Research Assistant

Job Description

Research Assistant Needed (Remote, Short-Term, Paid)

A Research Assistant is needed for a two-month remote project focused on international affairs and policy research. The work supports an academic project examining representation, influence, and public engagement in prominent think tanks involved in international affairs and policy discourse across the Middle East and broader region. The role will give candidates familiarity with the region’s think tanks, their activities, and their engagement with international affairs and the broader academic and policy community.
(Applicants may include recent graduates or current students in their senior year of political science.)

• Job Description:
  The role involves supporting the construction of a structured database related to think tank activity across the region.
• This work is focused on gathering and organizing information—such as event titles, guest names, discussion topics, and summaries—and entering it into Excel in a consistent format.
• It is detail-oriented, task-driven, and requires comfort with repetitive but essential information processing.

This role involves a substantial workload and demands consistent focus, discipline, and accountability; a strong and sustained work ethic is essential, and any signs of neglect or disengagement will lead to immediate termination.

Tasks include:

• Extracting data from websites and documents
• Copying event information and attendee names into Excel sheets
• Searching for contact details (emails, websites, etc.)
• Structuring entries clearly and accurately

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• Mandatory: BA in Political Science, International Relations, or Economics (or senior standing in one of these programs) is required. Applications from other fields will not be considered.
• Very good English (written and conversational)
• Very good with Excel and Word
• Excellent at conducting online searches and navigating websites effectively
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and formatting standards
• Stable, high-speed internet connection without interruptions, with sufficient bandwidth for regular work files uploads and downloads
• Applicants with strong academic records (high GPA or equivalent) will be highly prioritized
• Daily written summary of work completed and log of time in/out required
• Work Hours & Availability:
  Given the professional nature of this role, applicants are expected to approach the position with consistency, responsibility, and a commitment to high standards.
• This is a full-time position (8 working hours a day ). The workweek is Sunday to Thursday, though occasional adjustments may be required based on project needs (e.g., shifting a workday to Friday or Saturday when necessary; sufficient prior notice will always be given).
• Work schedule is somewhat flexible; however, applicants must be available for communication during the afternoon and evening (Cairo time) and responsive throughout the workday. This is not a task-based freelance role—ongoing availability, consistent daily engagement, and commitment are required. Daily progress reports must be submitted.
• This role involves a substantial workload and demands consistent focus, discipline, and accountability; a strong and sustained work ethic is essential, and any signs of neglect or disengagement will lead to immediate termination.
• Communication:
  Applicants must be comfortable using Zoom with video and are expected to join meetings when requested . These calls may be for task explanations, updates, or progress discussions ( typically at least twice a week ). Clear communication and professionalism are expected.
• Experience Level:
  Entry level. No prior experience required, suitable for recent graduates or students in their final academic years.