Research and Policy Associate

About the role

The Entry-Level Policy Research Assistant supports the mission of SLCCIA to advance evidence-based policy advocacy and foster public-private dialogue. The role focuses on structured research, data collection and drafting to drive priority business environment reforms, working under supervision to gather insights, organise policy evidence and help prepare quarterly position papers and stakeholder engagement materials.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct foundational desk research and assist in basic quantitative or qualitative data collection on private-sector, trade and investment issues.
• Support the drafting of quarterly policy position papers by organising evidence, references and supporting data for verification.
• Collect input from members and sectors through surveys, interviews and committee consultations to identify and synthesise recurring business challenges.
• Prepare background notes, briefing materials and initial drafts of policy submissions or talking points for senior review.
• Maintain an organised policy evidence library, source records and a calendar tracking legislative processes and submission deadlines.
• Help prepare materials for public-private dialogue meetings, including participant lists, issue briefs and action points, and manage a tracker for commitments, responsible parties and government responses.
• Support the dissemination and filing of approved policy outputs and prepare concise updates on research progress and advocacy actions.

Required profile

• 0 to 2 years of experience in research, policy analysis or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information.
• Excellent note-taking abilities and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• High level of organisation and attention to detail.

Required skills

• Proficiency in basic quantitative analysis and data gathering techniques.
• Evidence and source management.
• Effective stakeholder consultation.