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.

The Role
FT Locations, a specialist division of the Financial Times, provides world-class products and services that assist both companies and economic development organisations in making informed decisions regarding foreign direct investment (FDI). As a Research Assistant for fDi Markets – the market-leading cross-border investment database – you will identify and supervise FDI projects globally, contributing to high-impact data used by the UNCTAD World Investment Report and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct desk research to identify new inward investment projects

• Perform online research to verify and enhance project details

• Input project data into the fDi Markets database

• Update existing records with the latest project information

• Assist in developing new data sources

• Contribute to the internal FDI trend tracker

• Research project movements such as relocations or closures

• Identify and log potential investment leads

• Support ad-hoc data requests from the sales team by region

Required Skills and Experience

• A-Level qualification or above with a focus on business, economics, or research

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Self-motivated with strong organisational and planning skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Desirable

• A 2:1 degree or higher in a business, economics, or research-related subject (or equivalent experience)

• Fluency in a European or global language (ideally French)

• Understanding of economic globalisation and cross-border investment trends

• Prior experience with online research or data entry in a similar environment

• Strong analytical and report writing capabilities
  
  

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.
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.