📩 Job Opening: Research Assistant (EU Agriculture Focus)

🌍 Remote | Full-Time | $1,500/month (negotiable)

🕐 Working hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm SAST

About the Role

We’re hiring a tech-savvy, detail-oriented Research Assistant to support the creation of a growing EU agriculture-focused newsletter. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with the director, a seasoned industry voice with 30+ years of experience in editorial and agricultural circles.

You’ll help research, format, and eventually take responsibility for the newsletter content in your employment role. Initially, the newsletter will be published weekly, but the goal is to move to a daily rhythm. If you’re passionate about European agriculture, keeping up with EU agricultural regulations, new innovative technology and ag tools, and clear communication—this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on EU agricultural policies (especially Common Agricultural Policy or CAP) in relation to the different EU counties, agri-tech, and market updates, and generally interesting news articles from the various European countries
• Draft and edit written content in clear, concise, and well-structured English
• Format and design newsletters in PDF format, combining visuals and text for clarity
• Stay updated on relevant developments in Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, and broader EU regions, plus the United Kingdom
• Develop fluency with the Director’s style, tone, and vision for the newsletter
• Work toward full responsibility of the newsletter over 3 – 6 months, including publishing support alongside the Director
• Have a working knowledge of Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, new AI tools that are now and will become relevant to the position to assist scaling the publication, research, and language differences and culture nuances in the EU going forward for the newsletter.

Ideal Candidate

• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
• Strong research and writing skills – ideally with journalistic curiosity
• Proficient with Apple products and basic design tools (e.g., PDF formatting)
• Self-driven and organized, able to work independently while maintaining alignment
• Interest in agriculture and European policy (experience with CAP is a huge plus)
• Bonus: Ability to speak and write in French or German
• Bonus: Familiar with social media posting or distribution platforms

Work Environment

• 🕑 South African work hours preferred
• 🌍 Fully remote
• 🤝 Direct collaboration with the Director, a high-trust, fast-moving professional
• 💬 Communication tools: Email and Loom
• 📈 Opportunity for long-term growth as the newsletter scales

Compensation & Benefits

💵 Monthly salary: $1,500 USD (negotiable based on experience)

🛫 Start Date: Late April/early May

🌴 Optional PTO policy (e.g., 10 days/year)

📑 Contract provided via Somewhere (Support Shepherd)

Application Process

• Submit your application with:

• Resume
• Brief cover letter or note explaining your fit
• Portfolio or writing sample (optional but preferred)

• Initial Screening by recruitment team (resumes + short video intro)
• Interviews with the Director (April 18–25)
• Possible assignment: Mock newsletter draft based on a topic
• Second interview (if needed)
• Background check

If you’re ready to dig into the heart of European agriculture, sharpen your research and writing skills, and grow with an ambitious media project—we’d love to hear from you.