Data & Tech Lead

Role Overview

Most data systems in the social sector are built for donor compliance. We’re looking for someone who can challenge this norm.

This role is for a leader who can reimagine how impact is understood, measured, and amplified — not only through numbers, but through shifts in self-perception, agency, empowerment, belonging, aspirations, and behavioural change.

The Data & Tech Innovation Lead will build next-generation data systems that enable real-time decision-making, help us understand what is working (and what’s not), and unlock tech-enabled solutions for greater impact. They must bring a creative, critical, and research-driven approach, combined with strong technical expertise and a forward-looking understanding of AI and measurement advancements.

We strongly encourage candidates from outside the social sector who bring fresh thinking from technology, consulting, or business analytics.

Key Responsibilities

Build Data Systems for Decision-Making (Not Just Reporting)

• Reimagine and architect an end-to-end data ecosystem that captures meaningful impact — especially qualitative and intangible outcomes.
• Build tools and systems for data collection, cleaning, analysis, and insight generation.
• Question traditional indicators; introduce new, relevant, dynamic measures.
• Ensure data systems evolve continuously to reflect learning and organisational needs.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making across teams; train staff on using data to guide programs.

Build Data & Evidence for New Ventures / Programs

• Lead research for new ideas: market research, needs assessment, situation analysis.
• Design and implement mixed-methods research tools (quantitative + qualitative).
• Conduct robust secondary research to build strong evidence base for strategic choices.
• Translate research into insights for leadership and program teams.

Build Tech-Led Impact Solutions

• Work with leadership to design initiatives that leverage tech to improve outcomes for workers/NextGen.
• Evaluate and implement AI-driven tools and emerging technologies to enhance impact delivery.
• Develop pilot strategies, run experiments, and assess uptake, usability, and impact of tech-solutions.

Research & Thought Leadership

• Write research papers, grey papers, and opinion pieces that push the conversation on measuring human development and empowerment.
• Present insights at forums, roundtables, and conferences.
• Build internal and external credibility on innovative measurement practices.

Impact Documentation & Reporting

• Write clear, compelling impact reports and donor reports.
• Package insights and data in a way that is accessible, honest, and meaningful.
• Bring creativity into how impact is communicated.

Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 2–3 people in data, research, and tech experimentation.
• Build an environment of curiosity, rigour, and innovation.

Key Skills & Experience

Creative & Critical Thinking

• Ability to question “standard” measurement practices and propose bold alternatives.
• Conceptual clarity around soft outcomes — agency, empowerment, self-worth, behavioural change.
• Capacity to connect data, human behaviour, psychology, and program design.

Research Expertise

• Strong grounding in implementation research methodologies.
• Expertise in secondary research methodologies and review-based evidence building.
• Ability to design quantitative and qualitative tools: surveys, interview guides, focus groups, behavioural measures.
• Proficiency in analysing both numeric and narrative data.

Technical Expertise

• Strong command of data tools (SQL, Excel/Sheets, BI tools like Power BI/Tableau/Looker Studio).
• Exposure to tech products that support data collection
• Familiarity with AI tools, emerging measurement technologies, and tech-enabled program delivery.
• Ability to architect systems and create user-friendly workflows for field teams.

Communication & Insight Generation

• Ability to convert data into stories, insights, lessons, and decisions.
• Strong writing skills for reports, publications, papers.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Experience managing small teams.
• Comfort working in ambiguous, evolving environments.
• Ability to collaborate with program, field, leadership, and external partners.

Preferred Experience

• 5–8 years of experience in data science, research, analytics, or tech-enabled problem solving.
• Experience in consulting, digital product roles, research labs, technology companies, or analytics teams.
• Exposure to behavioural science or human-centred design is a bonus.
• Prior social sector experience not required — curiosity and adaptability are more important.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹27,808.08 - ₹117,338.61 per month

Benefits:

• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Work from home

Work Location: In person