Research Associates (Democracy and Election Management)

Job Title: Research Associate (Democracy and Election Management)- 7 positions

Department: India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM)
On the rolls of National Institute for Smart Government (NISG)
Location: IIIDEM Campus, Dwarka, New Delhi

About the Role

NISG invites applications for the engagement of Research Associates (Democracy and Election Management) to support its research, academic, and training activities in the areas of electoral management and democratic governance. The Research Associates will work closely with IIIDEMs Schools and Centres and contribute to national and international research outputs, including those aligned with Indias Chairship of International IDEA (2026).

The role is designed for motivated researchers with strong analytical skills and interest in elections, democracy, public policy, law, technology, and media studies.

Positions & Eligibility (Qualification Criteria)

Research Associate – Democracy and Election Management
• Master’s degree with minimum 55% marks and UGC NET qualified OR PhD
• Discipline: Political Science / International Relations / Public Administration / Public Policy or allied disciplines

Preference:
Candidates with prior research experience, work with research institutions/projects, and published research papers, policy briefs, or academic publications in reputed journals will be preferred.

Objectives of the Role

The engagement of Research Associates aims to:
• Support rigorous, original, mixed-method research on electoral management and democratic governance
• Produce policy-relevant research outputs, thematic reports, and briefs aligned with India’s International IDEA Chairship
• Strengthen academic–practitioner collaboration in the electoral ecosystem
• Build research capacity among young scholars
• Contribute to institutional knowledge and documentation of electoral processes
• Mentor and support emerging researchers in election-related studies

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Research & Analysis
• Conduct approved research on elections, electoral management, and democratic governance
• Apply robust mixed-method research methodologies
• Independently collect, analyse, and interpret primary and secondary data
• Maintain high standards of research ethics and academic integrity

Data Collection & Background Research
• Assist in conducting surveys and field-based research as required
• Prepare background materials, literature reviews, concept notes, and methodologies
• Support thematic research across IIIDEM’s priority areas

Research Output & Knowledge Products
• Draft policy briefs, thematic reports, and research papers
• Contribute to knowledge products linked to India’s IDEA Chairship priorities
• Present research findings at internal and external forums as required
• Maintain proper research documentation and data integrity
• All intellectual property and research outputs will remain with IIIDEM

Duration of Engagement

• Initial tenure: 2 years
  • Extension: Up to 1 additional year based on performance
  • Nature: Full-time, on-site engagement at IIIDEM, New Delhi
  • Engagement will be through National Institute for Smart Government (NISG)

Remuneration

• Consolidated monthly remuneration: between 60,000 – 80,000

Code of Conduct

Research Associates are expected to strictly adhere to the following:

Research Ethics
• Integrity in data collection, analysis, and reporting
• No fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation
• Proper citation and acknowledgement of all sources
• Compliance with institutional ethical standards

Confidentiality & Data Protection
• Protection of respondent anonymity and sensitive information
• Secure handling and storage of research data
• Compliance with data protection and privacy norms

Independence & Professionalism
• Maintain neutrality and non-partisan approach
• Avoid political bias or advocacy
• Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with stakeholders

Transparency & Accountability
• Disclosure of conflicts of interest
• Transparent reporting of research limitations
• Openness to review, feedback, and revisions