Assistant Director for Research, Middle East Initiative
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
About MEI
The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Directed by Tarek Masoud, the Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Governance, MEI convenes policymakers, scholars, and intellectuals from the region and beyond to expand our understanding of this complex part of the world and to contribute to the search for solutions to its most pressing policy challenges. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the aim of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples.
Job Description
MEI seeks a quantitatively-oriented social scientist with deep knowledge of the Middle East to join our team as an Assistant Director for Research. Reporting to and under the direction of the Faculty Director, this new position will lead the development and implementation of MEI’s in-house research portfolio. The successful candidate will also play a central role in exploring and developing new opportunities for collaborative projects and will become a key member of MEI’s leadership team, working closely with the Faculty Director to drive MEI’s intellectual output.
The successful candidate will be motivated, resourceful, a self-starter, and a team-player with the ability to meet deadlines, solve problems, track multiple projects and deliverables, and communicate clearly and professionally with a broad range of stakeholders—including donors, scholars, and research partners in the field. Experience leading research projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a must.
- Play a leading role in developing and managing MEI’s in-house research portfolio, including peer-reviewed research, policy briefs, and case studies to be used in teaching at Harvard and beyond.
- Design high quality systems for research management and ensure effective implementation. Key areas include IRB approval, secure data management, ethical use of human subjects in large field-based research studies, coding protocols, etc.
- Identify, assess and develop opportunities for new research engagements
- Directly contribute to the analytical and content-driven activities of MEI’s research work through collaboratively-authored background papers, policy briefs, case studies, and peer-reviewed research publications.
- Help build and expand partnerships with policy and research institutions and universities, contribute to building and maintaining productive relationships with current and potential funders, and effectively represent MEI and faculty researchers at relevant conferences and in meetings with senior policy partners
- Recruit, supervise, and mentor research assistants
- Play a key role in designing and implementing MEI research workshops and conferences
- Travel to the region as needed to manage field-based research activities
- Participate in selection processes for various MEI research programs, including fellowships and research awards
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- PhD in political science, economics, or sociology required.
- Minimum seven years professional work experience in conducting original research; a combination of doctoral-level education and experience may be considered.
- Experience leading research projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Ability to manage large research teams.
- Experience with statistical programming in either R or Stata.
- Experience conducting original research using the following methodologies:
- Elite interviews
- Commissioning and analyzing population surveys
- Conducting survey and field experiments
- Quantitative analysis of observational data, including popular social science datasets such as V-dem, the World Bank Governance Indicators, etc.
- Experience writing research and grant proposals.
- Experience shepherding research projects through Institutional Review Board and Peer Review.
- Fluency (reading and writing) in a regional language (Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or Hebrew) a strong plus.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong work ethic with the ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently.
- Excellent time-management skills
- Ability to treat sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Ability to forge strong collaborative working relationships with diverse constituencies and colleagues.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.