Senior Program Manager – Small Growing Businesses and Employment (SGBE), LEAD at Krea University

Location: New Delhi / Chennai
Organisation:  LEAD at Krea University
Reports To: Executive Director

About LEAD at Krea University: 

LEAD is an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act), leverages the power of research, innovation and co-creation to solve complex and pressing challenges in development. LEAD specialises in developing in-depth granular understanding of socio-economic contexts and harnessing actionable insights that have a wide range of applications in industry, policy, and academia. LEAD is a collaborative hub that brings experts from diverse disciplines and sectors together to develop innovative solutions by harnessing innovation, technology and analytics.

About the Role:

We are looking for a Senior Program Manager to oversee and manage research projects within the Small Growing Businesses and Employment (SGBE) vertical. The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for the design, execution, and dissemination of research aimed at understanding the dynamics of small businesses, entrepreneurship, employment, and policy impacts. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, a multidisciplinary research team, and external stakeholders to manage and support field-based research and ensure the quality of outputs, and possess a deep understanding of MSME, rural entrepreneurship, microfinance, and livelihood programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Management:

• Lead the design and development of rigorous research projects focusing on small businesses, entrepreneurship, employment, and related policy issues;
• Ensure timely implementation of research projects, including data collection, analysis, and reporting;
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources efficiently;
• Coordinate with internal and external teams, including research assistants, analysts, partner organisations, and field staff;
• Ensure adherence to research protocols, quality assurance measures, and ethical guidelines;
• Manage end-to-end project/research cycle and ensure timely deliverables of the outputs.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor a team of researchers;
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as policymakers, donors, and industry experts;
• Collaborate with other verticals within  LEAD and leverage interdisciplinary expertise for project success;
• Support the development of funding proposals and contribute to strategic planning for the vertical;
• Assist in the identification of new research opportunities and partners for collaboration.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Oversee data management and perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to derive insights and support decision-making;
• Write and review technical reports, policy briefs, research papers, and presentations.

Communication & Dissemination:

• Develop insights and actionable recommendations for policy and practice based on research findings;
• Ensure effective communication of research outputs to both academic and non-academic audiences;
• Present research findings at workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance the impact of research;

External Engagement:

• Connect with key stakeholders, organisations, and potential partners including government/private sector/civil society/academia;
• Lead discussions, finalise terms, and ensure mutually beneficial partnerships;
• Ensure timely submission of donor / grant reports—liaise with internal teams to gather appropriate information for submission. Manage donor communications.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 10-12 years of experience managing research projects, preferably in development economics, entrepreneurship, or small business sectors;
• Proven track record of leading teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• Experience working in small business development, employment generation, or related sectors is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;
• Proficiency in statistical tools (STATA, R, Python) and data analysis;
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage complex timelines and deliverables;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate research into practical insights;
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills;
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision;

Desirable Attributes:

• Knowledge of small business ecosystems, rural entrepreneurship, or MSME dynamics in India or developing economies;
• Familiarity with CSR and its role in creating sustainable business ecosystems;
• Experience in managing large datasets and field-based research;
• A passion for translating research into action, particularly in development contexts.

Application Instructions:

Deadline: Applications will be open till the position is filled. To apply, please collate your resume, a cover letter and writing sample in a single PDF and apply in the form here. 

Note: Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact each candidate individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purposes.