Research Associate

Job Title

Market Research & MSME Field Research Associate

(ImportExport | Import Substitution | MSME Development)

Role Overview

The Market Research & MSME Field Research Associate will support research, analytics, and field-level implementation activities for MSME development, import substitution, and export promotion programs under government-led initiatives such as RAMP .

The role combines desk-based market and sector research with on-ground MSME engagement , enabling evidence-based policy inputs, program design, and implementation support. This position is ideal for candidates aspiring to build a career in government consulting, economic research, development programs, and MSME advisory .

Key Responsibilities

1. Market, Sector & Policy Research

• Conduct market scans, sector studies, competitor analysis, and value chain assessments
• Develop MSME sector profiles, industry diagnostics, and opportunity mapping reports
• Track domestic and international market trends relevant to imports, exports, and MSME competitiveness
• Support secondary research using government portals, databases, reports, and online sources

2. Primary Research & Field Engagement

• Conduct field surveys, MSME interviews, and enterprise-level diagnostics
• Support design of questionnaires, survey tools, and data collection frameworks
• Capture data related to MSME operations, imports, exports, sourcing, production, and constraints
• Document insights from stakeholder consultations, workshops, and field interactions

3. Import Substitution & Export Opportunity Mapping

• Identify import-dependent products, components, and raw materials used by MSMEs
• Map local manufacturing, sourcing, and capability development opportunities
• Assess technology, skill, infrastructure, and market gaps at the enterprise and sector level
• Support export readiness assessments and market opportunity identification

4. Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data from field and secondary sources
• Support preparation of dashboards, charts, and summary analytics
• Identify sectoral gaps, risks, and growth opportunities to inform program decisions
• Translate research findings into actionable insights and recommendations

5. Reporting, MIS & Program Support

• Prepare research reports, sectoral studies, presentations, and policy briefs
• Contribute inputs to program MIS, dashboards, and knowledge repositories
• Document field findings, diagnostics, and stakeholder engagement records
• Support organization of workshops, training programs, consultations, and outreach activities
• Assist program teams during reviews, monitoring, and strategy discussions

Key Deliverables

• Market research reports and sectoral studies
• MSME diagnostics, sector profiles, and value chain mappings
• Import substitution and export opportunity assessment notes
• Research dashboards, charts, and summary presentations
• Field survey documentation, datasets, and stakeholder engagement records
• Policy notes, briefs, and program recommendations

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Economics, Management, Commerce, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Rural Development , or related disciplines

Experience & Skill Requirements

• 13 years of experience in:
• Market or sector research
• Field research and MSME engagement
• Consulting, development programs, or analytics roles
• Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Familiarity with:
• Survey tools and data collection platforms
• Government portals, databases, and secondary research sources
• Ability to synthesise large volumes of information into clear, structured insights
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to engage effectively with MSME owners, workers, and local stakeholders
• Willingness to travel within assigned districts or regions as required
• Basic understanding of MSMEs, imports, exports, or government schemes is an added advantage

Industry

Business Consulting | Government Advisory | MSME & Economic Development