Company Description The Council of Independent Policy Researchers (CIPR) is a pan-India research network and strategic institute focused on strengthening public governance. CIPR specialises in transdisciplinary research and field-derived intelligence, working across disciplines to address complex policy challenges. The organisation combines academic rigour with practical, operational insight to understand socio-administrative realities, and translates that understanding into actionable policy frameworks that inform decision-making and improve governance outcomes.

Team members collaborate with diverse stakeholders and gain direct exposure to real-world policy environments across India.

Role Description This is a two-month, on-site Research Intern role. We are hiring two interns, one based in Karnataka and one in Kerala. The role sits within a study on gender, labour and migration that CIPR is running in partnership with the Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS), Chennai.

The study examines the working and living conditions of women who migrate from the North East to Karnataka and Kerala for work, a group that remains thinly represented in Indian labour and migration data.

The Research

Intern will be responsible for primary data collection. Day-to-day work includes administering survey instruments to respondents, conducting structured and semi-structured interviews, identifying and reaching respondents in coordination with local field partners, maintaining accurate field notes, and carrying out data entry and first-level quality checks.



Interns will also contribute to research memos and briefs, participate in internal discussions with senior researchers, and support documentation and knowledge management for the project.

This is a fieldwork role rather than a desk-based one. The intern should expect to spend most of the engagement outside the office, in the field.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, development studies, political science, sociology or a related discipline, completed or in the final stage.

Fluency in Hindi and English. Working knowledge of Kannada, Malayalam, or a North Eastern language is a strong advantage.

Currently resident in Karnataka or Kerala, with the ability to work on-site for the full two months.

Understanding of mixed-method surveys and comfort administering a structured instrument in the field.

Robust interpersonal skills and the sensitivity to conduct interviews with respondents on personal and sometimes difficult subjects.

Ability to write clear, concise research summaries and field notes in English.

Attention to detail in data collection, recording and entry.

Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines with limited supervision.

Proficiency with standard productivity tools (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software) and comfort with digital data collection applications.

Familiarity with Indian governance structures and socio-administrative issues is an advantage.

Compensation Stipend of Rs. 20,000 for the duration of the internship, plus allowances.

How to Apply Send your CV to [email protected].

📌 Research Intern (Tamil Nadu)
🏢 Council Of Independent Policy Researchers (CIPR)
📍 Tamil Nadu