Shruti Sardesai Email & Phone Number

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As part of a boutique research agency, overseeing qualitative market research projects across a multitude of regional sectors, including FMCG sectors (luxury goods, cosmetics, retail, and F&B), and property/real estate development.Developing tailored qualitative research proposals for clients across the MENA region and Europe based on individualized project needs and research typologies (including brand positioning, product development and testing, category deep-dives, customer journeys and experiences, and innovative ideation).Managing the conception and completion of qualitative research projects, from the evaluation of key client goals, to appropriate project design and execution (including data gathering, data analysis, report writing and a presentation of the project's findings/key recommendations to support client decision-making).Developing project budgets and ensuring project execution within budgetary limits.Assisting in the development of varied qualitative research tools, such as recruitment screeners, discussion guides, ranking sheets, and stimulus materials.Managing project setup and logistics for both in-person and online fieldwork in multiple regional and international markets.Leading or supporting with the development of bespoke research methodologies, customized to both client and project needs.Facilitating and nurturing positive client relationships for current and future business opportunities.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Managed and oversaw the content and processes for in-house programs, surveys, and events - including content development, editorial checks, stakeholder management, and event collateral development.Led the management and execution of GCC BDI’s bespoke Certified Board Secretary certification program, including program redevelopment, workshop planning, session delivery, examination management, and certification strategies.Developed and executed workshops, surveys, and projects for 30+ high-level clients in the private and government sectors across the Gulf region.Developed and edited bespoke surveys, timelines, reports, presentations, and ad hoc documentation for both client and organizational purposes.Managed and executed 35+ regional workshops (online and in-person) pertaining to best practices in governance and business, based on international trends and client specifications.Programmed and managed 25+ surveys for multiple regional organizations pertaining to board evaluations, organizational engagement, and research.Produced, edited, and reviewed content for external collaborators, partners, or clients in short timeframes and in line with client requirements.Liaised with local and regional clients for cohesive and timely project delivery within budget constraints.Built and managed projects with international subject matter experts based on client requirements, and ensuring optimum project quality.Supported strategy development and personnel training across the organization.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Managed 2 programs and associated activities across the Gulf region with budgets of up to USD 200,000 each.Independently designed and launched a survey across 5 countries and conducted focus group interviews, resulting in the publication of a full-length research report with the cumulative results.Oversaw the design and development of an online resource platform, including website design, UX, and all written content.Designed and organized 20+ regional events and webinars based on business trends and stakeholder analyses.Produced 15+ informational resources, including infographics, guides, and videos (animated and interviews), and created all English content for the same.Facilitated and managed partnerships with leading regional entities, including non-profits, government entities, and CSR departments.Developed internal and external documentation, including program budgets and proposals.Produced communications materials (including press releases) and developed social media campaigns to promote events, publications, and sector-specific news.Supported strategy development and execution at the organizational and programmatic levels.Reported to the Executive Committee on all activities and organizational planning.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Worked on the Corporate Governance for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) program. Assisted in the development and implementation of the Diversity in Business Leadership and Integrity Initiative programmes.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Developed original articles and stories for an international communications platform based on research and interviews.

Conducted research, communications, and outreach to obtain corporate sponsorships and to promote localized campaigns. Maintained and updated donor and outreach databases for various projects. Built new relationships with external partners and maintained current engagements. Supported the organization and promotion of upcoming and current promotions and campaigns to private sector entities and the general public. Created and edited project reports, donor reports, and ad hoc documentation for internal communications and public release.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Produced a policy-focused research deliverable as part of a team on national identity policy in India (Aadhaar) as part of The Reach Alliance at the University of Toronto in association with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.Built and participated in the research process and methodology, including stakeholder mapping, questionnaire building, and interview scheduling. Conducted policy research and analyses related to social needs mapping, stakeholder-differentiated assessments, gap analyses, and historical investigations.Scheduled and conducted fieldwork and interviews in North India.Wrote blog posts in addition to the larger research deliverable.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates And Toronto, Canada

Internship with the Challenging Religious Fundamentalisms team for AWID, specifically for communications related to the Observatory on the Universality of Human Rights (http://www.oursplatform.org/).Facilitated the support and maintenance of the Observatory on the Universality of Human Rights (OURs), an online rights platform. Produced and published communications materials for the Observatory website, as well as for the International AWID Forum. Sourced online resources for publication on the platform website. Coordinated with team members for platform planning related to publicity and communications materials. Produced reports and scopes of work pertaining to communications and branding for the platform. Supported the platform team with monitoring and evaluation activities.

Dubai, Uae

Filled in a full-time vacant position as an intern, and took on related responsibilities for an office which supported related UNDSS offices in 100+ countries.Oversaw and implemented office administration and client support. Provided effective planning, coordination, and oversight for the timely shipment and execution of logistics plans. Produced, processed, and organized documentation related to bills and payments, records, invoices, internal memos, and vendor records. Maintained records and filing systems manually and electronically. Developed and maintained an asset and shipment tracker for all major shipments processed by the office. Prepared and executed requests for quotations and payment orders corresponding to shipment needs. Provided both internal and client-facing support and communication along the shipment process, including shipment monitoring and documentation processing. Engaged with asset and data review for official asset management and verification. Generated ad hoc documentation and goods status reports.

Created occasional articles as a freelance contributor for Kooot, a Dubai-based lifestyle and shopping website for women and women’s entrepreneurship. Researched and wrote articles of current interest to women in the MENA region related to human interest issues.

Dubai

Worked as an intern with Locations Services under FITTEST (Fast Information Technology and Telecommunications Emergency and Support Team) with the World Food Programme.Maintained online personnel and organizational information databases and systems. Formulated new organizational systems for office personnel databases. Performed administrative tasks, including the maintenance and editing. of personnel and asset lists. Assisted in tasks related to the recruitment of new personnel. Worked and assisted with, and suggested changes to GIS software programs designed for rapid humanitarian responses. Engaged with the operations and functions associated with aid delivery and humanitarian assistance, including personnel tracking and aid delivery systems.

American University Of Sharjah

Organized and conducted miscellaneous department events with the committee. Planned, designed, and managed the yearly INSA conference, which included participation from universities across the UAE. Facilitated and mediated discussions with and between faculty, committee members and students in the department. Contacted various companies for sponsorships and other functions.

American University Of Sharjah

Board member and editor for the academic journal of the International Studies department at the American University of Sharjah, Siraj.Organized the collection of departmental academic papers. Oversaw, participated in, and facilitated the editorial process, including evaluating academic research and editing research papers. Edited submissions and prepared them for publishing. Coordinated between departmental staff and the editorial board for a smooth publishing and delivery timeline.

Conducted research on the impact of race, ethnicity, and religion on business and economic networks, including fieldwork, in the United Arab Emirates. Collected, compiled, and analyzed field data for integration into the final research deliverable. Undertook and produced literature reviews (including both independent, field, and database-related research) to prepare a background for the project and its follow-up reports.

Sharjah

Coordinated with senior journalists and staff for editing, layout, and publication activities under strict deadlines. Conducted stringent research for original and secondary reports, articles, and publications. Formulated and published original reports about local issues by interviewing individuals, conducting primary research, and conducting fieldwork.

The American University Of Sharjah

Organized functions and meetings for the club, both on and off campus, including booking rooms, organizing decorations and catering, and inviting speakers. Assisted, coordinated, and organized club sponsorship for an annual university event, Global Day. Planned, oversaw, and assisted with construction of club stall and activities for Global Day.Maintained contacts with various companies and agencies to organize funding and functions for the clubs.Administered and controlled the club’s online presence and media relations, including on Facebook and through listservs.

Master Of Global Affairs, Global Affairs

Multidisciplinary master's program that covers international affairs with a strong focus on career skills. My focus is on gender issues.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), International Studies

Activities and Societies: International Studies Student Association (INSA) and the Korean Cultural Club (KCC) Graduated magna cum laude.