Research Assistant, fDi Markets

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.

FT Locations is a specialist division of the Financial Times Ltd, established to provide industry leading insights into globalisation with a portfolio of world class products and services that assist both companies and economic development organisations to make informed decisions regarding foreign direct investment (FDI).

fDi Markets is the market leading crossborder inward investment database and investor tracking tool, used by governments and corporations globally.  It is the exclusive source of FDI project data for the UNCTAD World Investment Report and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The Research Assistant will work as part of the FT Locations team conducting in-depth research on specific regions of the world, identifying companies with FDI projects and recording the information into the fDi Markets database.  www.fdimarkets.com

Responsible To: Production Manager

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Research available sources in order to identify inward investment projects
• Conduct further web-based research to gain additional project information
• Input of inward investment projects and update missing information on previous projects to fDi Markets database
• Assist in development of information sources
• Identify trends in and affecting FDI globally in order to compile an internal Trend Tracker used by divisional publication, FDI Magazine
• Research and update FDI projects - relocations and closures, downsizing, expansion projects and colocations
• Identify potential investment leads
• Conduct ad-hoc research and production tasks
• Provide data support for the sales team according to geographical appointment

Qualification and Experience

Essential

• Third level qualification - A-Level or above, with a business / economic / research-related element
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills Ability to work on own initiative
• Highly organised with an ability to plan and prioritise Adaptable great teammate with a positive demeanor

Desirable

• 2:1 or above in a degree with a business / economic / research related element
• Knowledge of main European or world language/s
• Sound understanding of economic globalisation and cross border investment
• Previous experience in a similar role - online environment, database management, desk-based research
• Analytical & report writing skills

Application Closing Date: 7th March 2025 (Friday), 5pm (GMT) 

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

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. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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.

#LI-KF1