CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: PART TIME CONSULTANT (RESEARCH) FOR FAIR TRIAL PROGRAMME1 AT NLUD!

Position :

The National Law University Delhi (“University”) is seeking to engage a research consultant for part time engagement on a contractual basis for six months, for the Fair Trial Fellowship programme of Project 39A supported by a grant from the Azim Premji Foundation.

About the programme:

The Fair Trial Fellowship Programme (‘the Programme’) is an opportunity for young lawyers and social workers to work for providing quality legal representation to undertrial prisoners. The Programme mentors a group of young professionals to work in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority towards ensuring fair trial for undertrial prisoners at both pre-trial and trial stages. The Programme is rolled out for work in Nagpur and Pune Central prisons. The twin goals of the programme are to reduce the undertrial population in prisons in Pune and Nagpur and to strengthen the legal aid system in Maharashtra. To this end, there is a research as well as a litigation component to the programme. The programme has its offices in Pune and Nagpur.

About the research project:

The proposed research is envisaged as a qualitative study documenting life histories of a sample of existing and past clients of the Fair Trial Programme. The objective of the study is to document their experience of navigating the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities :

\This is a part time position with the flexibility to work remotely. Selected candidates may however be required to travel frequently to Pune/Nagpur for coordination and review of progress. The responsibilities of the research consultant will include :

A. Developing research proposal for the study in consultation with the programme team with details on methodology and tools for the research.

B. Collating and analysing research findings based on the interviews conducted along with or by the programme team.

C. Providing feedback to the programme team, as necessary on the sufficiency and relevance of the interview transcriptions towards ensuring the objectives of the research.

D. Developing a framework and writing the report and/or other materials based on the findings of the study.

E. Any other work that may be necessary to ensure the effective implementation and completion of the project within the proposed timelines.

Qualifications :

A. Ph.D or postgraduate degree in any of the relevant fields, including Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, or any other Social Sciences.

B. Demonstrable experience of conducting independent research, particularly on socio-legal issues.

C. Knowledge and familiarity with issues related to ethnographic research and life histories.

D. Prior engagement with perspectives on systemic discrimination (for instance, due to caste, class, religion, gender, sexuality) and its intersection with access to justice concerns.

E. Ability to comprehend, converse, and understand Hindi and Marathi is desirable.

Compensation :

The research consultant will be paid a lumpsum amount within the range of INR 1,00,000 – 1,20,000. The amount will be paid in instalments based on stages of completion of work.

Application Process :

Interested persons must attach their resume and a statement of purpose, explaining their role and interest in working on this programme. The statement of purpose must not exceed 700 words. Shortlisted candidates will be called for the selection process which will be held in Nagpur. The selection process may have multiple rounds.

Applications and documents will be accepted only through the form here in the link