Director of Research

 Background

The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (M’ahad Abhath As-Syasat Al-Iatisadiya Al-Filistini)-MAS is a well-established scientific research institute that was founded in 1994 as an independent and non-profit institution to undertake high-quality socio-economic policy research. The aim of the research function and related activities is to improve understanding of the Palestinian economy, deal with its constraints and explore its potentials. Its overall aim is to assist policy-makers in designing evidence-based policies and foster public participation in the formulation of economic and socio-economic policies. MAS’s areas of research concentrate on macroeconomic, trade, fiscal, monetary, labor and social development, food security and related policies. It publishes over 20 policy studies plus Quarterly and Monthly Reports, Bulletins, Policy papers and organizes tens of Lectures, Symposiums and workshops.

The Vacancy

The position of Director of Research (DR) is vacant and MAS is seeking to employ a Senior Economist to supervise a versatile research program that responds to evolving needs and priorities and manage tasks among the MAS researchers assigned. The research function includes related activities, including managing public lectures, staff colloquia, workshops and presentation of research outcomes, roundtable meetings on topical issues, and specialized symposia and conferences. The appointment is effected by decision of the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Director General of MAS, after a probationary period of three months, for a one year period, renewable. 

Position Overview

The Director of Research (DR) is a management position reporting to the Director General (DG) of the
Institute. The DR will lead and oversee the research function, supervise the research teams and work closely with the resource mobilization and communication officers to help achieve the Institute’s fundraising and outreach goals. Candidates must demonstrate proven experience in conducting economic research, research design, research supervision, research team management and public communication skills in reporting research progress and results. Successful candidates should be able to assume a leadership role in conducting and managing day-to-day operations for various research with a keen eye on quality and research demand.

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• Overall supervision of the Research Department and related activities.
• Design of research programs and supervising their execution.
• Undertaking high-quality and economic policy research relevant to Palestinian conditions.
• Organize presentation of research, including at conferences and public meetings.
• Supervise the research staff.  Set research function and individual employee goals and provide routine evaluations of progress toward these goals.
• Overall supervision and mentoring of mid-level and junior researchers.
• Close follow-up on schedules for delivery of research outcomes.
• Identify and promote professional growth opportunities for staff.
• Ensure adherence to professional standards and ethics of research.

Required Qualifications

Academic Capacities

• PhD degree in Economics (preferably macro or development economics) with at least 8 years of research experience
• Record of relevant scholarly policy research and publications, including in peer reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated expertise and analytical skills in Economics and Political Economy.
• Previous research or familiarity with socio-economic and development conditions in Palestine and developing countries.

Managerial Capacities

• Demonstrated record of implementing principles of management, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, incentivization and effective work-flow management policies.
• An ability to think strategically, delegate responsibility, listen carefully, build consensus and communicate and advocate effectively. Ability to lead and to communicate effectively with researchers at various levels.
• Ability to appropriately communicate sensitive information.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-oriented working environment.
• Demonstrated record of initiative, problem solving, and adaptability.

Technical Capacities

• Expertise in data analysis; advanced computer skills, particularly data analysis and modelling programs.
• Native fluency/proficiency in Arabic and English with strong drafting and editorial skills in both languages.

Terms, Salary and Benefits

MAS offers one-year renewable contracts and would consider a longer term contract after a first successful year appointment. The salary is based on the unified scale of Palestinian universities with adjustments for different vacations and sabbatical leaves for senior academic positions. A special administrative allowance is added. Benefits include local health insurance. MAS encourages eligible international candidates to apply, assuming their ability to travel to and reside in Palestine.

Application Process - MAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and a cover letter elaborating on their interest in the position by 15 April 2024 to [email protected].

Only candidates who fully meet the Required Qualifications will be shortlisted and informed of subsequent written and oral evaluation.