Research Associate, Digital Economy & Governance | DataSense is Hiring

Company Name: iSocial Limited

Position: Research Associate, Digital Economy & Governance – DataSense

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 a detail-oriented, critical-thinking, and analytical young professional with strong leadership potential to serve as Research Associate (Digital Economy & Governance). The ideal candidate will focus on the intersection of digital transformation, e-governance, digital trade, platform economy, data policy, and public sector innovation, supporting large-scale data collection, policy analysis, visualization, and high-impact report publication.

SCOPE OF WORK

1. Design and implement primary and secondary research on digital transformation, platform economy, e-governance, digital public infrastructure (DPI), data governance, digital trade, and AI policy.
2. Produce high-impact research reports, working papers, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed journal articles focused on digital economy transitions.
3. Support business development by drafting competitive research proposals, technical methodologies, and grant applications targeting government and international development partners.
4. Conduct policy reviews, regulatory impact assessments, and digital ecosystem analyses to inform national strategy and policy advocacy.
5. Engage with the ICT Division, government ministries, regulatory bodies, development partners, tech industry leaders, and civil society to advance evidence-based digital policy dialogue.
6. Coordinate digital field data collection (CAPI), supervise real-time data monitoring, manage data cleaning pipelines, and organize DataSense digital repositories.
7. Represent DataSense and iSocial in national and international dialogues, roundtables, and conferences on digital governance, technology policy, and digital economy.
8. Promote DataSense’s research insights across digital platforms and collaborate seamlessly with iSocial’s other SBUs (Junction Bangladesh & iSkill).

 ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in CSE, Economics, Public Policy, Digital Governance, Development Studies, Business, Data Science, Statistics, or a closely related field.
2. 2 years of experience in conducting research in research organizations.

KEY REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLSET

1. Proven track record in research conceptualization, literature reviews, quantitative/qualitative data analysis, and deriving actionable policy inferences.
2. Proficiency in statistical and data science tools (Stata, R, Python, or SPSS) for advanced data manipulation and econometric modeling is highly preferred.
3. Strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and digital collaboration tools.
4. Solid understanding of systems thinking, digital public infrastructure (DPI), e-services, digital inclusion, and public sector digital transformation.
5. Ethical and proficient application of Generative AI tools to streamline literature compilation, data synthesis, and research workflows.
6. Flawless written and verbal communication skills in both English and Bangla.
7. Proactive mindset with the ability to assist in business development, partner networking, and proposal writing under tight deadlines.

DATASENSE’S VALUE ADDITION

1. Opportunity to actively shape national and regional policy discourses on digital economy, governance, and technology-led development.
2. Hands-on leadership in high-impact research projects with direct visibility among government leadership, donor agencies, and global academia.
3. Direct mentorship from iSocial’s Chairperson, senior advisors, guest trainers, and international research fellows.
4. A high-visibility platform to build personal professional brand through co-authorship, policy dialogues, and international conference presentations.

JOB NATURE AND MODALITY

1. Full-time (Sunday through Thursday)
2. Hybrid modality (4 days in-office, 1 day remote weekly). This may be adjusted based on project requirements.
3. Field visit outside Dhaka may be required.

SALARY

Negotiable (Based on experience and competency)

OTHER BENEFITS

• Subsidies lunch
• Two festival bonuses yearly

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested individuals can send their CV/Resume to hr@isocial.com.bd. Keep the email subject “Research Associate, DataSense”

DEADLINE

October 27, 2026 (Tuesday, 11:59 PM)

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