Thematic Lead in Research Division at NCVET

Title of the Job: Thematic Lead in Research Division of NCVET

Type of Job: Contractual, the engagement will be for a fixed period of two years which may be extended by one year at a time up to a maximum tenure of five years

No. of Vacancies: 02 (number of vacancies shown below are tentative)

Job Overview:

The Thematic Lead will be responsible for conceptualising and conducting research studies, as well as commissioning and overseeing high-quality research across key areas within the VET ecosystem. These include, but are not limited to, labour market intelligence, qualification frameworks, assessment quality, training delivery models, future skills, quality assurance, regulatory frameworks, inclusive skilling, and apprenticeship systems and others.

The role integrates leadership, management expertise, regulatory oversight, and policy acumen, translating evidence into actionable recommendations for NCVET, MSDE and other relevant stakeholders in the the broader skilling ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria:

Essential Qualification: PG Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Education, Statistics, Analytics, Social Sciences, Management, Labour Studies, or related disciplines, from a recognised University/Institution with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade) and a Ph.D. Degree in related field.
or
A PG degree with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade) in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Education, Statistics, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Management, Labour Studies, or related disciplines and qualification in similar the National test Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC, CSIR, ICAR etc. or a like SLET/SET

Applicants must have at least 5 relevant research published papers in peer review journals or publication of 5 book chapters/ publication of a book as an author/ 2 books as a co-author by reputed publishers. A combination of research publication, book chapters and granted patent totalling 5 can be considered.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Preference shall be given to candidates possessing qualifications and experience relevant to research, policy analysis, programme evaluation, skills development, vocational education and training, labour markets, or allied areas.
• Strong strategic thinking, written and verbal communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings into clear recommendations for policy audiences, institutional partners, and senior stakeholders

Work Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in research, policy analysis, programme evaluation, labour market skills development, vocational education and training, education policy, or allied thematic areas.
• Experience in end-to-end research – covering design, data collection, essential. analysis, and dissemination, management of research projects is essential.
• Experience of working with Government Ministries/ Departments, regulatory bodies, international organisations, research institutions, think tanks, or large-scale development programmes.
  *Experience includes upto 3 years for Ph.D. holder, provided no work experience is counted during those 3 years.

Upper Age Limit: 50 Years (as per norms)

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Research Leadership & Thematic Ownership
  • Define the research agenda for assigned thematic area(s) in alignment with NCVET’s strategic plan and MSDE’s policy priorities.
  • Lead the design of research frameworks, methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods), and workplans.
  • Commission, supervise, and review background papers, thematic studies, and rapidresponse policy briefs.
  • Ensure rigorous quality assurance across all research outputs – from inception notes to final reports.
  • Synthesise findings from multiple sources into cohesive, policy-relevant knowledge products.
• Policy Analysis & Advisory
  • Monitor national and global policy developments relevant to the thematic area (NEP 2020, NSQF, G20 Skills agenda, ILO/UNESCO TVET frameworks, etc.).
  • Prepare evidence-based policy notes, briefing papers, and position papers for leadership at NCVET and MSDE.
  • Provide analytical support during regulation drafting, qualification approval, and standard-setting and other related quality assurance processes.
  • Identify emerging skill demands, structural gaps, and regulatory challenges in the VET ecosystem.
• Knowledge Dissemination & Communication
  • Lead the preparation and publication of NCVET research reports, working papers, and data briefs.
  • Represent NCVET in national and international conferences, seminars, and dialogues.
  • Develop and disseminate accessible knowledge products (infographics, executive summaries, dashboards) for diverse audiences including policymakers, industry, and training providers.
  • Manage NCVET’s research repository and contribute to the evolving knowledge repositories
• Stakeholder Collaborations and Knowledge Network
  • Build and sustain collaborative relationships with awarding bodies, assessment agencies, industry associations, academia, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Develop and lead national and international collaborations with organizations such as ILO, UNESCO, World Bank, GIZ, and the British Council, facilitating joint research, cross learning, and knowledge exchange initiatives.
  • Identify global best practices and enable their contextual adaptation within the Indian VET ecosystem.
  • Engage with State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) to support state-level research, inputs, and dissemination of findings.
  • Facilitate expert consultations, technical working groups, and advisory committee meetings to strengthen the knowledge ecosystem.
• Project and Team Management
  • Manage research project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
  • Mentor and guide research team within the division for delivering the desired outputs.
  • Coordinate with cross-divisional teams (monitoring, recognition, data management to ensure research informs operations and strengthens evidence-based development of action plans.
  • Liaise with external research partners, think tanks, domain experts and consultants engaged by NCVEТ

Remuneration (in INR): ₹1,45,000/- to 2,65,000/- (The consolidated remuneration will be inclusive of all applicable taxes and no other facility or allowance will be allowed)

Note:

• Incomplete applications (Google Form) without supporting documents viz photo, Aadhar/other address proof, marksheets as well as certificates/degrees pertaining to all educational documents (10th, 12th, Graduation, PG etc.) experience certificate(s), salary slips, will summarily be rejected without any intimation. All documents should be attached in a single PDF file must be clearly readable.
• Upon selection, the selected candidate shall submit a bond to work for NCVET for one year from the date of their joining.
• “Consultancy Evaluation Committee” (CEC) constituted by NCVET may devise its own method for selection of suitable candidates, in case, the applications received are more than 03 to 04 times the vacancies advertised.
• The other terms and conditions for their engagement in NCVET will be in accordanceе with the latest Procedures and Guidelines dated 04.09.2024 issued by NCVET for engagement of Sr. Consultants/ Consultant Grade II / Consultant Grade-I / Young Professionals in NCVET, which are available on www.ncvet.gov.in under “Career Opportunities” Section