Director General

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About the Organization

India’s largest and oldest economic research and policy think tank, NCAER, was established in 1956. The vision behind NCAER’s establishment was of a newly independent country needing neutral institutions to serve as sounding boards for the government and the private sector. In 1959, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone for the present campus. In 2013, Dr Manmohan Singh, while laying the foundation stone for the new buildings, suggested that public-private institutions like NCAER ensure economics is both “light-bearing” and “fruit-bearing”.

Job Description

The Director General serves as the Chief Executive Officer of NCAER and reports to its Governing Board, of which he/she is also an ex-officio member. This position is based in New Delhi and carries a four-year term, which can be renewed based on performance and institutional requirements. The NCAER Governing Body seeks a leader to uphold the institution’s proud legacy of respected and influential leadership, guide its research agenda for decades ahead, and advance its tradition of relevance, excellence, and impact.

Over the decades, NCAER has been staffed by distinguished leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions to India’s economic governance. These include Mr Suman Bery, current Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Dr. Rakesh Mohan and Dr. Subir Gokarn, former Deputy Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, Mr SL Rao, former Chairman of Central Electricity Regulator and many others.

Job Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Define and drive the long-term strategic vision of the institution in alignment with national development priorities. Ensure the continued relevance of the institution’s research agenda to emerging economic challenges and opportunities, especially in Indian states.
• Policy Engagement and Influence: Actively strengthen relationships with policymakers at the central and state levels. Position the institution as a key contributor to policy design, not just analysis, bridging the gap between evidence and actionable policy. Represent the institution in high-level policy dialogues, advisory bodies, and national and international forums.
• Research Excellence and Institutional Management: Oversee the quality, independence, and relevance of all research output. Lead a high-performing team of researchers, analysts, and operational staff (approx. 130 personnel, including outsourced roles). Foster an internal culture of academic excellence, ethics, inclusion, and innovation.
• Resource Mobilisation and Financial Stewardship: Significantly grow the institution’s endowment through philanthropic partnerships and strategic fundraising. Expand project-based funding from the government, multilaterals, foundations, and the private sector.
• External Partnerships and Visibility: Enhance the visibility and reputation of the institution nationally and globally. Build collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, industry leaders, and multilateral organisations.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

At least 20 years of experience and a strong track record in economic research, public policy, applied economics or a related field in one or more of the following institutions

• Academia, think tanks, research institutions;
• Multilateral and international organizations;
• Government or Regulatory institutions; and
• Indian or Multinational Private Sector organisations (Financial institutions, consulting firms, corporates)

Institutional Leadership

• Experience in leading research institutions or large programmes with interdisciplinary teams, guiding long-term agendas, and delivering credible, independent output aligned with policy and institutional priorities.

Thought Leadership and Market Credibility

• Demonstrated thought leadership and a public voice in the domain of applied economics and policy.
• Track record of engagement with senior policymakers and government officials.

Fundraising and Partnerships

• Proven ability to build strategic, long-term relationships with philanthropic institutions, government, multilaterals, and the private sector to mobilise institutional funding and support.

Values and Purpose Alignment

• Demonstrated commitment to India’s long-term growth and to the principles of non-partisan, public-interest research that informs inclusive and sustainable policymaking.

Educational Background

• Advanced degree in economics or a related discipline

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