Research Assistant/Associate

The Role
As a Research Assistant/Associate of the HBS MENA Research Center (MENARC), the successful candidate reports to the Executive Director of the MENA. She or he will work closely with the assistant director based in Dubai and HBS faculty and experts in the field managing research projects, performing in-depth field and on-line research, and performing supporting research work on the ground in the region.

The position will be based in Dubai, with travel principally in the local region, in addition to travel to Boston, MA for training and periodic meetings.

Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, HBS MENA Research Center, HBS faculty, Division of Research & Faculty Development and other constituents relating to research in the region, the Research Assistant/Associate will be responsible for:

1. Managing and coordinating activities extending the depth of research products and teaching materials for HBS. This includes developing case studies, academic articles and other materials unique to HBS under the direction of HBS faculty and research-related constituents.
2. In-depth research including:
a. Data gathering from interviews, statistical and financial reports, and from a variety of sources – electronic, library, in person interviews.
b. Synthesis of diverse information, analysis and recommendations of data and information sources, advice on and preparation of data.
c. Maintaining and extending relationships within the candidate’s existing knowledge /country/sector networks which can contribute immediately to the development of intellectual capital at HBS.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and two to five years of business experience required, MBA/MIM degree preferred, with outstanding academic record and strong skills in written Arabic and English. Excellent communication, interviewing, analytical, organizational skills and an ability to work independently while establishing strong, collaborative working relationships. Ability to take direction from a project leader to meet standards of the highest academic rigor.

Other skills desired include proven effectiveness in a consultative role, and a high proficiency in developing contacts with academics and business leaders on behalf of an educational institution.

Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Training at HBS in Boston or in one of the HBS Global Initiative Centers is required. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Note: all final candidates will be asked to submit two writing samples and take an HBS-directed writing test.

About the Company
HBS continues its efforts to build a deep understanding of and expertise in global business practice and innovation around the world, including throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The School opened the MENA Research Center in Istanbul in 2013, followed by an office in Dubai. Separately an office was opened in Tel Aviv in 2016 reporting to the California Research Center. All play an important role in helping HBS develop and strengthen relationships with business and academic leaders in the Middle East, Turkey, North Africa, and Central Asia. Support for faculty research, student programming, Executive Education, and Harvard Business Publishing are enabled by these HBS locations.