Deputy Director for Research (Environmental Politics Program)

Contractual terms: Consultancy
Duration: Full time
Location: Flexible

The Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) is seeking a qualified and experienced researcher for the role of Deputy Director for Research for its Environmental Politics Program. They will be responsible for managing research outputs, which involves supporting and coaching the research team (including in-house researchers or consultants), overseeing research and publications, ensuring robust methodology, timely responses and quality outputs. Reporting to the Director of the EPP Program, the Deputy Director plays a vital role in editing, reviewing, and refining research papers, reports, and policy briefs, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with the program strategic goals.

Background:

ARI, a leading policy research center dedicated to articulating a homegrown agenda for democratic change in Arab countries, is leading the Environmental Politics Program (EPP). This program is centered around the concept of “just transition”, which seeks to ensure that the benefits of a transition to a greener and more sustainable economy are shared widely and inclusively and that those who have been left out by the current economic system – communities suffering from environmental degradation, food insecurity, water shortages or those with little support for adapting or mitigating the impact of climate change – are not sidelined in the context of the coming transition. Just transition entails including all actors and segments of society, which encompasses women, youth and marginalized populations, such as refugees and migrant communities, in decision-making processes.

ARI’s Environmental Politics Program seeks to place the environment at the heart of research, policy, and activism in MENA. We approach the environment not simply as a set of natural resources, but also as a shared public space, a domain of public health, and an arena of political economy. For us, environmentalism is not a “technical” issue, but rather inseparable from MENA’s broader political and economic discussions, requiring regular and engaged dialogue between different constituencies and disciplines and an amplification of the voices of those most affected by environmental damage.

The program brings together a network of scholars, practitioners, and activists to:

  • Create a community of practice to share new ways of thinking about environmental conditions and challenges.
  • Foster regional collaborations among activists and movements advocating for environmental justice.
  • Showcase the experiences of local communities contending with environmental injustices; and Understand the impact of conflict and wars on the environment.

Role of the Deputy Director for Research:

Research Oversight and Methodological Guidance

  • Oversee the design and production of research outputs, working closely with researchers to define and monitor objectives and timelines.
  • Support researchers in developing robust methodologies and maintaining ethical standards in data collection and analysis.
  • Provide guidance on sourcing relevant data, enhancing the depth and rigor of research outputs.
  • Monitor the quality and consistency of research findings, ensuring alignment with the EPP strategy.

Editing and Quality Assurance

  • Review and edit program research papers, policy briefs, and reports to ensure high-quality content that adheres to ARI standards for clarity, rigor, and accuracy.
  • Provide constructive feedback to authors, guiding them through revisions and ensuring adherence to house style and academic and policy standards.
  • Manage the review process, liaising with internal and external reviewers when relevant.
  • Ensure that research publications effectively communicate insights to diverse audiences, including activists, policymakers, and the public.

Team Leadership and Strategic Planning

  • Supervise and mentor junior researchers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
  • Develop training sessions, workshops, or other resources to support team members in research and writing skills.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and recommend adjustments in research focus based on evolving policy or sectoral needs.

Key Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., political science, environment, public policy).
  • Minimum of 5–7 years in research and supervising research.
  • Strong familiarity and experience with environmental issues in the region
  • Experience in editing and managing publications within a university, think tank or policy-oriented organization.
  • Strong commitment to push a localized research agenda for a just environmental transition in the region.

Skills

Excellent editorial skills with an eye for detail and a clear, effective writing style. The ideal candidate will be able to edit in English and Arabic (or at least read Arabic texts).

Advanced communication skills to engage effectively with authors, reviewers, and external audiences.

Competencies

  • Ability to assess complex issues and present them with clarity and insight.
  • Proven experience leading and mentoring a research team and fostering a collaborative approach.
  • Comfortable adjusting priorities in response to evolving project needs.
  • High standard for quality and accuracy in both research content and editorial oversight.
  • Languages: English and Arabic. French is a plus.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit:

  • A detailed CV.
  • A cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications for the project.
  • Samples of previous work related to environmental policies and a list of relevant publications.

Application Deadline: January 20, 2025

How to Apply: Please send your application materials to recruitment@arab-reform.net and use the following subject line: "Application for EPP Deputy Director for Research”