Senior Research Consultant

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About the Organization

Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (www.brlf.in) is an autonomous body established in 2013 through a Union Cabinet decision by the Government of India. With a vision to transform the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations across India, BRLF plays a crucial role in nurturing and facilitating civil society action in partnership with the government and people’s institutions. Its mandate encompasses a range of objectives, including bridging the gap between program outlays and outcomes, improving implementation of government flagship programs, providing grant support to civil society Organisations (CSOs), and promoting partnerships for inclusive, sustainable development.

Description

Research design: Geographical & Agroecological Coverage

• Mapping of Bijawar and Rajnagar blocks using DEM, land-use, soil texture, watershed boundaries, and CSO overlap, with specific delineation of the three landscape clusters: Cluster 1 (Ken North, Rajnagar block, 30 villages), Cluster 2 (Ken South, Bijawar block, 29 villages), and Cluster 3 (Betwa Phase 2, Bijawar block, 36 villages).
• Stratification within the predefined clusters based on elevation zones, farmer interest, and ecological suitability.
• Coverage includes 300–400 households and 10–15 institutions per block (SHGs, FPOs, PRIs, BMCs), with village-level sampling proportional to cluster size.
• Prioritization linked to MP agroecological zones (Bundelkhand, Malwa Plateau) and NF scaling ambitions (1.55 Mha target)

Research Design:

• Approach & Methodology Mixed-methods, participatory approach aligned with the AgRMLT Phase 1 Action Plan and ethical standards (informed consent, data sovereignty, gender inclusion).

Secondary Data Review & Synthesis

• Review of AgRMLT Concept Note, Scoping Study, CSO datasets, intervention timelines.
• Thematic synthesis: Agroecological Profile, NRM & Land Use, Agriculture & Livelihood Systems, and Institutional Landscape
• Knowledge gaps & priorities for primary research
• Triangulation with NMNF, KVK, ISRO BHUVAN, Soil Health Cards, e-NAM
• Identification of data and knowledge gaps
• Biodiversity, Farming Systems and Land use
• NRM functionality (Soil, Water, Forests, Commons)
• Nutrition and food systems
• Vulnerability and climate risk o Markets and local economy
• Community Institutions and Governance

Institutional & Systems Assessment

• Mapping of SHGs, PRIs, FPOs, BMCs using digital tools, with focus on CSO presence in the listed villages (e.g., Srijan, Pradan, Dawat, NMNF, DMKS, VSS, GSS).
• Review of nutrition systems, market linkages, supply chains, and risk/vulnerability assessments.
• Use of community records and Gram Sabha documentation for validation (non-field-data focus).

Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis

• Qualitative: Thematic coding using NVivo; institutional case studies; gender-disaggregated insights.
• Triangulation: Cross-checking with KVK/CSO documentation; secondary soil/biota data; community-level validation loops.

Integration & Recommendations

• Development of 3–5 costed NF Hub Profiles per block (CSBs, BRCs, aggregation nodes).
• Convergence matrix linking VB-G-RAM-G (MGNREGA),(NRM works), ICDS/MDM (nutrition procurement), MP Mandi Board (market traceability), and KVKs (technical extension).
• • Scalability roadmap for agroecological transformation including blended finance opportunities and risk-mitigation pathways.

Operational Arrangements

• Bi-weekly coordination meetings with BRLF, NCNF, GIZ, CSOs (DMKS, SRIJAN).

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

Essential

• Advanced degree (Master's/PhD) in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Rural Development, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years' experience in agroecology, baseline surveys, or landscape assessments in India (preference for Bundelkhand/Madhya Pradesh).
• Proven expertise in mixed-methods research (quantitative: GIS, stats; qualitative: PRA), with familiarity in NF/NMNF indicators.
• Strong knowledge of MP agriculture schemes (e.g., NMNF, VB-G-RAM-G {MGNREGA}) and gender/nutrition integration.
• Proven skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis using analysis software, particularly, R and NVivo.
• Must have experience in designing and conducting data collection for large research projects using qualitative and quantitative tools.
• Must be proficient in data visualisation methods and tools, MS Excel, and Kobo/ similar data collection platforms.
• Work independently and be organised to ensure that tasks are completed on time.
• Results orientation with attention to detail.

Desirable

• Publication record on sustainable farming or climate resilience.

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to apply through Link . Interested candidates must apply by January 27th, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Recruitment for the position will be on a rolling basis.

For more information please check the Link

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