Research Assistant

Mohamed Othman

This position combines two primary areas of responsibility: (1) structured data-building tasks, (2) research-related assignments. This role involves a substantial workload and demands consistent focus, discipline, and accountability. A strong and sustained work ethic is essential, and continued engagement and reliability are required throughout the appointment. Failure to meet expectations will result in termination.

Data Building and Information Structuring Tasks

• Involves repetitive, detail-oriented work requiring sustained focus and consistency.
• Includes extracting relevant data from websites, institutional reports, academic directories, and public documents.
• Entering and organizing information in structured Excel sheets or templates.
• Searching for institutional, events or scholars research as required.
• Ensuring all entries are clear, accurately labeled, and consistently formatted.

Research Tasks

• Conducting readings and preparing clear, concise summaries on topics related to International Relations (IR), IR Theory, IR History, Terrorism, International and Regional Conflicts, etc.
• Gathering academic and policy-related information as needed for ongoing research.
• Supporting the development of written materials for research projects.
• Reviewing, summarizing and following policy reports, memos, or media coverage; monitoring current events, summarizing news, and categorizing relevant materials.
• Maintaining accurate bibliographic records, managing references, and ensuring proper citation using reference management tools.
• Assisting with translation, proofreading, and editing of research documents; reviewing content for clarity, consistency, and alignment with project standards.
• Searching for books or academic materials online or in libraries and archives. You may also be required to scan and send documents or conduct targeted searches for relevant news articles.

Engagement in Learning and Training Activities

• Participating in learning and training activities to strengthen understanding of key concepts, enhance familiarity with the material, and develop academic and research capacities. This includes attending sessions, lectures, or other opportunities designed to reinforce subject-matter knowledge and improve overall research performance.

Work Hours & Availability

• Full Time Commitment: This position is a full-time job that requires a total of eight consecutive hours per day. The workweek runs from Sunday through Thursday. This is not a freelance or part-time job; it requires full dedication and attention.
• Work Schedule Flexibility: The standard work schedule will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cairo time, with up to one to two hours of flexibility to account for the remote nature of the position. However, there may be certain days on a recurring basis when the schedule will shift to the afternoon (e.g., between 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Cairo time). When this occurs, it must be accommodated. Morning-only availability will therefore not be compatible with this role.
• Occasional Schedule Adjustments: The standard workweek is Sunday through Thursday, though occasional adjustments may be required based on projects needs (e.g., shifting a workday to Friday or Saturday when necessary -sufficient prior notice will always be given). In such cases, a compensatory day off will be given during the same week with sufficient prior notice.
• Overtime during weekdays or weekends may occasionally be required. When this occurs, it will be compensated in accordance with the established overtime rate.
• Daily Accountability: A brief written summary of tasks completed, and a daily time log must be submitted. Online availability during work hours is expected and will be monitored.

• Mandatory: BA in Political Science, International Relations. Applications from other fields will not be considered.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.45 (or equivalent ranking). Preference will be given to candidates with higher grades, honors, distinction, or demonstrated academic excellence.
• 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

Communication

• Applicants must be comfortable using Zoom or Teams 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.
• Availability via instant messaging during working hours is required, with responses expected within 30 minutes to an hour. Outside of working hours, emails may be received, but responses are not expected until regular work hours resume.

Duration

• The position is for a six-month term, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and project needs

Experience Level

• Entry level. No prior experience required