Research Fellow in Development Economics or Public Administration

The Middle East Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organization with a focus on the processes of democratization and nation-building in the Middle East in general, and Kurdistan and Iraq in particular, through evidence-based research and engagement in policy debates. MERI is based in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

MERI is looking for a research fellow to join the Economics, Energy and Environment (EEE) programme, which focuses on evaluating the economic policies and strategies adopted within the region. The research aims to promote sustainable development, reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and contribute to the integration with the global trade networks.

In particular, the research fellow will have the opportunity to provide support to the key stakeholders and policy-makers in Kurdistan and the broader Iraq in promoting the necessary reforms in both the private and public sectors, that help the countries maximise their economic potential.

Job description

The job holder is responsible for:

• Identifying policy areas in which develop new policy research projects,
• Leading and managing the development of projects.
• Producing high quality reports, academic papers and journal articles based on the analysis of data and literature with a clear and engaging writing style.
• Working independently and autonomously on a number of research and policy projects simultaneously, as required.
• Managing external relationships with funders and other stakeholders that lead to the submission of funding for proposals.
• Presenting papers based on policy and research work to policy-makers, academics and other audiences including the media.

Person specifications

Candidates are expected to have:

• A postgraduate degree in Economics or International Development, preferably related to Public Administration, public policy, political economy, macroeconomics and microeconomics.
• Excellent writing and communicating skills in English.
• At least 3 years of experience of working on issues in international development, especially in the support and/or capacity-building to the public sector.
• Experience in project leadership and management, developing project proposals and raising funds.
• Ability to work independently while offering support to other members of the team.
• A proven track-record in policy-relevant research, including practical use of quantitative and qualitative research in policy-making.
• A track record in producing written material for different audiences (academic and policy environment and the general public), including policy reports, research papers and briefs.
• Demonstrated experience of working in multidisciplinary teams in a rapidly-moving environment with demanding clients.

Advantageous points

• Holding PhD degree in economics, international development or public policy.
• Policy research in developing countries.
• Work experience within internationally leading top think tanks.
• Work experience with, and broad network of, donors and funding bodies.
• Command of additional languages (other than English).

Seniority (RF or SRF) will be determined by the candidate’s level of experience in policy research, project management, fund raising and high impact publications.

More information available on www.meri-k.org; or from jobs@meri-k.org

Applicants must submit:

1. The Institute’s online application form (http://frmsrvr.meri-k.org/view.php?id=20648, or www.meri-k.org/careers),
2. An up-to-date CV and
3. A covering letter.

Contracts are for 2 years, renewable.

Salary:

• Research Fellow = $36,000 - $72,000 (tax free)

Post holders will be based in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Closing date: 30 April, 2016