Project Coordinator (Child Law and Policy) at NIAS, Bangalore [Offline; Apply by 8 Nov 2026]

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, was conceived and founded in 1988 by the late Mr. J. R. D. Tata to conduct advanced multidisciplinary research. The post is for a programme under PRATICRIA (Protection, Response, Advocacy & Transformational Interventions for Children Residing in Adversity), an Initiative for Child Rights, Protection and Mental Health located at NIAS.

PRATICRIA aims to enhance child and adolescent protection and psychosocial well-being, particularly of children in difficult circumstances. It works in care and protection, mental health, education, and policy and law, using rights-based approaches to strengthen systems such as the juvenile justice system, schools, mental health services, and court and law enforcement spaces.

• Travel frequently across the country to run training programmes on child-related laws and policies for stakeholders in law (including judicial officers), child protection and mental health.
• Develop training content and methods for online and in-person workshops, based on in-depth reading of research articles, case law and commentaries.
• Undertake research on child and law, including data collection, analysis and report writing.
• Coordinate with governmental and judicial agencies, such as State Judicial Academies, Juvenile Justice Committees of High Courts, and State Departments of Women & Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment and Police.
• Work with internal technical personnel on training materials, research proposals and reports related to the Project's case-work and official assistance to governmental and judicial agencies.
• Develop IEC materials and conduct social media campaigns and public awareness programmes.
• Contribute to the Initiative's tele-mentoring and child guidance activities by providing legal support and interventions as necessary.
• Undertake administrative tasks for the smooth operation of the Initiative.

• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB); LLM is preferred.
• Research: evidence of written work and documentation in child rights, protection, law, policy or human rights. Desirable: at least 1 to 2 journal publications.
• Experience: at least 4 years in legal research on human rights-related subjects and/or practising before any court of law, representing vulnerable witnesses or human rights issues (preferably with a focus on child rights), through internships or professional engagement.
• Strong understanding of the child protection system and the child laws that apply in it, namely juvenile justice and child sexual abuse laws.
• Desirable: at least 6 months to 1 year of training and teaching experience in child law and protection issues.
• Strong English oral and written skills, with experience in coordinating and communicating with government and other agencies.
• Fluency in oral communication in Hindi is essential.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the country is essential.

The work location is NIAS, Bangalore, and no remote work is permitted. The notice states the pay as a fellowship of Rs. 80,000 (consolidated). It does not state the duration of the engagement or the number of vacancies.

Applicants should send their curriculum vitae electronically, together with the following documents in a single PDF:

1. Covering letter
2. Statement of Purpose (why you are interested in the position and how you meet its requirements)
3. Copy of degree certificate
4. PDF copies of 2 publications (if available) or writing samples (reports or documentation developed in an academic or professional context)
5. Name, address and email ID of three referees, of whom two are professional, including at least one from the reporting manager at the most recent employment

Applications are addressed to Dr Sheila Ramaswamy, Chief Scientist and Programme Head, PRATICRIA Initiative for Child Rights, Protection and Mental Health, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, and sent by email to applicationsnias@gmail.com.

The deadline for receiving applications is 08th November 2026. Short-listed candidates will be invited to NIAS for a presentation followed by an interview.