Rachael Amanda
Oxfordshire
Summary
Proactive and resourceful individual with exceptional organisational skills and strong attention to detail, capable of managing complex schedules and coordinating tasks seamlessly. Highly relevant transferable skills include exceptional communication and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. Ready to contribute tohe ethnographic study of quantification and welfare policy in Ghana for the ERC-funded ModelFutures project.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant to the Director
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
Oxford
03.2024 - 12.2025
- Facilitated research outputs by providing comprehensive administrative and logistical support to the Director of a leading global poverty research unit.
- Offered research assistance when needed, for example formatting, editing, and managing bibliographies for papers.
- Co-managed Principal Investigator’s £2,500 Departmental Research Fund, ensuring compliance and tracking expenditures.
- Kept files organised and up-to-date for accurate record-keeping purposes.
- Supported the whole research cycle by assisting with graduate supervision reports, organising PhD inception and supervisory
- Liaison for international research partners and policymakers, managing complex institutional relationships.
- Booked travel arrangements, minimising disruption due to transport issues.
- Prepared concise minutes from board meetings; this facilitated appropriate follow-up actions being taken swiftly on matters discussed at these gatherings.
- Demonstrated flexibility whilst performing various ad-hoc duties as required by the Director.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Research Assistant
University of Bayreuth
Bayreuth
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Contributed to a PhD research project examining decision-making structures and practices in Africa’s interacting markets.
- Assisted with qualitative data collection, conducted systematic literature reviews, and managed data using Zotero and Mendeley.
- Supported project organization by maintaining accurate records, conducting analysis, and preparing regular reports.
- Prepared and co-presented research findings at national and international academic conferences.
Graduate Trainee – Governance and Human Rights Section
European Union Delegation
Kampala
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Acquired direct experience in policy-making and project implementation within a major international governance institution.
- Supported the drafting of reports and briefing notes, and reviewed financial and project documentation for the Governance section.
- Assisted in coordinating election observation missions and contributed to the compilation of analytical reports.
Education
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts - African Studies
University of Bayreuth, Bordeaux Montaigne University, University of Porto
Germany, France, Portugal 09.2021 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Governance and International Relations
Uganda Christian University
Mukono, Uganda 01.2015 - 01.2019
Skills
- Research Methods: Proficient in qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis Experienced with quantitative data handling
- Research Tools: Experienced with reference management software such as Zotero and Mendeley, and data organization using Excel
- Languages: Full professional proficiency in English Additional language skills from the East African region
- Analytical Writing: Demonstrated through completion of Master’s thesis and research assistance roles
- Contextual Understanding: Extensive professional and research experience within African institutional and policy contexts
Volunteer Experience
European Conference on African Studies (ECAS), Volunteer, Germany, Supported the administration and coordination of a major academic conference.
Conferences & Engagement
Prepared and delivered research presentations at national and international conferences as a Research Assistant.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant to the Director
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
03.2024 - 12.2025
Research Assistant
University of Bayreuth
07.2022 - 08.2023
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts - African Studies
University of Bayreuth, Bordeaux Montaigne University, University of Porto
09.2021 - 08.2023
Graduate Trainee – Governance and Human Rights Section
European Union Delegation
11.2020 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Governance and International Relations
Uganda Christian University
01.2015 - 01.2019