Senior Research Associate – Commercial Disputes at The Convergence Foundation

Bangalore, karnataka, India -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

26 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Research, Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Case Management, Mediation, Data Collection, Qualitative Data, Quantitative Data, Policy Writing, Project Coordination, Legal Research, Process Analysis, Communication, Problem-Solving, Methodological Rigour, Relationship Management

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Organisation: DAKSH Project: Commercial Dispute Resolution (Commercial Courts & Tribunals) Location: Bengaluru Fixed Term: 3 Years Reporting To: Director - Commercial Disputes About DAKSH DAKSH works to strengthen public institutions and improve the functioning of courts and tribunals through data-driven research, institutional analysis, and strategic engagement. Our work focuses on building more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric justice systems. DAKSHs Commercial Dispute Resolution initiative builds on this mission by examining how commercial courts and related judicial mechanisms function in practice. The initiative seeks to improve case management, procedural compliance, and institutional capacity to support economic productivity, ease of doing business, and public trust in the justice system. About the Commercial Dispute Resolution Initiative The Commercial Dispute Resolution initiative evaluates how procedural reforms in dedicated commercial courts are being implemented across jurisdictions – and what lessons this may have for judicial reforms more broadly. It will engage with on case management hearings, summary judgments, mediation, scheduling practices, technology adoption, capacity building, and data transparency/monitoring and oversight strategies. Through rigorous field research, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with public institutions, the initiative aims to generate grounded evidence and translate it into practical reforms that strengthen commercial adjudication at all levels of the judiciary. Purpose of the Role The Senior Research Associate will lead and support research projects through analysis, and stakeholder engagement for the Commercial Dispute Resolution initiative. The role involves identifying systemic challenges in commercial adjudication, developing evidence-based reform proposals, and contributing to institutional capacity-building and policy influence. Key Responsibilities 1. Research & Analysis (40%) Lead research on priority areas such as case management hearings, summary judgments, mediation processes, document admission protocols, and scheduling practices in commercial courts. Design research methodologies and tools for qualitative and quantitative data collection. Conduct field research through court observations, case record reviews, and stakeholder interviews. Analyse case timelines, disposal patterns, adjournments, and compliance with statutory procedures. Identify procedural bottlenecks, institutional gaps, and implementation challenges. Synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights for judicial and policy audiences. 2. Stakeholder Engagement (30%) Build and maintain relationships with judges, court administrators, lawyers, businesses, and industry associations. Coordinate and participate in workshops, consultations, and roundtables with judicial and commercial stakeholders. Facilitate dialogue between courts, practitioners, and litigants on procedural reform and case management. Conduct structured interviews and consultations to capture diverse user perspectives. Support collaboration with High Courts and judicial training institutions. 3. Policy Writing & Knowledge Dissemination (20%) Lead the preparation of policy papers, reports, and reform toolkits on commercial dispute resolution. Draft knowledge products for advocacy, including case studies, blogs, and opinion pieces. Contribute to the development of public dashboards, datasets, and practice guides. Present research findings at conferences, policy dialogues, and public events. Support the dissemination of research to policymakers, courts, and the legal community. 4. Project Coordination & Team Support (10%) Work closely with project advisors, institutional partners, and internal teams to align research activities with project goals. Support planning and execution of fieldwork, events, and consultations. Mentor junior research staff and provide guidance on research tasks. Track milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements. Assist in documentation for funders and institutional partners. Education and Experience Guidelines Educational Qualifications LLB or LLM required. A masters degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field is an advantage. Core Experience Demonstrated experience in legal or institutional research and process analysis, including: At least 3 to 5 years of demonstrable work experience Strong understanding of Indias commercial litigation and court administration landscape. Proven ability to work with quantitative and qualitative data. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience managing research projects and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives. Ability to engage constructively with judges, lawyers, court staff, government officials, and industry representatives. Deep commitment to institutional reform and evidence-based policymaking. Preferred Experience Experience in organising stakeholder consultations and policy dialogues. Published research or policy writing in the legal or governance sector. Familiarity with statistical or data analysis tools. Prior work with courts, tribunals, or justice-sector institutions. Key Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Attention to detail and methodological rigour Ability to translate complex processes into practical recommendations Stakeholder relationship management Collaborative and adaptive working style High standards of professional integrity and independence

Responsibilities

The Senior Research Associate will lead and support research projects focused on commercial dispute resolution through analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement. Key duties include identifying systemic challenges in commercial adjudication, developing evidence-based reform proposals, and contributing to institutional capacity-building and policy influence.