Overview
Freelance Business Research & Operations Assistant
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Working arrangement: 100% remote, with occasional fieldwork in Colombo
Schedule: 3 days per week
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Position: Freelance / Independent Contractor
About the Role
I am looking for a reliable, proactive and organised freelancer/independent contractor based in Colombo to provide ongoing business research and operational support for a new business project being developed in Sri Lanka.
This is primarily a 100% remote role. Most work can be completed from your own location using a computer and phone. However, there will occasionally be a requirement to carry out fieldwork in Colombo, such as visiting suppliers, markets, businesses or other relevant locations.
This is not a traditional office-based employment position. I am looking for someone who can work independently, take ownership of assigned tasks and deliver clear, practical results without needing constant supervision.
Working Schedule
3 days per week
Flexible working arrangement, provided agreed deadlines are met
Primarily remote
Occasional fieldwork in Colombo when required
Potential for additional work and increased hours in the future depending on workload and performance
Payment
Rs. 2,500 per standard remote working day
Rs. 5,000 per fieldwork day, inclusive of travel expenses
(The Rs. 5,000 fieldwork payment is the total payment for that day, including normal travel costs)
Additional performance-based bonuses may be offered for larger projects or particularly successful outcomes, agreed in advance
This is a freelance/independent contractor position, not an employee position. The successful candidate will be responsible for their own tax registration, tax filings and any taxes or statutory obligations applicable to their freelance income.
Main Responsibilities
The work will vary depending on the needs of the project but may include:
Researching suppliers, companies, products and services
Finding and shortlisting suitable suppliers
Contacting businesses by phone, email and WhatsApp
Obtaining current prices, quotations and minimum order quantities
Following up with suppliers and businesses
Comparing prices, products, terms and other information
Conducting competitor and market research
Researching local business services and potential suppliers
Maintaining research information in Google Sheets/Excel
Visiting suppliers, markets or businesses in Colombo when fieldwork is required
Checking and recording local prices
Taking photographs and collecting information during field visits
Arranging meetings or enquiries where required
Preparing clear summaries of research findings
Supporting other practical business research and administrative tasks as required
What I Am Looking For
The ideal person will be:
– Based in Colombo
– Available to work approximately 3 days per week
– Comfortable working independently and remotely
– Proactive and able to take ownership of tasks
– Reliable and good at following through
– Confident communicating with businesses and suppliers
– Comfortable making phone calls and sending professional WhatsApp/email enquiries
– Good at online research
– Comfortable using Google Sheets, Excel and similar tools
– Organised and detail-oriented
– Comfortable travelling around Colombo occasionally for fieldwork
– Able to provide clear and accurate information rather than simply passing on incomplete results
– Most importantly, you should be a “get things done” person.
For example, if you are asked to find four suitable suppliers and obtain their prices and minimum order quantities, I would expect you to identify the suppliers, contact them, follow up where necessary, record the information clearly and provide a useful comparison.
Experience
Experience in one or more of the following would be an advantage:
Business research
Market research
Supplier sourcing
Purchasing/procurement
Business development
Administration
Customer service
Sales
Working with overseas clients or businesses
Formal qualifications are less important than reliability, initiative, communication skills and the ability to complete tasks independently.
How to Apply
Please send:
– Your CV
– A short introduction / cover letter about yourself
– Your relevant work experience
– Confirmation that you are based in Colombo
– Your availability for 3 days per week
– Examples of any previous experience involving research, supplier sourcing, purchasing, business development or similar work
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a small practical research task as part of the selection process.
Please note: This role is for a freelancer/independent contractor and is not a salaried employment position.
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Degree Specialization
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