We are seeking a Research Intern to support data collection, collation, and preliminary analysis for a field-based study in Puri District, Odisha. The intern will work under the Adaptation and Risk Analysis team within the Climate, Environment and Sustainability sector. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about agriculture, environmental economics, and development policy to gain hands-on research experience.

The intern will contribute to a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) of scaling up Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, a project supported by the Gates Foundation. The research aims to (a) estimate the costs and benefits of CSA interventions for various stakeholders, including farmers, government, and allied industries and (b) assess and compare different models for implementing and scaling CSA practices in Puri District.

Responsibilities

• Collect secondary data from public sources, district-level government records, industry reports, and academic research.
• Assist in compiling cost and benefit data related to CSA interventions (e.g. micro-irrigation, improved seeds, and organic practices).
• Support the collection of financial data from allied industries, including seed suppliers and equipment manufacturers.
• Help estimate subsidy costs to governments at both the district and state levels.
• Organise and clean datasets to prepare them for analysis.
• Summarise findings to be incorporated into the cost–benefit analysis framework.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing a master's degree in economics, agricultural economics, development studies, environmental science, or related fields

Skills

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Interest in climate change, sustainable agriculture, or rural development
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, or data programming languages such as R or Python is a plus

Duration

3–6 months

The Research Consultant will be involved in the project ‘Odisha Climate Support Unit nested within the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha’, to promote Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for a resilient Odisha. The Consultant will lead and support value chain and cost–benefit assessments of agricultural practices promoted through the project. The role will involve working closely with project teams and stakeholders in Odisha to map value chains, estimate costs and benefits of intervention across actors, and assess economic viability and scalability potential.

About the Project

The project aims to strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture systems in Odisha by identifying, prioritising, and scaling context-specific CSA practices. As part of the second phase of this initiative, we are undertaking a Value Chain Analysis and/or Cost–Benefit Analysis of selected CSA interventions to inform government uptake and investment decisions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct value chain analysis or cost–benefit analysis of selected CSA practices/interventions.
• Engage with Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups, Civil Society Organisations, line departments, and private sector actors to collect primary data.
• Collate and analyse secondary data from existing literature, government schemes, and databases.
• Estimate costs, savings, and benefits to farmers, government, and private partners.
• Identify constraints, bottlenecks, and policy or institutional gaps along the value chain.
• Liaise with field teams and government partners to validate findings and co-develop recommendations.
• Prepare research outputs: policy briefs and presentations on stakeholder uptake.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Rural Management, Agribusiness, Public Policy, or related fields
• PhD in a related discipline with demonstrated expertise in value chain or economic analysis in agriculture, with at least 2 years of relevant work experience

Skill Set

• Proven experience in conducting empirical research, preferably in agriculture or natural resource sectors.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in undertaking Value Chain Analysis / Cost–Benefit Analysis
• Proficiency in Excel or R for analysis is a plus.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, especially in rural/agricultural settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Odisha’s agricultural context is an advantage.

Duration

8 months