Research Associate (2 year contract), Policy Development & Evaluation (Southeast Asia)

Verian Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is looking for a motivated Research Associate in Singapore to support impactful international development projects. The role involves conducting research and analysis on policy development, contributing to regional studies, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality outputs. Ideal for early-career professionals passionate about social issues and public policy, with relevant educational backgrounds and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of relevant experience in research methodologies.
• Excellent fluency in English and another Southeast Asian language.
• Active experience with regional organisations in Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desk research and literature reviews across ASEAN member states.
• Assist in designing research tools and stakeholder mapping.
• Present research findings using clear visualizations.

Skills

Research and Analysis

Data Analysis

Data Visualization

Stakeholder Management

Education

Degree or Masters in statistics, data analytics, sociology, psychology, political science, or related disciplines

Tools

Excel

SPSS

R

Python

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Verian is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to support our Policy Development & Evaluation team in Southeast Asia. You will contribute to high-impact international development projects focused on evidence-based policy and programme design — including an ongoing regional perceptions study and a multi-country impact evaluation.

The role is based in Singapore and ideal for an early-career professional with strong research and analysis skills, a keen interest in social issues, public policy and international development, and familiarity with the Southeast Asian regional context.

Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis

• Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and regional policy scanning across ASEAN member states.
• Assist in designing and deploying mixed-method research tools (e.g. surveys, interviews).
• Perform stakeholder mapping and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into reports.
• Leverage statistical, data, and text analytics, as well as data visualisation skills (e.g. Excel, SPSS, R, Python, Netbase, Nvivo, Power BI, Tableau), to interpret survey results and analyse open-ended responses for data-driven insights.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Present research findings through clear visualizations, infographics, dashboards, and reports tailored for different audiences (e.g. word, powerpoint, Canva).

Project Support and Delivery

• Coordinate fieldwork logistics and engagement with local consultants across Southeast Asia.
• Ensure timely delivery of project outputs, including presentations, data summaries, and client reports.

Project Management

• Proactively manage proposals, timelines, and project deliverables to meet deadlines and objectives.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, and service providers, managing day-to-day interactions effectively.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Work with cross-functional teams to share insights, contribute to internal knowledge bases, and enhance research methodologies.

Ad-Hoc Support

• Contribute to research, analysis, and proposal development as needed.

Capabilities:

• Preferably with 1-2 years of relevant experience in research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, statistics, and data analytics, with prior hands-on experience in conducting data analysis across these areas.
• Have a Degree or Masters in statistics, data analytics, sociology, psychology, political science, international development, international relations, social and behaviour change, or other related disciplines.
• Excellent fluency in spoken and written English and another Southeast Asian language.
• Active experience and knowledge of regional multilateral organisations and public sector institutions in Southeast Asia, such as philanthropies and think tanks.
• Passionate about behaviour change, policy development, and evaluation within the social and government space.
• A team player—interested in working with and learning from others to do great things and relishing the opportunity to contribute to a growing, interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Locals or foreigners currently residing in Singapore.

About Verian

Verian works with clients around the world, providing evidence, insights and advisory services to inspire the next generation of public policy and programmes. We work at the intersection of data, technology, and human understanding. With permanent fully staffed offices in 17 countries, our 850 specialist consultants and researchers advise government departments, regulators, charities, and other public sector bodies to make the right decisions and improve people’s lives.

Visit https://www.veriangroup.com/en-sg/ for more information.

Why join us?

At Verian, you’ll be part of a global research and advisory firm working at the intersection of evidence, human insight, and public policy. In Southeast Asia, we support initiatives that tackle complex issues — from digital inclusion and skilling to social protection and governance.

You’ll gain hands-on experience working with international clients and multilateral institutions, while contributing meaningfully to impactful research and evaluation work.