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Research and Program Assistant – Technology
+Term: Full-Time
Location(s): Dubai (applicants seeking remote roles will not be considered; relocation support is provided)
Posting Date: November 2025
Reporting to: Fellow - Technology
Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Middle East
The ORF ME is an independent think tank based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It aims to address critical policy challenges in the Middle East, India, and beyond through independent research, inclusive dialogue, and collaborative partnerships, fostering a more interconnected world. The organization's key areas of focus include emerging technology, geopolitics, climate and energy transitions. The aim is to build bridges between developed and developing nations and shape a resilient future driven by shared values and mutual interests.
Role Overview
- ORF Middle East is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research and Program Assistant (Technology) to support the development and delivery of key organisational initiatives, research outputs, and public events within the Technology vertical.
- This role is ideal for an early-career professional with a strong academic foundation and a demonstrated interest in the intersection of technology, governance, and strategic affairs in the GCC, MENA region and globally.
- The successful candidate will contribute to projects exploring topics such as AI governance, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, critical technologies, and the geopolitical dimensions of technological innovation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research Support
- Prepare background and concept notes, speaker briefs, grant proposals, slide decks, and supporting materials for technology-related policy events and conferences.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on issues such as emerging technology governance, regional tech strategies, digital transformation, and AI regulation.
- Draft and edit publications, including commentaries, reports, and policy briefs, aligned with ORF ME’s research agenda and strategic objectives.
2. Events and Program Support
- Assist in the planning and execution of thematic public talks, workshops, expert panels, and high-level meetings focused on technology and innovation policy.
- Manage event logistics including venue coordination, speaker communications, invitations, and registration.
- Support post-event follow-up, including drafting reports, summaries, and media documentation.
3. Administrative and Operational Support
- Maintain accurate project files, databases, and documentation.
- Assist with correspondence, scheduling, and internal coordination.
- Support vendor and stakeholder engagement, as needed.
Qualifications & Skills
- MA or MSc in a relevant discipline. This could be areas such as public policy, international relations, computer science, data science, engineering, political economy, or a related field. However, above all candidates must have a demonstrable interest in technology policy and strategic affairs, especially as they relate to the GCC and MENA regions.
- 1–2 years of relevant work or internship experience in a policy, research, or technology-related setting (preferred but not required).
- Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively in English (native or near-native proficiency required).
- Strong organisational and time-management skills; ability to work efficiently on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with data tools, digital content management, or event coordination platforms is desirable.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural, fast-paced environment.
Reporting
The Research and Program Assistant will report to the directing Fellow of the Technology vertical.
Application Process
Kindly send your CV and three one sample (this can be in the form of a policy paper, research article or essay) to info@orfme.org. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.
Data Analyst (Research Support) – Tech & Innovation Policy
+Term: 1
Posting Date: September 2025
Term: Full-Time
Location(s): Dubai
About the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Middle East (ME)
ORF ME is an independent, non-partisan think tank based in Dubai, UAE, and is part of the world-renowned Observer Research Foundation (est. 1990 in India) with a focus on critical policy challenges in the Middle East, India, and beyond. We are committed to tackling policy issues through independent research, inclusive dialogue, and collaborative partnerships to foster an interconnected world. ORF ME's key areas cover geopolitics, emerging technologies, and the energy transition.
Position Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Data Analyst to join our dynamic team. This role is crucial for supporting our senior researchers by managing the foundational stages of our data-driven research projects. You will be responsible for gathering, cleaning, and preparing high-quality datasets that form the backbone of our analytical work.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Collection: Actively gather data to support research initiatives through various methods, including:
- Designing and implementing surveys, including developing strategic sampling plans.
- Performing web scraping using modern automation tools.
- Collecting and integrating data from public databases and APIs.
- Data Cleaning & Preparation: Take ownership of data integrity by performing rigorous cleaning and preprocessing. This includes identifying and resolving issues such as duplicates, inconsistencies, and missing values to ensure the data is accurate and reliable for analysis.
- Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Analyze datasets to summarize their main characteristics, often with visual methods, to provide initial insights and feedback to the research team.
- Collaboration: Work closely with senior researchers to understand their data requirements, provide feedback on data quality, and contribute to the overall research goals.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Portfolio: A strong portfolio of previous projects on GitHub is required. Please include the link with your CV.
- Python Proficiency: Strong command of Python for data analysis, particularly with the following libraries:
- Data Manipulation & Cleaning: Pandas, NumPy.
- Data Visualization: Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly.
- Web Scraping: Hands-on experience with web scraping tools like Beautiful Soup and Selenium. Experience with Playwright is highly preferred.
- Data Visualization: Proficiency in creating dashboards and reports using Tableau or Power BI.
- Statistical Foundation: Understanding of basic statistical and econometric concepts, including regression analysis, interpreting p-values and understanding significance levels.
Preferred (Bonus) Qualifications
We would be particularly interested in candidates who have experience with:
- Machine Learning: A basic understanding of ML concepts and familiarity with Python libraries like Scikit-learn and SciPy.
- Large Language Models (LLMs): Experience working with LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Gemini) and related frameworks like LangChain.
- Data Schemas: Knowledge of using Pydantic to define and validate data structures, especially for structuring outputs from LLMs.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a link to your GitHub profile for our review at info@orfme.org. We look forward to seeing your work.
Research Fellow / Associate Fellow / Junior Fellow – Tech & Innovation Policy
+Term: Full-Time
Location(s): Dubai
Posting Date: November 2024
About the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Middle East (ME)
ORF ME is an independent, non-partisan think tank headquartered in Dubai, UAE, that is part of the world renowned Observer Research Foundation (est. 1990 in India) with a focus on critical policy challenges in the Middle East, India, and beyond. We are committed to tackling policy issues through independent research, inclusive dialogue, and collaborative partnerships to foster an interconnected world. ORF ME's key areas cover geopolitics, emerging technologies, and climate and energy transition.
Position Description
As Research Fellow or Associate Fellow, you will be primarily responsible for developing research and analysis on the intersection of technology and policy, and its implications for the economies and multilateral relations. This will include both sectoral and industry research, as well as interdisciplinary work that harnesses data to produce a variety of publications. You will work closely with the Emerging Technologies team to build on existing work streams, while also conceptualizing new analytical products and developing your own functional areas of research and specialization.
Primary Responsibilities
- Research and analyze the innovation, technology and social impact sectors, and relevant governmental policy.
- Conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis on various aspects of tech governance, tech ecosystems, and specific specializations.
- Produce various forms of publications, from weekly commentary to monthly policy issue recommendations and quarterly case studies and long-form publications.
- Define your sub-specializations and develop works that align with ORF ME’s key areas.
- Engage in publications, external writing/co-authoring, and speaking engagements.
- Manage junior fellows and interns (as Research Fellow).
Qualifications
- For Research Fellow: PhD in a relevant field preferred but Master’s degree with 6-7 years of relevant work experience is acceptable.
- For Associate Fellow: Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- For Junior Fellow: Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
- Candidates for all positions should have demonstrable experience working in economics, political economy, and/or technology industry and/or policy research, with a record of publications and writing.
- Excellent analytical and research skills and the ability to write effectively and communicate clearly in English (native or near-native).
- A good understanding of target audiences for analytical products and specialized research.
- A great team player, with the ability to think outside the box and not afraid to be original.
- Sectoral/functional expertise preferred but not necessary.
Contact
- Kindly send your CV and 3 writing samples to info@orfme.org.
If your application meets our requirements, we will respond within a week.