Research Assistant, fDi Markets (French Speaking)

About Us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.
At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.
In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.
Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.
Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

FT Locations, a division of the Financial Times, delivers world-class intelligence on globalisation and foreign direct investment (FDI). We’re looking for a French-speaking Research Assistant to join the fDi Markets team — the world’s leading cross-border investment database. You’ll play a key role in identifying, tracking and inputting FDI projects into our database, supporting global clients, publications and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  

  Conduct detailed web-based research to identify and verify inward investment projects

  
  


• 
  

  Enter and maintain accurate data in the fDi Markets database

  
  


• 
  

  Track trends in global FDI and support the internal Trend Tracker used by fDi Magazine

  
  


• 
  

  Research updates to existing projects including expansions, closures and relocations

  
  


• 
  

  Identify potential investment leads and data for sales support

  
  


• 
  

  Contribute to the development of new data sources

  
  


• 
  

  Perform ad-hoc research and production tasks as required

  
  

Required Skills and Experience

• 
  

  A-Level or higher qualification in business, economics or a related data discipline

  
  


• 
  

  Excellent reading proficiency in French

  
  


• 
  

  Proven research and analytical skills

  
  


• 
  

  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

  
  


• 
  

  Effective communication and interpersonal skills

  
  


• 
  

  Ability to work independently and manage priorities

  
  


• 
  

  Organised, diligent, and proactive

  
  

Desirable

• 
  

  Degree (2:1 or above) in business, economics or a related field or equivalent

  
  


• 
  

  Additional language proficiency, especially in other major European/world languages

  
  


• 
  

  Knowledge of economic globalisation and FDI

  
  


• 
  

  Prior experience with databases, desk-based research, or in a similar environment

  
  


• 
  

  Analytical writing and reporting experience

  
  

What’s in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.
We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview.

Further Information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.