The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), one of India’s leading public policy think tanks, has announced applications for the position of Research Associate under The Africa Research Alliance (TARA), a specialized research hub within its Foreign Policy and Security Studies division. Based in New Delhi, the role offers an exciting opportunity for early-career professionals and researchers interested in international relations, African affairs, geopolitics, and evidence-based policymaking.

The position is designed for individuals who possess strong research capabilities, analytical skills, and a passion for understanding global affairs. The successful candidate will contribute to research and policy discussions focused on emerging areas of cooperation between India and Africa, including critical minerals, digital partnerships, health diplomacy, and broader foreign policy issues.

About The Africa Research Alliance (TARA)

The Africa Research Alliance serves as a development-oriented research platform dedicated to advancing knowledge and policy engagement on Africa-related issues. Operating within CSEP’s Foreign Policy and Security Studies vertical, TARA aims to strengthen scholarly understanding and policy dialogue on Africa’s growing importance in global affairs and its strategic partnerships with India.

The Research Associate will play a key role in supporting the alliance’s work by conducting research, analyzing policy developments, and helping organize stakeholder engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will support evidence-based research initiatives and policy analysis across a range of thematic areas.

Core responsibilities include:

Conducting comprehensive literature reviews and policy research.
Synthesizing information from diverse academic, policy, and institutional sources.
Developing and maintaining relevant datasets.
Carrying out stakeholder mapping and policy landscape analysis.
Supporting research publications, reports, policy briefs, and presentations.
Assisting in the organization of conferences, workshops, webinars, and expert interviews.
Coordinating non-research programmatic activities and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Supporting collaboration with policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and development practitioners.

The role combines academic research with practical policy engagement, making it an attractive opportunity for professionals seeking exposure to both research and policy ecosystems.

Eligibility Requirements

CSEP is seeking candidates with strong academic credentials and a demonstrated interest in international affairs.

Applicants should possess:

A graduate or postgraduate degree in International Relations, African Studies, Political Science, or a related field.
A strong understanding of international relations theories, geopolitics, and global affairs.
Particular interest or specialization in African Affairs, which is considered highly desirable.

Preferred Experience and Skills

While candidates with 2–4 years of relevant professional experience are preferred, those with exceptional academic backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

Experience in qualitative research and policy analysis.
Familiarity with quantitative research methods and data analysis.
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Experience working on international development, diplomacy, security studies, or foreign policy issues.

Communication and Organizational Competencies

The role requires excellent communication and project coordination skills.

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
Experience preparing reports, policy memos, and presentations.
Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Capacity to coordinate stakeholder meetings, roundtables, and interviews.
Professional communication skills when engaging with external partners and experts.

Collaborative and Entrepreneurial Work Environment

CSEP emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and intellectual curiosity. The organization is seeking individuals who can thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Ideal candidates will possess:

A proactive and self-motivated work ethic.
Strong time management and multitasking abilities.
A collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset.
Openness to feedback and continuous learning.
The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team goals.
An entrepreneurial approach to advancing research and policy initiatives.

Benefits and Professional Development Opportunities

The successful candidate will join a highly respected policy institution that works closely with researchers, government stakeholders, industry leaders, and international experts.

Key benefits include:

Exposure to high-impact policy research and analysis.
Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in India and globally.
Participation in national and international policy discussions.
Engagement with policymakers, academics, and development practitioners.
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package based on qualifications and experience.

About the Centre for Social and Economic Progress

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress is an independent public policy research institution based in New Delhi. The organization conducts rigorous, evidence-based research on issues affecting India and the wider global community.

Its research spans multiple domains, including:

Economic Growth and Finance
Health and Human Development
Urbanization
Climate Change and Sustainability
Energy and Natural Resources
Mining and Critical Minerals
Collaborative Governance
Foreign Policy and Security Studies

CSEP’s mission is to generate actionable policy recommendations and foster informed public debate through independent research and stakeholder engagement.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by 12 June 2026.

CSEP has noted that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

For professionals passionate about African affairs, international relations, and public policy research, this position presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to one of India’s leading policy think tanks while working on some of the most important global challenges and strategic partnerships shaping the future.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding