National Institute of Advanced Studies is looking to hire Project Coordinator (Child Law & Policy) in Bangalore

National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) is inviting applications from suitable candidates for the position of Project Coordinator (Child Law and Policy) for programmes under PRATICRIA.

PRATICRIA

Protection, Response, Advocacy & Transformational Interventions for Children Residing in Adversity, is an Initiative for child rights, protection and mental health, located at NIAS.

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance child and adolescent protection and psychosocial well-being, particularly of children in difficult circumstances, through promotion of integrated approaches to mental health and protection, through systems strengthening and capacity building initiatives.

Working in key thematic areas of care and protection, mental health, education, and policy and law, it uses rights-based approaches for system strengthening i.e. augmenting children’s interface with state protection systems (namely the juvenile justice system), school and education structures, mental health services, and court and law enforcement spaces, by working with stakeholders and duty-bearers such as child protection functionaries, adoption counsellors, mental health professionals, teachers, special educators, early childhood care and development professionals, judges, public prosecutors, police officers.

Job Description (What is Expected)

1. Travel frequently across the country to implement training programs on issues pertaining to child-related laws and policies, for various stakeholders in the area of law (including judicial officers), child protection and mental health.

2. Development of training content and methodologies for online and in-person training workshops on child-related laws/policies, based on in-depth readings of relevant research articles, case law, commentaries etc.

3. Undertake research activities on subject areas pertaining to child and law, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

4. Coordinate with governmental and judicial agencies, namely State Judicial Academies & Juvenile Justice Committees of High Courts, State Departments of Women & Child Development/ Social Justice & Empowerment/Police and other systems/agencies to communicate the Project’s mandate and set up training and research activities.

5. Work with other internal technical personnel in a coordinated manner to develop training materials, research proposals and other report-creation tasks related to the Project’s case-work & official assistance rendered to governmental/judicial agencies.

6. Develop IEC materials and conduct social media campaigns and other public awareness programs.

7. Contribute to the Initiative’s tele-mentoring and child guidance activities by providing legal support and interventions as necessary.

8. Undertake administrative tasks as relevant for the smooth operations of the Initiative.

Note 1: Work location - NIAS, Bangalore

Note 2: No remote work permitted

Qualifications

1. Degrees: Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.) (LL.M. is preferred). 

2. Research Experiences:

• Evidence of written work and documentation in the area of child rights/protection/law/policy or human rights.

• Desirable: At least 1 to 2 journal publications. 

3. Previous work experience

• At least 4 years’ experience in legal research on human rights-related subjects and/or practicing 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 structure and workings of the child protection system, including knowledge of child laws applicable in the protection system, 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. 

4. Other

• Strong English oral and written skills, with experience in coordinating and communicating with government and other systems/agencies.

• Fluency in oral communication in Hindi is essential.

• Willingness to travel frequently within the country is essential.

Mode of Application

Interested applicants should submit their curriculum vitae electronically along with the following documents (as single PDF document):-

1. Covering letter

2. Statement of Purpose (why you are interested in this position/how you are qualified to meet its requirements…)

3. Copy of degree certificate

4. PDF copies of 2 publications (if available) OR writing samples (reports or documentation developed in academic or professional context/for agency you were employed at)

5. Name, address and email ID of three referees—of which two are professional, including at least one from the reporting manager at the most recent employment. 

The deadline for receiving applications is November 30, 2026. Short-listed candidates will be invited to NIAS for a presentation followed by an interview.

Fellowship: ₹80,000 (consolidated)

The applications should be addressed to: 

Dr. Sheila Ramaswamy

Adjunct Faculty & Chief Scientist

Head, PRATICRIA Initiative for Child Rights, Protection and Mental Health,

National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

 Indian Institute of Science Campus

Bangalore - 560 012, Karnataka, India

E-mail: applicationsnias@gmail.com

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