Research Associate

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to researchpositions@qfi.org with the subject line “Research Associate”. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Organization

QFI is a US based organization committed to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language. QFI works to increase access to research-informed Arabic instruction for educators and students.

QFI works to foster and encourage the study of Arabic as a global language by supporting the professionalization of Arabic teaching and research-informed methodology and practices. With more than a decade of experience working in the Americas, the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, QFI has established networks of educators, administrators, students, researchers, and other experts in language learning. With Arabic language programs more prominent at the university level, the number of Arabic education programs offered at the primary and secondary level has not changed much, providing an opportunity for QFI to position Arabic as a global language that is taught at an earlier age.

Position Summary

Qatar Foundation International (QFI)’s research department implements QFI’s Research Agenda that explores issues related to the teaching and learning of Arabic and Arab culture and multilingualism in primary and secondary schools. This research department is charged with operationalizing the Research Agenda’s three main goals:

1. To expand and enrich the existing body of literature on the teaching and learning of Arabic in primary and secondary schools; and
2. To inform QFI’s strategic planning and programming; and
3. To establish QFI’s reputation as a thought leader.

While QFI values peer-reviewed research and articles, all QFI-supported research findings must be accessible to QFI’s main stakeholders – primary and secondary schools, teachers, and students who are teaching and /or learning Arabic and about the Arab world and inform QFI’s work.

The position of Research Associate (RA) works to administer and support a portfolio of research on the teaching and learning of the Arabic language. The RA is responsible for the announcement, application, review, award, monitoring, and closing processes of certain QFI grant programs (essentially managing submissions in QFI’s grants management portal). The RA will also support the research team by performing a wide range of administrative tasks, events management, reading research and writing summaries, writing literature reviews or case studies, and managing other day-to-day responsibilities of the research team.

Position Functions and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, each essential duty and responsibility must be performed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Process research grants related to research on the learning and teaching of the Arabic language, overseeing all aspects of the grant lifecycle in QFI’s grant management portal such as:
  • Helping review proposals for completeness and flag missing or unclear information;
  • Maintain trackers;
  • Manage external and internal reviews, if applicable.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the research department such as:
  • Ensure documentation and housekeeping for the research department is in order;
  • Coordinate and serve as the primary point of contact for event participants;
  • Process reimbursements and payments;
  • Assist with gathering and organizing relevant programmatic data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
  • Keep the research page on the QFI Intranet up to date;
• Contribute to QFI thought leadership such as:
  • Reading and summarizing research (including QFI-supported studies) on key takeaways for various stakeholders (academic, educator, and layperson audiences);
  • Drafting literature reviews, case studies and other research-driven content;
  • Attending events such as conferences, events, workshops, and symposiums;
  • Stay current on research related to Arabic language and teaching, multilingualism, & related topics;
• Answer questions about QFI and its research, when appropriate. Direct QFI beneficiaries and general community members to the correct information, resources, and fellow staff member(s) when necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to multi‐task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast‐moving, changing, and complex environment.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Extremely detail oriented and can take initiative.
• Strong team player who also works well independently.
• Excellent writing, time management, and project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially to deliver research findings in compelling and easy to understand messaging.
• Demonstrated interest in K-12 education-related research.
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated experience with writing literature reviews, research findings, etc.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken Arabic at a novice-high level or above desired but not required.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• 6 months previous experience working or interning on educational programs or in K-12 education
• Bachelor’s degree in a field of study such as foreign languages, language teaching, world or heritage language education, language acquisition, bilingual education, Arabic, applied linguistics, linguistics, statistics, psychology, international relations, global affairs, political science, or other relevant fields.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions

QFI currently operates on a Hybrid Work Policy with in-person work required two days per week, currently being Wednesday and Thursday for the Research Team. Employees may be required to travel to QFI offices or third-party sites to attend meetings, events, or for other situations as deemed necessary by their supervisor.

• Mostly sedentary; must be able to lift up to 20lbs.
• Up to 20% travel required (international and domestic) following QFI’s Travel Policy

This position description should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the sole standards for the position. Incumbents are expected to perform all other duties as required.

To be considered you must reside in the DC Metro Area.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to researchpositions@qfi.org with the subject line “Research Associate”. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.