About the Role: As a Junior Analyst and Research Assistant, you will be at the heart of our research into the global business services and foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape. A passion for discovery and an innate curiosity about the intersection of business, technology, and geography are critical for this role. You will develop a deep understanding of the global services sector, including business process outsourcing (BPO), shared services, information technology outsourcing (ITO), and finance & accounting outsourcing (F&A).
In this role, your research will provide actionable, objective insight to our clients and our audience of global business executives. You will learn and analyze the business models, investment trends, and location-specific factors that drive corporate site selection decisions worldwide. Your primary responsibility is to support our senior team by conducting rigorous research and transforming complex data and concepts into compelling, accessible, and insightful narratives.
We are looking for an individual with a strong aptitude for research and writing who is eager to learn and grow. While a graduate degree is a plus, your capability, intellectual curiosity, and drive are more important than specific credentials. You will be responsible for contributing to research publications, articles, and client-facing reports.
Success in this position requires absolute integrity, professionalism, and a high degree of coachability. You will be expected to actively seek out, ingest, and act upon constructive criticism, edits, and direction to continually elevate the quality of your work. Collaboration within our team will be key to your development and to the creation of our industry-leading analysis.
What You Will Do:
- Analyze trends in global investment, outsourcing, and professional services, providing foundational research to help our clients understand key markets, opportunities, and risks.
- Produce and contribute to a range of written content, including in-depth reports, market analyses, trend summaries, investigative articles, and case studies related to the global services and FDI sectors.
- Gather, synthesize, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a wide array of sources, including public records, financial reports, industry databases, academic studies, and interviews with subject matter experts.
- Track and report on key developments in target markets (countries, cities, regions) and among key service providers, identifying shifts that impact site selection and investment strategy.
- Draft clear, engaging, and well-structured articles and report sections under the guidance of senior analysts, adhering to our quality standards and style guides.
- Support the development of proprietary analysis and thought leadership content that defines our firm’s perspective on the industry.
- Assist senior analysts in preparing for client inquiries and presentations by providing background research, data points, and initial analysis.
- Maintain and update internal knowledge bases, datasets, and libraries with the latest industry information and findings.
What You Will Need:
- Exceptional research, analysis, and writing skills are paramount. The ability to find, vet, and synthesize information and articulate findings in a clear and compelling manner is essential. A portfolio of writing samples will be required.
- A Graduate degree (MS, PhD) in a relevant field such as Economics, International Business, Journalism, Political Science, or Geography is a plus but not required. We strongly value demonstrated capability over credentials.
- Native or near-native fluency in English with a mastery of American spelling, grammar, and syntax. Spanish language ability is a valuable asset but is not a prerequisite.
- A deep-seated curiosity and a strong desire to become a subject matter expert in the fields of global business, technology services, and economic development.
- A high degree of coachability and the ability to receive and act upon constructive criticism and edits in a professional manner.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks, work under tight deadlines, and produce high-quality deliverables.
- A solid understanding of business and economic concepts.
- Learning agility and resourcefulness, with the ability to work independently while also being motivated to collaborate across teams in a multicultural, global environment.
Accountabilities, outcomes and competencies
Job Title: Junior Analyst / Research Assistant, Global Services & FDI
Mission for the Role: To conduct in-depth research and produce compelling written content on global FDI and the business services sector, providing the foundational analysis that supports our firm’s advisory work and thought leadership.
Key Accountabilities / Outcomes:
(The person successful in this role will consistently achieve the following
- High-Quality Research & Analysis: Within 3 months, consistently deliver well-researched, accurate, and insightful analysis for all assignments, demonstrating an ability to identify and utilize credible sources.
- Proficient & Engaging Writing: Within 6 months, produce clear, engaging, and polished written drafts that require minimal structural or grammatical revision and effectively communicate complex ideas to a business audience.
- Rapid Knowledge Acquisition: Within 6-9 months, develop a strong foundational knowledge of the target sectors (BPO, Shared Services, FDI drivers) and key geographies, demonstrated by increasing autonomy on research tasks.
- Timeliness & Productivity: Consistently meet all deadlines for research tasks, article drafts, and report contributions without compromising quality.
- Effective Team Collaboration: Successfully integrate into the team by proactively supporting senior analysts, communicating clearly about progress and roadblocks, and positively incorporating feedback and direction to improve work product.
Competencies:
- Intellectual Curiosity: Does the candidate demonstrate a genuine passion for learning and research? Do they ask insightful questions and naturally dig deeper to understand the “why” behind the data?
- Analytical Skills: The ability to see patterns, synthesize disparate information, and draw logical, well-defended conclusions from complex datasets.
- Written Communication: Expresses ideas in a clear, logical, and engaging manner. Can tailor writing style for a professional business audience, avoiding overly academic or dry language.
- Coachability & Adaptability: Eager to learn and improve. Listens to and acts upon feedback and constructive criticism without defensiveness. Adapts to new directions and evolving project requirements.
- Integrity & Professionalism: Demonstrates unwavering ethical standards. Is trustworthy, reliable, and respectful in all professional interactions.
- Drive & Initiative: Is a self-starter who can work independently. Proactively seeks out new tasks and identifies opportunities to contribute without waiting to be told what to do.
- Organization & Planning: Can effectively manage their time and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines. Methodical and detail-oriented in their approach to research and writing.