Research & Publication Associate (6-Month Contract)

Rouya is seeking an experienced researcher for a 6-month contract to support the development of a high-quality, research-led publication, alongside other active research workstreams. The role combines investigative research, knowledge management, and collaborative writing, working closely with both the narrative and research teams across multiple projects.

1. Strategic Research, Framework Design & Insight Development

• Design and develop the overarching research frameworks, including key questions, thematic pillars, methodologies, and evaluative criteria, to guide the publication from initial inquiry through to final narrative.


• Map the journey from raw data to finished essay, ensuring a logical and coherent flow between archival findings and contemporary stakeholder insights.

• Conduct deep-dives using National Libraries and Rouya’s internal library to uncover historical context and primary source documents.


• Perform exhaustive desktop research across academic papers, reports, and relevant media.


• Identify and interview key stakeholders, translating qualitative, on-the-ground perspectives into narrative-driven insights.


• Gather, organise, and synthesise insights into clear themes and narratives.
  
  

2. Knowledge Management

• Build and maintain a central Research Repository within Google Workspace, ensuring all data is logged, categorised, and searchable.


• Ensure all research assets in Google Workspace are organised, version-controlled, and meet Rouya's formatting and citation standards.


• Serve as the final gatekeeper for accuracy by implementing a rigorous fact-checking process and ensuring all content is grounded in primary evidence.
  
  

3. Publication Development & Writing

• Transform dense research into sophisticated, engaging essays and articles in close collaboration with the wider writing team.


• Distil complex stakeholder interviews and archival data into clear, concise Executive Summaries.


• Ensure the publication maintains a consistent intellectual tone and upholds the brand's visual and narrative standards.
  
  

4. Project Management

• Own the full 6-month timeline in ClickUp, including building the workspace, setting milestones, managing dependencies, and tracking the Writing Pipeline.


• Lead professional client updates, using ClickUp Dashboards or Google Slides to clearly communicate progress, obstacles, and key findings.
  
  

Requirements

• 5+ years in a senior research, writing, or content development role (e.g., Journalism, Think Tanks, or Strategic Consulting).


• Demonstrated ability to build a research framework from scratch and manage a complex verification trail.


• Strong ability to synthesise information, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.


• A clear, structured writing style and a proven ability to produce long-form content that is both intellectually rigorous and highly readable.


• Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.