Background:

The objective of the internship program is to engage students and young professionals in an understanding of the fundamentals of public policy and politics via training in the skills of research, analysis, writing, and above all critical thinking. Interns are familiarised with local problems in policy design and implementation through close interactions with bureaucrats and other important stakeholders. This program is supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

Researching Reality 2026 Theme:

This year’s theme, “Economics of Education - Understanding how public financing and budgeting shape India’s K–12 schools”, will look at India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and how it depends on strengthening its education system through effective implementation of the National Education Policy (2020). While allocations for school education have steadily increased, overall public spending remains around 4% of GDP, below the 6% target set by NEP. More critically, higher expenditure has not consistently translated into improved learning outcomes, with foundational literacy and numeracy levels still lagging. These gaps make it essential to examine not just how much is spent on education, but how effectively those funds are allocated, structured, and utilised.

Role of the Internship Coordinator:

To plan and implement the Researching Reality Internship end-to-end including and not limited to coordinating between interns, research guides and research director as well as ensuring timelines are met. 

Responsibilities of Internship Coordinator:

• To create internship structure and timeline, in consultation with research guides
• To put out a call for applications, review applications received and shortlist for interviews. To shortlist final list of interns from among shortlisted candidates
• To plan and implement an orientation program for the interns to ensure a comprehensive understanding of liberal ideas as well as basic concepts and principles of public policy
• To plan taught sessions for interns as per requirements of research guides
• To ensure completion of tasks as per deadlines set, ensure all timelines are met by interns, research guides and internship director
• To ensure coordination between departments for the smooth execution of internship 
• To manage the budget for the internship, ensure all audit requirements are fulfilled on time
• To plan and implement the launch of research papers 

Terms of Engagement:

This consultant will be hired for a period of 5 months from April - August 2026 during which the above -mentioned activities are expected to be completed. The contract may be subject to renewal on need-basis.