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.

Responsibilities of Internship Research Consultant:

A. Curriculum Design & Learning Architecture (Pre-Programme) 

• Design the overall curriculum aligned with the programme theme: budget expenditure and public finance in school education.
• Develop a structured learning pathway covering:
  • Public finance fundamentals
  • Budget analysis and expenditure tracking
  • Research design and analytical frameworks
  • Qualitative and quantitative methods
• Design session formats including lectures, workshops, readings, exercises, and applied learning modules.
• Develop the quantitative research training module.
• Ensure logical sequencing of sessions and learning outcomes.
• Identify and recommend relevant external experts, practitioners, and guest faculty.
• Develop reading lists, exercises, and learning resources. 

B. Training Delivery & Programme Facilitation 

• Lead and/or coordinate delivery of core training modules.
• Ensure integration of theory, application, and research synthesis.
• Brief and align external speakers with programme objectives.
• Facilitate synthesis across sessions and thematic areas.

C. Research Methodology & Analytical Frameworks

• Design the programme’s research methodology framework.
• Guide scholars on:
  • Research question formulation
  • Budget analysis approaches
  • Expenditure tracking
  • Analytical framing
  • Integration of qualitative and quantitative methods
• Conduct methodology and tool-training sessions.
• Develop research templates, analytical standards, and guidance frameworks.

D. Assessment & Scholar Support

• Design assignments, checkpoints, and feedback mechanisms.
• Review scholar progress and provide structured feedback.
• Conduct refresher and problem-solving sessions during Weeks 3–6.
• Support mentors in maintaining analytical consistency across teams.
• Address emerging methodological and quantitative challenges.

E. Final Output Review

• Review draft papers and research outputs.
• Provide feedback on:
  • Analytical rigour
  • Methodological consistency
  • Clarity of argument
  • Policy relevance
• Support refinement of final outputs.
• Make the final compendium ready to be sent for design, and then subsequently for publication

Terms of Engagement:

This consultant will be hired for a period of 8 weeks from May 2026 during which the above -mentioned activities are expected to be completed. The contract may be subject to renewal on need-basis.