Lead Consultant – AI & Future of Skilling (Desk Research)

About Swaniti Initiative Swaniti Initiative is a social enterprise working at the intersection of public policy, climate, governance, and technology implementation across the Global South. We support governments, industry leaders, and development partners with evidence-based policy design and last-mile execution. Role Overview We are seeking a senior expert with 10–15 years of deep experience in workforce skilling and economic development to lead a intensive, desk-research assignment over a 1–2 month period. The consultant will map existing workforce skill landscapes, analyze job tasks vulnerable to AI automation, and synthesize the emerging skill architecture required to build and deploy autonomous AI systems (agentic workflows). The primary output will be a comprehensive synthesis report and executive presentations designed to guide organizational leadership and external partners. Key Responsibilities Evidence Synthesis: Conduct a deep-dive review of existing Indian research, policy frameworks, and empirical studies (e.g., NITI Aayog, ICRIER, NASSCOM, ILO, and leading policy think tanks) mapping workforce readiness and skill exposure to AI. Three-Layer Skill Mapping: Analyze and synthesize data across three key dimensions: Baseline Domestic Skill Sets across key sectors in India and regional emerging markets. Job Task Exposure & Automation Risk driven by modern generative and agentic AI architectures. Emerging Agentic Skill Requirements needed for youth to become producers and owners of AI solutions. Strategic Framework Development: Translate complex research data into actionable frameworks for establishing localized AI sandbox experiments. Executive Presentations: Structure, design, and deliver clear, high-impact decks to present research insights to internal leadership and key external ecosystem stakeholders. Requirements Qualifications & Key Requirements Work Experience: 10 to 15 years of core experience in workforce development, skilling policy, digital economy, or human capital research within the Global South context (with significant exposure to India). AI & Tech Literacy: A established understanding of how AI works—specifically moving beyond basic generative AI/prompting to autonomous agentic workflows, API orchestration, and task automation mechanics. Research Track Record: Proven background in conducting high-level secondary research, policy analysis, and synthesizing complex national-level data sets into clear strategic insights. Publication & Citation Knowledge: Deep familiarity with existing Indian labor, economic, and skilling research papers; ability to draw upon established literature quickly without needing basic onboarding. Presentation Skills: Exceptional ability to translate dense desk research into clean, visually compelling executive slide decks and pitch documents. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their CV along with 2–3 samples of previous research reports or presentation decks to the HR team at Swaniti Initiative. Swaniti Initiative is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion across its global operations.