverty rate remained unchanged at ~50%. Post reforms, poverty reduced from ~50% to ~20% with 35 crore (350 million) fewer people living in abject poverty. Since 2010, sustaining fast growth has been challenging as the easy gains have been realised. It is critical for India to maintain a growth rate of over 10% for long periods of time if we want Indians quality of life to improve rapidly and sustainably.

FED will identify select sectors of the economy which have the highest potential for generating incremental growth and jobs and then work with policymakers to make it happen. The organisation has Dr Aravind Panagariya, Naushad Forbes, Gurcharan Das, Jerry Rao and Ashish Dhawan on its advisory board who are helping shape the thinking and execution.

Our Work

FED has identified Export Led Labour Intensive Manufacturing and Tourism as the highest opportunity sectors for generating incremental growth through aggressive reforms over the next few years. Immediate focus is largely on labour intensive manufacturing as this is an area of highest upside if right reforms can be brought about around critical factors of production like labour, land, utilities, EODB and logistics.

Our Approach

FED work streams are divided into three primary areas.

• Research and Strategy: Deep dive into identified sectors, speak to relevant stakeholders, study practices from other countries and build data backed evidence for change

• Communication and Outreach: Build salience for opportunity in target sectors and need for reforms through op-eds in relevant channels, social media as well as one on one engagement with key bureaucrats and policymakers

• Implementation Support: Work with select state governments in helping implement specific actions to promote the target sectors. The team is currently working closely with the UP Government on its Mission Trillion Dollar'' economy. The team is also working with Telangana and Tamil Nadu governments on their economic growth agenda.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Project Lead - Knowledge to spearhead our research initiatives and create impactful thought papers and knowledge products. The role involves conducting rigorous research, developing reports, publishing papers and presenting insights that will establish FED's perspective across various stakeholders including government bodies, private sector leaders, and policymakers. Some of the current focus areas for potential reform include Manufacturing Clusters, Indian Export performance, Tariffs, Pollution control norms, EODB reforms etc. This position is crucial for our mission to create public goods that inform and shape economic reforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth analysis and develop high-quality reports and presentations.

• Design and execute research projects that align with FED's strategic goals in identified focus reform areas and high-opportunity sectors such as Export Led Labour Intensive Manufacturing and Tourism

• Engage with key stakeholders to disseminate research findings and advocate for necessary reforms.

• Drive FED thought leadership in identified areas by helping publish knowledge paper

• Create and manage the production of knowledge products that highlight FEDs research findings and recommendations.

• Maintain active communication channels with industry experts, government officials, and the academic community to stay updated on the latest economic developments and policy changes.

• Present complex economic concepts and research findings clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences, including senior policymakers and private sector leaders.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.

• 4-6 years of professional experience in economic research, policy analysis, or a similar field.

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

• Experience in creating knowledge products such as policy briefs, white papers, and research summaries.

• Proven track record of engaging with policymakers and stakeholders in a meaningful way.

Why Join Us? At FED, you will be part of an influential organisation that plays a key role in shaping India's economic policies. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Indias economic landscape as you work independently to drive research and knowledge creation. Join us in our mission to drive substantial and lasting economic growth.