Human Resources Office

CUPDF: Research Associate - Public Policy

Position: Research Associate - Public Policy

Location: Ahmedabad, India

Number of Positions: 01

Term: Full-time on contract basis

Date of Posting: May 23, 2025

Closing Date: Open until filled

Reference Number: 202505/CoE/14

Anticipated Start Date: Mid-June 2025

Key Words: Urban Planning, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Law

About CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation (CUPDF), CEPT University

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India has designated CEPT University as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design in December 2023. CEPT University’s CoE is housed within CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation (CUPDF), a not-for-profit company of CEPT University, Ahmedabad.

The main objective of CUPDF is to undertake action research and capacity building across cities and states. Its focus is on enhancing the effectiveness of urban planning and design by identifying urban problems, generating research-based insights and informing cities with tailored solutions to support the implementation of urban projects.

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 candidate will primarily support the CUPDF team’s ongoing study on the institutional structures governing urban planning and development in Indian cities. Their role will involve assessing the planning and development frameworks at the central, state, and local levels, and mapping associated processes, functions, roles, and organizational structures.

The incumbent will be expected to author summary reports, collate and carry out data analysis and charting of statistical data, develop visual material associated with the research, 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.

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:

  • Completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy/Law/Political Science/Public Administration with min. 2 years of work experience
  • Basic understanding of urban planning and development policies in the Indian context
  • Ability to carry out research, conduct primary surveys and engage with various stakeholders
  • The candidate must be highly proficient with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PPT)
  • 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 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.

For any queries related to the CUPDF job, please write an email to [email protected]