Research Fellow/ Senior Fellow – Health

1. POSITION VACANT: Research Fellow/ Senior Fellow – Health, Centre for Social and Economic Progress, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is a leading public policy think tank committed to producing independent, credible, and policy-relevant research that informs decision-making in India and globally. CSEP’s work spans diverse thematic areas including economics, public policy, international relations, energy, and health.

The Health and Human Development vertical at CSEP focuses on health systems, financing, and policies that can advance the health and wellbeing of Indian citizens, with a strong emphasis on equity in access to healthcare.

As part of its expanding health work programme, CSEP has recently initiated the Asian Collective for Health Systems—a regional platform aimed at knowledge exchange on priority health issues across South and South-East Asia. The Collective brings together institutions working on health policy, regional networks, and development agencies, and focuses on:

·       Primary healthcare systems

·       The intersection of climate change and health

·       Global and regional health governance

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Role Overview

CSEP is seeking to recruit an Economist at the level of Research Fellow / Senior Fellow – Health (RFSFH), who will play a leadership role in advancing research and policy engagement on health systems and health governance, with a particular responsibility for leading the work of the Asian Collective for Health Systems.

The position is suited to a senior research professional with deep interest and demonstrated experience in health policy and primary healthcare, strong research credentials, and the ability to build and sustain partnerships across countries and institutions in the Asian region.

Key Responsibilities

The RFSFH will be expected to:

(1) Conceptualise and lead high-quality, policy-relevant research on primary healthcare, health governance, and related health systems issues, particularly in the South and South-East Asia context.

(2) Support and oversee the implementation of quantitative and qualitative research across countries in the region.

(3) Lead and coordinate the work of the Asian Collective for Health Systems, including agenda-setting and thematic prioritisation.

(4) Build and sustain partnerships with research institutions, policymakers, development agencies, and other stakeholders across Asia.

(5) Organise and facilitate regional convenings, consultations, and knowledge-exchange forums with members of the Collective.

(6) Collaborate closely with colleagues within CSEP on the design and execution of research projects.

(7) Prepare and present research outputs—including policy briefs, reports, and presentations—to internal stakeholders and external audiences.

(8) Engage independently with policymakers, domain experts, academia, funders, and civil society, as appropriate.

5. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Essential Qualifications and Experience

(1) PhD in Economics or closely related disciplines from a globally recognised institution.

(2) A strong publication record demonstrating empirical and policy-oriented research.

(3) A minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with substantial engagement in policy research.

(4) Demonstrated understanding of health systems and institutions governing health, preferably with exposure to multiple country contexts.

Core Competencies

(1) Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex economic and policy data.

(2) Experience in designing and managing interdisciplinary research programmes.

(3) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

(4) Proven ability to build networks and partnerships across diverse institutions and geographies.

(5) Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with experience working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.

(6) A demonstrated commitment to policy-relevant research and evidence-based decision-making.

(7) Willingness and ability to travel across countries in the Asian region, as required.

6. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

CSEP offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

7. LOCATION: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (with regional travel across South and South-East Asia, as required).

8. REFERENCE: RFSFH-SCEP

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar 
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

10. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit:

(1) A detailed Curriculum Vitae, clearly indicating two referees and their contact details, and

(2) One work sample demonstrating relevant research or policy engagement.

Applications should be submitted no later than December 31, 2025. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.