The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for two Research Associates to work on the project titled “Freedom from Violence: Capacity Building of Elected Women Representatives on Legal Provisions for Safety and Security of Women and Girls”. This is a full-time role on contractual basis for a period of one year, based in Bengaluru.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India, under the Nirbhaya Fund.

About the Project

The project aims to train and sensitise Women Elected Representatives (WER) throughout the country on legal provisions relating to safety and security of women and girls. To this end, NLSIU, Bengaluru will undertake the following key activities:

• Development of comprehensive training modules on legal provisions for women’s safety and security
• Translation of training modules and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material into 8+ regional languages with the help of BHASHINI
• Training of Master Trainers through 15 workshops (three days duration each)
• Development of IEC material, short videos and digital content for dissemination
• Creating awareness on roles and responsibilities of PRI members in handling incidents of violence against women
• Covering topics including filing of FIR (online and offline), evidence collection and protection, new criminal laws, POCSO, and dealing with social issues like human trafficking, khap panchayat, honour killings, and dowry deaths
• Introduction to Community Justice System and dissemination of constitutional responsibilities
• Exploration of helpline number for counselling and legal aid services

About the Role

Research Associates will work under the direct supervision of the faculty Project Leads and will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Assist in the development and finalisation of training modules on legal provisions relating to women’s safety and security
• Research and collation of provisions in laws, regulations, manuals and case law relating to violence against women, including new criminal laws (BNS 2023), POCSO, and women-specific legislation
• Assist with preparation of IEC material, digital content, short-form videos and social media content
• Support in coordinating translation of training modules and IEC material into regional languages
• Assist in organising and coordinating 15 Master Trainer workshops across the country
• Assist with finalising questionnaires and content for stakeholder consultations and training sessions
• Research on evidence collection and protection mechanisms in crimes against women
• Assist in developing content on Community Justice Systems and constitutional responsibilities of PRI members
• Ensure systematic record and documentation of all project-related meetings, workshops, consultations and other activities
• Maintain monthly progress reports on assigned tasks under the project
• Utilise digital legal resources and databases for comprehensive legal research
• Publish 1–2 short form pieces, including blogs, policy briefs, and/or legal commentaries for the NLS Scholarship Repository on individual research areas of focus (in addition to the project work)
• Participate in intellectual activities on campus as required

Reporting

The Research Associates will report to the faculty Project Leads. Dr. Sairam Bhat, Professor of Law, NLSIU will be steering this project.

Eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualifications

Essential

BA LLB/BBALLB/LLB or a master’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, public policy, or allied disciplines from any reputed institution with a minimum of fifty-five per cent marks.

Desirable

• Candidates with a master’s degree in law will be given added weightage
• Demonstrable academic interest in issues related to gender justice, violence against women, legal system reform, criminal justice, legal literacy and awareness, capacity building, and/or community-based justice systems
• Training in research methodology

Work Experience

• Graduates with writing and research skills can apply. Post-qualification experience in legal and policy research (universities; research institutes; think tanks; civil society organisations; legal aid organisations) is desirable.
• Prior experience in using digital legal resources, creating digital legal literacy content and legal databases is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Strong execution rigour and operational skills
• Digital literacy and proficiency in using digital tools, legal databases, and online research platforms
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Zeal and enthusiasm to contribute to legal aid and capacity-building initiatives for women empowerment

How to Apply

Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV
• Writing sample
• A statement of purpose (not more than 250 words) explaining your interest in the project and how your background aligns with the project objectives
• Contact details and designation of two references

Compensation

• Salary will be in the range of 50,000 – Rs. 55,000 per month.

For any queries, please write to

Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is April 30, 2026 (5 PM IST).