Human Resources Office

CUPDF - Research Associate

 

Position:

Research Associate

Location:

Ahmedabad, India

Number of Positions:

02

Term:

Full-time on contract basis

Date of Posting:  

December 24, 2024

Closing Date:

Open until filled

Reference Number:

202412/CoE/12-13

Anticipated Start Date:

Mid-February, 2025

Key Words:

Urban Planning, Urban Design, Urban Development Policy, Urban Policy Research

About the Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design (CoE), CEPT University

In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. The recognition serves as a significant milestone for CEPT University. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards research, development, and training in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years. CEPT University has created CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation (CUPDF) as the SPV that will operate as its Centre of Excellence (CoE).  CUPDF is expected to foster innovation and help improve the practice in the fields of urban planning and design. To fulfill that role, we believe that the Centre of Excellence must be an open, transparent, accountable, and a vibrant platform that brings together the best talent in the fields of urban planning and design.

Urban Planning and Urban Design are central to the development of our country. City regions are key contributors to our economy. As we become more urban, we will need to greatly improve our towns and cities to reap the benefits of urbanization for a better quality of life and economic growth.

The research objective of CUPDF is to make planning and design more effective by conducting research on practically relevant questions in the field. Subjects will focus on promoting, scaling and mainstreaming India-focused research in urban planning and design related to the country’s urban reform agenda. Urban planning research will include developing methods and approaches for a better understanding of urbanization in metropolitan regions through interrelationships of land use, human and habitat density, networks, etc. and their correlation with markets with the objective of framing better policies for urbanization.

About the Position:

The Research Associate position is one where the candidate will be engaged with primary and secondary research for specific research projects, policy studies, white papers, and development of training content under the direction of a senior professional within the team (Senior Research Associate, Team Leader, Project Manager, etc.). The incumbent will be expected to author summary reports, work with GIS or relevant software for maps, collate and carry out data analysis and charting of statistical data, develop visual material associated with the research, prepare drawings and graphics to illustrate development ideas, write short summary insights, develop presentations, conduct site studies and primary field surveys and contribute to the development of knowledge products to be developed by CUPDF. The incumbent may also be required to carry out legislative research with urban development issues and challenges.

Other tasks on the job may include:

  • Handling information requests, preparing correspondence, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings
  • Assist in content development and organization of capacity building workshops
  • Preparing materials associated with publication and knowledge management functions of CUPDF
  • Assisting senior experts with group discussions, roundtables, etc.
  • Contributing to social media presence through occasional content development and exhibiting the work of CUPDF with a wider audience.

Reports to: Head / Deputy Head / Chair of Research at CUPDF

Essential Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Masters Degree in Urban Planning or a related field, or Masters Degree in Urban Design; candidates having only undergraduate degree may also apply with additional experience requirements
  • Minimum 1.5 to 3 years of relevant full-time work experience after the attainment of a Masters Degree
  • Candidates with only an undergraduate degree plus minimum 3 to 4.5 years of relevant full-time work experience will also be considered
  • The candidate must be highly proficient at MS- Office applications (Word, Excel, PPT), and at least two of the following: GIS, Sketchup, Rhino, Powerbuilder or similar
  • Research or project experience in topical areas related to urban planning, urban development, policy analysis and studies, urban development projects, urban design, development regulations, land pooling schemes, brownfield development, etc.
  • Knowledge and awareness of current initiatives of the government in urban planning, design and development
  • Showcase the ability to work well in multi-disciplinary small to medium sized teams, balance multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines
  • Excellent written communication skills in English
  • Strong time management and coordination skills
  • Ability to adapt to any process changes and comfortable working with people at all organizational levels.

To Apply:

Fill and submit this Google form: https://tinyurl.com/cept-coe-3

List of Documents to be attached in the form:

  • Detailed CV
  • A cover letter indicating why you are interested in this position
  • A presentation with 10 slides showcasing your best work or portfolio or executive summary of a report authored by you to showcase your visual communication or writing skills.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Remuneration: Highly competitive and commensurate with the profile of the candidate.