Overview
Part-Time Research Assistant – Colombo | New Café Project
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Working arrangement: 100% remote, with occasional fieldwork in Colombo and surrounding areas
Schedule: 3 days per week / 6 hours a day
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Position: Freelance / Independent Contractor
About the Role
I’m looking for a reliable and proactive part-time Research Assistant based in Colombo to help with research and preparation for a new café project.
This is a part-time freelance role, 3 days per week (18 hours). The work is mainly remote, with occasional fieldwork in Colombo and other areas when required.
What you’ll be doing
Your work will include:
– Researching local suppliers and businesses
– Finding commercial kitchen equipment, furniture, food & beverage suppliers and other café supplies
– Contacting suppliers by phone, WhatsApp and email
– Obtaining current prices and quotations
– Comparing suppliers, prices and products
– Following up with businesses when necessary
– Researching competitors, properties, services and local operating costs
– Organising information clearly in Google Sheets
– Occasionally visiting suppliers or other locations to collect information, prices or quotations
Who I’m looking for
The most important thing is not a particular qualification. I’m looking for someone who is reliable, organised, persistent and able to work independently.
You should:
– Be currently based in Colombo
– Be able to reliably commit to 3 days per week / 18 hours
– Be confident contacting businesses by phone, WhatsApp and email
– Be comfortable speaking to suppliers and asking questions
– Be able to research independently without needing detailed instructions for every task
– Pay attention to detail and record information accurately
– Follow up when businesses don’t respond
– Be comfortable occasionally travelling around Colombo for research
Working arrangement
– 3 days per week / 6 hours per day / 18 hours per week
– Mainly remote
– Occasional fieldwork in Colombo and other locations
Payment
– Rs. 3,500 per standard remote working day
– Rs. 5,500 per fieldwork day (inclusive of travel expenses)
– There may also be performance-based bonuses for particularly good work.
Experience
This role could suit someone with experience in:
– Research or market research
– Sourcing or procurement
– Business development
– Administration
– Sales or customer service
However, qualifications are less important than reliability, initiative and a willingness to get things done.
This is an opportunity to work directly on an interesting new business project and gain practical experience in supplier research, sourcing and business operations.
How to apply
Please send:
– Your CV
– A short introduction about yourself and why you are interested in the role
– Confirmation that you are currently based in Colombo
– Confirmation that you can commit to 3 days per week / 6 hours per day
Please keep your application concise and only apply if you can genuinely commit to the required hours and days.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short interview and practical research task.
Please note: This is a freelance / independent contractor position.
