Research Associate

About the Organization

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) is now building a research department to implement QFI’s Research Agenda that will explore 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 that has 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 to 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Extremely detail oriented & demonstrates initiative.
• Strong team player who also works well independently.
• Clear communication (written and oral).
• Commitment to QFI’s mission and values.
• Previous experience with research, education, or the teaching and learning of Arabic in schools.

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.

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 20 pounds.
• 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.

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.

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.

QFI is an equal opportunity employer.