The Issam Fares Institute has seven major policy research programs working on issues relevant to Lebanon and the Arab region. It comprises over 37 staff members from inter-disciplinary backgrounds. The Institute is committed to increasing and deepening knowledge production in, and about, the Arab region; and to creating an intellectual space for the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas among researchers, civil society actors and policy-makers.
The role
The American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon, invites applications for the full-time professorial faculty position of Director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI). The Issam Fares Institute is a research-based, policy-oriented institute that aims at harnessing, developing, and initiating high-quality policy-relevant research that informs policy-making processes in Lebanon and the Arab region.
Key roles and responsibilities
Reporting to the Provost, the Director is the responsible head of the Institute leading and managing all the Institute’s operations, including research, planning, budgeting, fundraising, partnership development, media and public relations, personnel, and assessment. He/She is responsible to set and operationalize the strategic directions of the Institute that are in tune with AUB’s strategy and its direction to create impact in society. He/She provides leadership by shaping the Institute’s research agenda and initiating new policy-relevant collaborative projects. He/She mentors the researchers of the Institute and provides quality control for the Institute’s research plans and outputs.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have an advanced degree, preferably PhD, in public policy, international affairs or a relevant social sciences field. They need to demonstrate substantial scholarly and research experience in public policy and international affairs, and extensive knowledge of Lebanese and Arab/Middle East affairs and policy issues. They need to have extensive experience in managing staff at research centers or public policy institutes, and proven history in maintaining and building partnerships, including the current and potential donors to the Institute. Candidates need to have a strong public profile and extensive experience in working with governmental and non-governmental actors as well as with the media; and to demonstrate excellent communication skills in English and Arabic.
Other relevant information
Applications should include a statement of interest, a detailed curriculum vita, and the names and addresses of five referees. Screening of applications will commence early February 2020 but the search will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2020.