About Billion Readers
The Billion Readers (BIRD) Initiative, aims to ensure daily and lifelong reading practice for a billion people in India. This seemingly impossible goal is made possible by adding Same Language Subtitling (SLS) to existing entertainment content on TV and streaming, in all Indian languages – word for word– viewers read what they hear. SLS was conceived for mass reading in 1996 at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) and is currently affiliated to IIT Delhi. Through guaranteed and constant reading practice a nation of weak readers can be transformed into a nation of fluent readers.
Officially, India has 250 million non-literates and one billion literates. While this represents progress,
it disguises a grim reality – of the billion “literates,” 600 million are weak readers who cannot read
simple texts. Due to many factors, 6 out of 10 weak readers are girls and women. While a nation’s
literacy is measured as a skill, for women it is fundamentally about their dignity. Illiteracy’s assault
on women’s dignity is further compounded by caste, class, geography, and special needs. BIRD is a
proud recipient of the Co-Impact award and is currently working to scale up SLS implementation
across all states in India and impact literacy at a population scale.

Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Research Coordinator to join our team to examine the
intersection of literacy, SLS engagement, gender, and media consumption in Maharashtra. The role
will involve both qualitative and quantitative research methods to study media consumption patterns,
learning outcomes, and social-demographic variations in the effects of SLS.
This full-time role, based in Mumbai, will require extensive travel to rural Maharashtra as well as in
other states in India. The requirements for the role are given below
✔ 5-8 years of research experience in rural communities. Experience with TV, film and media
studies, or education-focused initiatives will be a plus.
✔ Master’s degree in Education, Gender and Women’s Studies, Development Studies, Public
✔ Policy, Behavioural Sciences, or a related field.
✔ Demonstrated interest in literacy and gender. Understanding of the media space and
disability rights would be helpful.
✔ Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
✔ Fluency in Marathi, Hindi and English.
✔ Strong analytical and writing skills with the ability to interpret data and communicate findings
effectively.
✔ Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a diverse and dynamic team
environment.
✔ Self-drive, creativity and entrepreneurial energy to get things done.
Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct field-based research to assess media consumption habits (TV/OTT viewing and
   exposure to subtitles) among various rural participants.
2. Implement and oversee data collection methodologies, such as surveys, qualitative
   interviews, and technology-assisted methods (e.g., eye tracking).
3. Analyse data on the outcomes of SLS initiatives, including impact on reading skills, motivation to
   read, and participation in literacy-related activities.
4. Present tailored solutions to stakeholders, emphasizing the benefits of implementing SLS.
5. Ensure accuracy, reliability, and quality of all collected data.
6. Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular progress reports, status updates, and other
   documentation.
7. Evolving Role: We foresee this role to evolve over time depending on BIRD’s needs.
   A good deal of flexibility and adaptability will be required.
8. Travel: This role will require regular field-based travel to various rural districts in Maharashtra..
   PlanetRead is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating
   an inclusive environment for all employees. Women are encouraged to apply.
   Interested candidates may email their latest CV along with a cover letter addressed to Tanushree,
   tanushree@planetread.org with cc: careers@planetread.org
   Subject line: Application | Research Coordinator
   Your cover letter should not be longer than a page and must contain:
   a. A brief introduction of your personal background, interests and what excites you the most.
   b. A recent challenging experience you faced and how you handled it.
   c. What interests you about BIRD’s work and how do you think you can contribute to the mission?
   d. Two references of senior managers you have directly reportedly to in your current and previous
   positions.
   e. Your current and expected CTC.