Core Mission: To transition Thanal into a data-driven, research-oriented organization that validates its social impact through rigorous scientific inquiry.
1. Role SummaryThe Research Head will lead the design and execution of Thanal’s inaugural research department. This role is dual-faceted: acting as a strategic mentor to existing functional heads to foster a "research mindset," while simultaneously building and managing a core team of researchers and assistants to produce high-quality, actionable data in the fields of rehabilitation, social welfare, and community health.
A. Organizational Transformation (The "Alignment" Phase)
Capacity Building: Conduct workshops for existing Functional Heads (Clinical, Operations, Social Work) to integrate data collection into their daily workflows.
Cultural Shift: Translate complex research goals into practical, everyday objectives that the team can rally behind.
Framework Development: Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ethical data collection across all Thanal programs.
Recruitment: Identify, hire, and onboard a core research team, including Research Associates, Data Analysts, and Field Assistants.
Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to the team on methodology, literature reviews, and statistical analysis.
Performance Management: Set KPIs for the research team that align with Thanal’s 2026–2028 strategic goals.
Design & Methodology: Lead the development of longitudinal studies and impact assessment frameworks for Thanal’s rehabilitation programs.
Grant Writing & Funding: Identify research grant opportunities and lead the drafting of proposals to secure external funding.
Publication & Advocacy: Oversee the drafting of white papers, journal articles, and reports to be presented at national and international forums.
Requirements
Education: Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Rehabilitation Science, or a related field.
Experience: 8+ years in a research-intensive role, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience in the NGO/Non-profit sector is highly preferred.
Skills: Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (SPSS, R, or Stata).
Exceptional "Soft Skills"—the ability to persuade and coach non-research staff.
Fluency in Malayalam and English is essential for local community engagement and global reporting.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Rehabilitation Science, or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in a research-intensive role
- At least 3 years of experience in a leadership position
- Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience in the NGO or nonprofit sector
- Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
- Proficiency in SPSS, R, or Stata
- Ability to persuade and coach non-research staff
- Fluency in Malayalam and English
What We Do
Thanal Trust is an environmental nonprofit working to promote environmental health and justice through research, advocacy, action, and education. Its programs focus on organic farming, agroecology, biodiversity conservation, zero-waste practices, sustainable livelihoods, tribal agriculture, and community-based climate and conservation initiatives. The organization collaborates with communities, schools, and partners to advance sustainable development and influence environmental policy at local and global levels.
