Research Assistant

The Research Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the Research Associate and contributing to the successful execution of projects under the Telec–NIMA Research Chair. This position goes beyond administrative tasks, involving substantive research activities such as literature reviews, data collection, preliminary analysis, documentation, and maintaining a structured research database. The role requires a proactive approach to gathering and verifying information, monitoring relevant developments, and assisting in the preparation of research outputs.

Key Responsibilities

Research Support:
Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and preliminary research on assigned topics. Identify and source relevant academic papers, government reports, policy documents, industry analyses, and credible online materials. Collect, verify, and compile research information from reliable sources, ensuring the research database is well-organized and properly referenced. Prepare concise summaries and critical reviews of research papers, reports, and policy documents.

Data Collection and Analysis:
Gather both quantitative and qualitative data pertinent to ongoing research projects. Create tables, charts, graphs, and comparative analyses to support findings. Compile industry, market, and sector-specific information. Assist in designing and conducting surveys, interviews, and questionnaires. Develop and maintain databases of organizations, experts, companies, institutions, and research sources. Support preliminary interpretation and analysis of collected data.

Research Documentation and Reporting:
Prepare research notes, background papers, briefing materials, and initial drafts of research documents. Ensure all citations and references are accurate and properly attributed. Organize and maintain research documents, datasets, and supporting materials. Keep records of completed, ongoing, and proposed research projects. Assist in preparing presentations, policy briefs, reports, and other research-related documents.

Monitoring and Strategic Intelligence:
Regularly monitor developments relevant to the Research Chair, focusing on government policies, regulatory changes, technological advancements, maritime affairs, defense and security, economic trends, energy sector developments, ports, shipping, logistics, and regional and international issues related to Pakistan. Identify emerging issues and potential research opportunities. Prepare periodic updates, news summaries, and issue-based research briefs for the Research Associate.

Support to the Research Associate:
Assist in developing research proposals, concepts, and project outlines. Prepare preliminary literature reviews and research backgrounds. Collect and organize information for research papers, reports, and policy studies. Conduct preliminary data analysis and prepare supporting materials. Draft initial sections of research reports and papers, incorporating feedback and revisions from the Research Associate. Support timely achievement of research milestones and deliverables.

Administrative and Coordination Support:
Coordinate research meetings and maintain research calendars. Assist in organizing seminars, workshops, conferences, and other academic or policy-related events. Prepare meeting minutes, discussion summaries, and action points. Maintain a digital research repository ensuring systematic filing, accessibility, and retrieval of materials. Support the coordination and documentation of research activities under the Telec–NIMA Research Chair.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, or a related field.
- Strong research skills, including literature review, data collection, and preliminary analysis.
- Proficiency in organizing and managing research databases and documentation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in data handling and reporting.
- Familiarity with survey design and data visualization tools is an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
- Experience in policy research, academic research, or a related field is preferred.
- Knowledge of regional and international developments related to Pakistan, especially in maritime, defense, and economic sectors.
- Opportunity to contribute to impactful research projects under a prestigious research chair.
- Work location is in person, providing direct engagement with the research team and access to academic resources.

This role reports directly to the Research Associate and is integral to achieving the objectives of the Telec–NIMA Research Chair through timely, accurate, and well-organized research support.