Senior Research Manager at EKHO FOUNDATION – Bengaluru

Senior Research Manager

Delhi/Bengaluru

Overview of the role

Rocket Learning is a high-growth ed-tech non-profit aiming to catalyze early childhood education and community engagement in India. We seek a research professional to manage research studies to contribute to uncovering new and interesting insights into the low-income Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) landscape and inform strategy and our intervention. This position will play a vital role in undertaking and implementing research studies and be a part of the growing team at Rocket Learning. The work requires a strong research understanding, especially in monitoring & evaluation designs and methodologies, interviewing techniques, and qualitative and quantitative analytical skills. The ideal candidate will have experience in education research, strong analytical and project management skills, and a passion for improving early childhood education outcomes in India.

- The candidate will perform the following key functions:

§ Support the Research and M&E Lead in developing and implementing research and M&E plans and strategies across multiple programs/ projects.

§ Manage budgets and resources for Research and M&E projects.

§ Ensure rigorous research design, methodological quality, data accuracy, and adherence to research protocols and project timelines.

§ Ensure adherence to ethical standards, securing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals, data protection regulations, and guidelines for research purposes.

§ Lead multiple complex research projects, including Randomized Control Trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, and large-scale surveys.

§ Manage and mentor a team of 2-3 Research Managers.

§ Act as the key liaison with external stakeholders—including donors, partners, government agencies, and academic institutions—to communicate research findings and align on M&E approaches.

§ Oversee complex quantitative and qualitative data analysis using statistical software (Stata), ensuring clarity and rigor in data-driven storytelling and visualization.

§ Lead the development of high-quality internal research and M&E deliverables such as analytical reports, presentations, dashboards, infographics, and briefs.

§ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that research insights inform project design, implementation, and organizational learning.

§ Lead or contribute to external publications including peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, policy briefs, and thought leadership pieces to enhance Rocket Learning’s visibility and credibility.

§ Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Social Science, or other related fields.

§ 6-8 years of professional work experience in the research and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) domain at a development/ management consulting firm, research institute/ firm/ public policy think tank, NGO, or bilateral/ multilateral agency.

§ Experience working in social and development research, managing large-scale surveys, conducting baseline/ endline surveys, policy reviews, and impact evaluations.

§ Knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative research, primary and secondary research, sampling techniques, and data analysis using statistical software such as STATA, R, Python. Prior experience in using STATA for data analysis is mandatory.

§ Excellent writing and presentation skills are a core requirement of the position. Candidate must be able to express ideas clearly and concisely. Prior experience in writing reports, creating client presentations, and publishing research papers is mandatory.

§ Prior experience in digitizing quantitative questionnaires on Survey CTO is highly preferred.

§ Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build strong relationships with colleagues and external partners.

§ Attention to detail and excellent time management.

§ Knowledge of early childhood education (ECE) in India and the challenges and opportunities in the sector is desired.

§ Willingness to travel extensively to the field for project execution and management.

1. Proactive and seamless communication with the team, stakeholders within RL, and govt. officials.

2. Strong alignment with the core values and principles of the organization.

3. Committed to the cause of ensuring a strong early childhood education for our children.

4. Solution-oriented and ability to manage multiple projects.