Applications invited for post of Research ASSOCIATE

The Centre for Trade and Development (Centad), a not-for-profit organisation, seeks to strengthen the ability of governments and communities in South Asia to make international trade and globalisation work for development. It strives to undertake accurate and real-time analysis, promote better policies through policy research and provides a platform for more informed policy-making at multilateral, regional and national levels. Through its policy research, the Centre attempts to critically understand and articulate debates around World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and their implications.

The ‘Access to Medicines' programme at Centad has been exploring the interface between international trade and access with particular reference to the internal regulatory processes in India. Centad seeks to promote its objectives through research and advocacy, interactions with key decision-makers within the central and state governments, civil society institutions, media and other stakeholders. Centad is currently looking for a suitable candidate for the post of Research Associate for its ‘Access to Medicines' programme.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take responsibility for undertaking and coordinating research, advocacy and capacity building activities of the ‘Access to Medicines' programme.
• Assist in developing networks/alliances of civil society organisations, peoples' movements, trade unions, industry associations, media and other stakeholders with a shared understanding of specific trade issues, for advocacy and popular mobilisation.
• Explore opportunities to work with key stakeholders – government departments, international organisations, donor agencies, research institutions and civil society organisations to enhance the effectiveness of the ‘Access to Medicines' programme on research and advocacy initiatives
• Help organise workshops, conferences, seminars, etc to build the capacity of key stakeholders and encourage informed public discourses so as to facilitate greater access to medicines.
• Carry out any other work that might be required to assist the process of building Centad a leading regional think-tank.

Skills and Competence

• Advanced degree in social sciences, preferably economics, law or management, with good understanding of public health issues and the international trade dimension thereof.
• Knowledge of national and international research institutes on trade and access to medicines, and familiarity with government policies on related issues.
• Minimum 2 years of work experience with a strong track record of high quality research publications.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to think innovatively and practically.
• Proven track record of achieving results observing strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in written and verbal English and at least one major Indian language (preferably Hindi).
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as member of a diverse, multi-cultural team.
• Proven project coordination skills. (Candidates with prior experience will be given preference)
• Sensitivity to gender and diversity issues
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Interested candidates can send their resume with

1. Covering letter
2. Statement of purpose clearly explaining their interest in the post and highlighting their key competencies for the post. (Not Exceeding 500 Words)
3. Writing sample. (Not Exceeding 4000 Words)

Applications should be sent to centad@centad.org clearly quoting the job title in the subject line of the email by June 15, 2008 . Kindly mention your contact number (preferably mobile) in the mail.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by phone and will be required to attend an interview on the communicated date.