Applications Invited for the Akikaran REACH Fellowship: SEL Research Fellow

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About the Organization

Shiksharth Trust ( recognized as Shiksharth) is a registered non-government organization founded with the sole objective of bringing out the development of tribal communities in the naxal-affected regions of Sukma in Chhattisgarh, India.

Shiksharth exists to develop a contextually relevant comprehensive education model for children from spaces of conflict and adversity by strengthening pedagogy, systems and community in an integrated approach.

We at the core believe in a community-led model of education and are currently working on ways by which the community, its wisdom, culture and customs can be contextually incorporated into classroom content and pedagogy.

We are a team of grassroot collaborators passionate about collective action with the objective to reimagine the life of children in conflict and adverse geographies through positive childhood experiences.

About the Fellowship

Role Title: SEL Research Fellow - Integration of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Nonprofit Education Interventions with a Focus on Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion (GESI)

Role Overview:

An SEL Fellow will be working in the domain of education to improve educational inputs and outcomes with project teams in remote geographies of India.  They will be tasked with drawing insights and identifying gaps in the integration of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in education-based interventions, through the lens of Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion (GESI). The nature of the work will involve leading research efforts to observe, analyze, and enhance SEL integration through a GESI lens. This role requires experience in conducting research, an understanding of research methodologies, and familiarity with SEL, gender dynamics, equity issues, and social inclusion strategies. 

Location: Chhattisgarh 

Compensation: A monthly stipend of Rs. 45,000 will be provided to the Fellow. 

Duration: The Akikaran REACH Fellowship is a 18-month program. All Fellows will have to commit for this duration. 

Key Responsibilities:

Observation and Assessment:

• Build an understanding of the context by immersing themselves in the intervention regions and building familiarity with socio-economic-political dynamics 
• Conduct thorough assessments of existing programs within nonprofit organizations, focusing on how they address SEL Integration in terms of GESI considerations.
• Observe program activities, interactions, and materials to identify areas where gender, equity, or social inclusion may be enhanced or lacking.
• Collaborate with program staff and stakeholders to understand their perspectives on SEL integration and GESI principles in the existing program design and ways of working with stakeholders. 

Methodology Design and Implementation:

• Design research methodologies and data collection instruments tailored to capture the nuances of SEL integration with a GESI focus.
• Understand the context and develop methods for data collection, including sample selection, participant onboarding observation techniques, and ethical considerations.
• Implement research protocols in diverse organizational settings to gather comprehensive data on SEL practices and GESI outcomes.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data through observations, interviews, surveys, and Program Design analysis.
• Establish a structured way of collecting and managing the authenticity of this data
• Apply analytical frameworks that center on SEL Integration in terms of gender, equity, and social inclusion to interpret research findings.
• Analyze data to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities for enhancing SEL integration with a GESI perspective.

Insight Generation and Recommendations:

• Synthesize research findings to generate the current status and further actionable insights on how nonprofit organizations can improve SEL integration through GESI considerations.
• Develop recommendations for enhancing existing SEL programs or designing new interventions that are inclusive and equitable.
• Work collaboratively with program staff and stakeholders to co-create strategies for implementing recommended changes.

Knowledge Dissemination and Advocacy:

• Disseminate research findings through reports, presentations, workshops, and other channels to internal and external stakeholders (REACH member organizations).
• Contribute to the development of resources (research paper, assessment tools etc.), guidelines, and best practices for promoting the integration of SEL and GESI principles in educational settings.

Qualifications:

• Graduation in education, psychology, social work, gender studies, or a related field along with relevant experience of a minimum 1 year in the field of SEL/Life Skills with an understanding of GESI.
• Demonstrated research experience preferably within the development sector or educational settings./ Experience conducting research or program evaluation in nonprofit organizations or educational institutions.
• Strong understanding of qualitative, qualitative and/or mixed-methods research methodologies, with experience applying them in diverse contexts.
• Knowledge of gender dynamics, equity issues, and social inclusion strategies, particularly as they relate to education and nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to generate meaningful insights.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to convey research findings to diverse audiences and engage stakeholders in dialogue.
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams and with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with evidence-based SEL programs and interventions, particularly those designed to address GESI disparities.
• Experience working with marginalized communities or populations facing social inequities.
• Track record of publications or presentations on topics related to SEL, gender equity, and social inclusion.
• Fluency with Hindi and English languages, particularly those relevant to the communities served by nonprofit organizations.

Pre-work Assignment:

As part of the recruitment process for the SEL Fellow position, we kindly request you to complete this pre-work assignment and upload it to the application form.

Please note: We will not be accepting applications without the pre-work assignment.

Working Conditions:

• This position may require travel to conduct fieldwork, attend meetings, and visit government offices
• Flexible work hours may be necessary to accommodate project timelines and stakeholder schedules.
• The role may involve working in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, including schools, communities, and field locations.

For a small background on GESI principles-

The GESI framework stands for Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion. It is an approach used to analyze and address the differential impacts of policies, programs, and interventions on individuals and communities based on gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, disability, age, and other factors.

Gender: Refers to the roles, responsibilities, and expectations attributed to individuals based on their perceived or actual sex. The GESI framework acknowledges that gender norms and inequalities can influence access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power.

Equity: Focuses on ensuring fairness and justice by recognizing and addressing disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes. Equity seeks to level the playing field for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or disadvantaged.

Social Inclusion: Emphasizes the importance of creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in society. Social inclusion involves removing barriers and promoting diversity, acceptance, and belonging.

The GESI framework helps organizations and policymakers design more inclusive and equitable programs and policies by considering the diverse needs, perspectives, and experiences of different population groups. It encourages proactive efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote social justice.

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Tags Education and Education Technology (edtech) Research Others