Senior Research Associate, Digital Economy & Governance - DataSense

Job Description

Title: Senior Research Associate, Digital Economy & Governance - DataSense

Company Name: iSocial Limited

Vacancy: --

Age: Na

Job Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh

Salary: Negotiable

Experience:

Published: 2026-10-17

Application Deadline: 2026-10-27

Education:

• Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science & Engineering
• Masters

• Master’s degree in CSE, Economics, Public Policy, Digital Governance, Development Studies, Statistics, Data Science, or a closely related discipline from a reputed institution.

• Minimum 4 to 5 years of proven, post-qualification experience in leading research, policy analysis, or economic research within think tanks, research institutes, international development agencies, or consulting firms.

• Advanced competency in quantitative/qualitative research methods, survey architecture, impact evaluations, and regulatory impact assessments.

• Advanced proficiency in statistical and programming software (Stata, R, Python, or SPSS) for econometric analysis, machine learning applications, or large-scale data manipulation.

• Strong strategic thinking with deep understanding of digital public infrastructure (DPI), e-governance systems, gig economy dynamics, and global data privacy/governance standards.

• Proven capacity to independently write winning research proposals, technical bids, and grant applications under tight deadlines.

• Advanced proficiency in leveraging Generative AI and automated data processing tools ethically to optimize literature reviews, content synthesis, and analysis workflows.

• Exceptional leadership, project management, and inter-personal skills, with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage external partner expectations.

• Flawless, publication-ready written and spoken English and Bangla communication skills.

DATASENSE`S VALUE ADDITION

• Accelerated pathway to research management and senior leadership roles within DataSense and the broader iSocial enterprise.

• Direct visibility and exposure with high-level government dignitaries, international development leadership, and global think tanks.

• Strategic mentorship and direct engagement with iSocial’s Chairperson and senior international research fellows.

• Robust institutional backing to publish lead-authored work, represent the organization at global summits, and lead high-profile policy interventions.

ABOUT US:

iSocial is an evidence-driven, for-profit social enterprise conducting impact business. iSocial specializes in data-driven insights, strategic policy advocacy, skills and entrepreneurship development and innovative solutions design.

DataSense is one of the three core strategic business units (SBUs) at iSocial for research and data intelligence. It offers services to corporates, non-profits, and development agencies in Bangladesh and abroad, as well as to the Government of Bangladesh. DataSense conducts systemic research, policy analysis, data collection, data curation, data analytics for operations management, and evidence-based insights to simplify executive and policy decision-making. This has enabled DataSense to grow into a multidisciplinary team of professionals, educated and trained in Bangladesh and abroad. The research team works out of Bangladesh, Australia, Canada, UK, and USA. DataSense client list includes Helvetas, ICT Division, ILO, UNCDF, UNESCAP, UNDP, UNWOMEN, BMZ and other national and international organizations. iSocial partnered with wide-range of national and international organizations including BILS, British Council, Cornell University USA, CSF Sri Lanka, Data and Society USA, Oxfam Bangladesh, Oxford Internet Institute, The Business Standard, University of Edinburgh and so on.

JOB OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced, high-caliber, and forward-thinking research professional to join DataSense as Senior Research Associate (Digital Economy & Governance). This mid-level leadership role requires strong project ownership, advanced expertise in econometric modeling and quantitative/qualitative methodologies, and substantial experience leading research components on digital transformation, platform economy, digital public infrastructure (DPI), data governance, e-services, and technology policy.

JOB NATURE AND MODALITY

• Full-time (Sunday through Thursday)

• Hybrid modality (4 days in-office, 1 day remote weekly). This may be adjusted based on project requirements.

• Field visit outside Dhaka may be required

SCOPE OF WORK

• Lead the end-to-end design, conceptualization, and implementation of complex research projects covering digital transformation, e-governance, digital trade, platform economy, DPI, and AI policy frameworks.

• Serve as lead or co-author for high-impact research publications, working papers, policy briefs, regulatory assessments, and peer-reviewed articles targeting executive, government, and donor audiences.

• Spearhead business development initiatives by taking a lead role in designing research methodologies, technical frameworks, and financial proposals to win competitive grants and donor tenders.

• Architect primary research frameworks, oversee CAPI survey instrument designs, build sampling strategies, and supervise quantitative data cleaning and econometric modeling pipelines.

• Actively build and nurture high-level relationships with key stakeholders, including the ICT Division, government ministries, regulatory authorities, donor organizations (UN, donor agencies), and academic partners.

• Provide direct technical supervision, quality control, and professional guidance to Research Associates, Junior Researchers, and field teams across research assignments.

• Represent DataSense and iSocial as a speaker and domain specialist in national and international roundtables, policy dialogues, and academic conferences.

• Contribute to cross-SBU strategic initiatives (with Junction Bangladesh and iSkill) to integrate data intelligence into broader social enterprise programs.

• Salary Negotiable (Based on experience and competency)

OTHER BENEFITS

• Subsidies lunch

• Two festival bonuses yearly