Research Analyst – India Alcohol Policy & Trade

Alcohol Ltd is seeking a Research Analyst to provide in-depth research on Indian alcohol policy and trade. This is a research role: your analysis feeds directly into Alcohol Ltd's advocacy to UK government – we lobby UK ministers and trade officials exclusively, and do not contact or lobby Indian government authorities. This role requires significant in-country presence: substantial working time will be spent in India attending industry conferences, gathering market data, and monitoring regulatory developments first‑hand.

• Monitor and analyse developments in India's central and state‑level alcohol excise duty frameworks, including the Foreign Liquor (FL) permit system and state excise policies.
• Track progress of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, with a focus on tariff schedules, GI protections, and non‑tariff barriers affecting UK spirits, wines, and beer.
• Conduct in‑country research visits to India – attending industry conferences and trade events to gather first‑hand market data and monitor regulatory developments.
• Produce monthly and ad hoc research briefing papers for internal use and UK government submissions.
• Maintain a database of state‑by‑state alcohol import regulations, duty rates, and licensing conditions across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
• Support the preparation of formal submissions to HMRC, DBT (Department for Business and Trade), and Parliamentary Select Committees.
• Contribute to our public‑facing international trade policy content at

• UK citizen (required for DBS clearance and due to the nature of government submissions).
• Full enhanced DBS check required prior to appointment (Disclosure and Barring Service).
• Demonstrable knowledge of Indian alcohol policy, excise regulation, or trade policy.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills; ability to translate complex policy into clear narratives for UK government audiences.
• Experience producing policy papers, research reports, or briefing documents in a professional environment.
• Willingness and ability to undertake substantial travel to India.

• Proficiency in one or more of the following Indian languages:
  Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, or Kannada.
• Prior experience in UK trade policy, government affairs, or the alcohol/FMCG sector.
• Familiarity with UK government consultation processes or Select Committee submissions.
• Established contacts within Indian industry associations or the UK–India business community.

• £38,000 base salary
• Remote working with flexible hours
• 25 days annual leave plus UK public holidays
• Company pension (employer contribution 4%)
• Professional development budget
• All India business travel arranged and fully expensed, including appropriate visa support