Research Assistant

1. Primary Purpose

The Research Assistant will provide essential research support to the Research Associate and contribute to the successful execution of research projects undertaken under the Telec–NIMA Research Chair.

The position is not limited to administrative assistance. It involves substantive research support, including information gathering, literature reviews, data collection, preliminary analysis, research documentation, monitoring of relevant developments, and maintenance of a structured research database.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Research Support

• Conduct literature reviews and preliminary research on assigned topics.
• Search and identify relevant academic papers, government reports, policy documents, industry reports, and credible online sources.
• Collect, verify, and compile relevant research information from reliable sources.
• Maintain a properly organized and referenced research database.
• Prepare summaries and critical reviews of research papers, reports, and policy documents.

B. Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect quantitative and qualitative data relevant to ongoing research projects.
• Prepare tables, charts, graphs, and comparative analyses to support research findings.
• Compile industry, market, and sector-specific information.
• Assist in designing and conducting surveys, interviews, and questionnaires.
• Develop and maintain databases of relevant organizations, experts, companies, institutions, and research sources.
• Assist in the preliminary interpretation and analysis of collected data.

C. Research Documentation and Reporting

• Prepare research notes, background papers, briefing materials, and preliminary research drafts.
• Ensure accurate citations, references, and source attribution in all research documents.
• Organize and maintain research documents, datasets, and supporting source material.
• Maintain records of completed, ongoing, and proposed research projects.
• Assist in preparing presentations, policy briefs, reports, and other research-related documents.

D. Monitoring and Strategic Intelligence

• Maintain regular monitoring of developments relevant to the Research Chair, particularly in the following areas:
• Government policies and regulatory developments.
• Technological advancements and emerging technologies.
• Maritime affairs and regional maritime developments.
• Defence and security developments.
• Economic trends and policy developments.
• Energy sector developments.
• Ports, shipping, and logistics.
• International and regional developments relevant to Pakistan.
• Identify emerging issues, significant developments, and potential research opportunities.
• Prepare periodic updates, news summaries, and issue-based research briefs for the Research Associate.

E. 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 required for research papers, reports, and policy studies.
• Conduct preliminary data analysis and prepare supporting research material.
• Prepare initial drafts of assigned sections of research reports and papers.
• Incorporate comments, feedback, and revisions provided by the Research Associate.
• Support the Research Associate in meeting research milestones, deadlines, and deliverables.

F. 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 research action points.
• Maintain a digital research repository, ensuring systematic filing, accessibility, and retrieval of research material.
• Support the coordination and documentation of research activities undertaken under the Telec–NIMA Research Chair.

3. Reporting Relationship

The Research Assistant will report to the Research Associate and provide research, analytical, documentation, and coordination support in accordance with assigned priorities and project requirements.

4. Expected Outcomes

The Research Assistant is expected to contribute to:

• Timely completion of literature reviews and research assignments.
• Availability of accurate, reliable, and properly referenced research material.
• Maintenance of an organized and updated research database.
• Regular monitoring and reporting of relevant national, regional, and international developments.
• Preparation of quality research notes, data analyses, briefing documents, and preliminary report drafts.
• Efficient execution of research projects and achievement of the Research Chair's objectives.

Work Location: In person