Principal/Lead Specialist - Research

Background:

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and academic and knowledge institutions. It aims to address the challenges of building resilience into infrastructure systems and development associated with it. The vision, mission, goal and objectives of the CDRI are explicitly linked to the post-2015 development agendas. The Coalition will also contribute to the resilience of global infrastructure systems in an increasingly interconnected world.

CDRI will support countries to upgrade their systems for ensuring disaster and climate resilience of existing and future infrastructure. It seeks to rapidly expand the development of and retrofit resilient infrastructure to respond to the SDGs objectives of expanding universal access to basic services, enabling prosperity, and decent work.

This position is being advertised for staff positions on Fixed Term Contract of three (3) years and is based at the CDRI’s Secretariat in New Delhi, India. The Secretariat functions under the direction of the international Governing Council and implements the programs of CDRI.

Objective of the position:

To conceptualize, design, deliver and anchor all research activities in line with CDRI’s goals and objectives from CDRI’s Research and Knowledge Management outlook.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Principal/ Lead Specialist – Research will be required to provide technical inputs related, but not limited to:

1. Leadership of Research (30%)

• Lead CDRI’s research activities. Identify research areas, development of concept notes/ proposals and contribute to the overall research and knowledge management activities envisioned for CDRI.
• Lead and conceptualise evidence and database on disaster resilience of infrastructure.
• Lead development of tools, methods and studies for disaster resilience of infrastructure for e.g., data analysis and visualisation; disaster resilience impact metrices; and case studies.
• Lead research outputs on themes relevant to disaster resilience unique to CDRI.
• Lead and/or carry out assessments of disaster and climate risk for infrastructure systems that can be mainstreamed into investment projects under preparation by the MDBs, DFIs, and the private sector, in partnership with governments.
• Lead and contribute to a wide range of products on disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure topics, including peer-reviewed scientific papers, policy briefs, reports, rapid-response statements, op-eds, social media posts and presentations addressed to experts and non-experts, and provide scientific advice to non-specialists.
• Lead and contribute to the writing, editing and submission of project proposals.
• Lead and create a strong culture of research excellence across CDRI by working with different teams.
• Develop and oversee experimental research activities related to infrastructure resilience.
• Maintain a line of sight on the gaps in current understanding on disaster resilience of infrastructure – challenges and solutions to shape the narrative.
• Extend support in the development of repertoire of knowledge products and publications in line with CDRI’s goals and objectives.
• Ensure research outputs meet professional publication standards and are designed for knowledge outreach and dissemination.
• Preparation of guidelines for research methodology for standardization of research work at CDRI.
• Represent CDRI in the international disaster and climate development forums, including at international conferences and meetings.

2. Project and Team Management (30%)

• Manage direct reports and task-based retainers.
• Management of tasks within work plan.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and yearly reporting to internal and external stakeholders of CDRI.
• Coordinate and support other specialists in Research and Knowledge Management as well as Advocacy and Partnerships teams for development and dissemination of research and knowledge products at national and international platforms through CDRI and other agencies

3. Liaison and Partnerships for Research (20%)

• Negotiate, build and grown global network of research and knowledge organizations, innovation hubs, other similar initiatives, relevant government departments, industry, patent agencies, experts and other cross functional teams; to act as a catalyst for capacity development
• Coordinate closely with government agencies, development actors, and other relevant stakeholders to identify potential research areas and activities in line with CDRI’s goals and objectives.
• Build partnerships within academia, research organizations and subject experts to bring in a well-rounded perspective to CDRI’s research outputs.
• Identify best global avenues and platforms in terms of journals, blogs, conference proceedings, international and national forums etc., for feeding into the ongoing research and outcomes as achievements of CDRI.

4. Capacity Development and Technical Assistance (20%)

• Facilitate sharing and dissemination of research outputs at national, regional and international platforms.
• Strengthen CDRI’s capacity to conduct high-quality, actionable research by providing guidance on research design, data analysis, and effective writing.
• Provide mentoring and training for other staffs within CDRI.
• Support implementation of CDRI’s technical activities wherever needed.

Competencies relevant to the position:

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience in entire research-life cycle, theoretical and practical research, multiple research methods, research philosophy, and micro-steps of converting research to knowledge.
• Advanced ability to support and develop complex methods for real world research, data collections techniques such as field study, surveys, action research, meta-analysis and collation of existing knowledge.
• Knowledge and experience of writing research papers, policy briefs, case studies, presentations, and blogs, and learnings.
• Should have familiarity of latest research trends, analytical tools, research innovations.
• Should have published peer-reviewed research papers or international reports and should have presented research at reputed platforms (preferably international forums).
• Demonstrated capability in technical, strategic, and intellectual skills in the substantive areas of resilient infrastructure.
• Familiarity with international frameworks like the SDGs and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
• Experience of working in international organisations or multi-cultural set up.
• Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and coordination skills, ability to manage technical team.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams and multi- national teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a proven ability to be flexible in demanding situations.
• Analytical and strategic planning skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to present information and concepts clearly, both verbally and on paper.
• Proven ability to draw inputs from multiple disciplines and synthesize them to address specific problems.
• Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills to all levels of internal and external contacts.
• Past track record/ability to work independently, deliver timely and quality products;
• Advanced computer proficiency.

Desirable:

• Proven experience relevant to the assignment.
• Proven experience in strategizing, developing, and implementing research projects for or in infrastructure, disaster, or resilience context.
• Actively involved as the peer reviewer of international journals and conference papers
• Experience in disaster and climate resilience in infrastructure development.
• Experience of developing concept notes, research proposals and conducting research on disaster and climate resilience and good working knowledge of the same is an advantage.
• Proficient in GAMS, STATA, R and any other relevant research tools, is an asset.
• Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and intercultural research teams
• Strong capacities in project management and mentoring of early career researchers
• Experience in designing training materials relevant to disaster and climate resilient infrastructure
• Excellent planning and organisational skills and ability to work under tight deadlines in a team setting.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English.
• Knowledge of another CDRI Partner country’s language will be an asset.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in disciplines related to environment/sustainable development, urban/infrastructure- planning, disaster management. PhD in relevant subject will be given additional weightage.

Experience:

Minimum ten years of overall experience in conducting research and analysis and at least seven years of strong research and analytical skills demonstrated in Disaster and Climate Resilience/ Sustainable Development/ Urban/ Infrastructure Planning and Management and at least five years in leadership position and guiding/ mentoring junior researchers.

Reporting Line:

The candidate will report to the Director (Research and Knowledge Management) and work in close coordination with Principal/ Lead Specialist Publication, Principal/ Lead Specialist Knowledge Management and support in timely delivery of all research and knowledge management activities.

How to Apply:

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution in a global initiative spearheaded by India, please apply through the online application form only on or before the last date. Application Process: https://app.cdri.world/career/public/ .

Relevant CVs of shortlisted but not selected applicants from this position may be considered for other open positions at CDRI, subject to the fulfilment of the eligibility criteria for the position and the candidate’s willingness. If you do not wish to be considered for any other position open for recruitment at CDRI, please mention the same in your cover letter.

CDRI is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

CDRI has ZERO Tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment including sexual harassment and gender / racial discrimination. Any selection therefore will be subject to satisfactory reference and background check.