JOINT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM WITH THE ISSAM FARES INSTITUTE

Middle East Council on Global Affairs
  • Location
    Doha, Qatar
  • Sector
    Non Profit
  • Experience
    Early Career / Mid Career / Advanced
  • Apply by
    Jun-30-2023
  • Posted
    May 24

Position description

About the Middle East Council on Global Affairs

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) is an independent, non-profit policy research institution based in Doha, Qatar. ME Council conducts policy-relevant research, convenes meetings, and dialogues and engages policy actors on geopolitical and socioeconomic issues facing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. ME Council serves as a bridge between the MENA region and the rest of the world, providing a regional perspective on global policy issues and establishing partnerships with other leading research institutions and development organizations across the MENA region and the world.

About the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy & International Affairs

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Inaugurated in 2006, the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) at the American University of Beirut is an independent, research-based, policy-oriented institute. It aims to initiate and develop policy-relevant research in and about the Arab world, as well as inform policy-making processes and influence the public debate. The institute aims to bridge the gap between academia and policymaking by conducting high quality research on the complex issues and challenges faced by Lebanese and Arab societies within shifting international and global contexts.

About the Joint Fellowship

Joint fellows will have the opportunity to reside in Doha and Beirut over the course of 6 to 12 months. The specific duration of time spent in each location will be determined through mutual agreement between the fellow and both institutions.

Joint fellows are expected to publish their research, interact with other scholars, present their research at events, engage with policymakers and the media, and contribute to the activities of the ME Council and IFI while in Doha and Beirut.

Candidates with a focus in Public Policy and International Affairs are encouraged to apply.

Research

Joint fellows pursue their own research agenda and contribute to ME Council and IFI’s research output by producing at least two research outputs on a topic of their choice to be agreed on. The research output type can be policy-oriented papers, briefs, and notes ranging in length between 1,500 – 5,500 words. The primary language of publication is English. Final reports will be published in both English and Arabic.

Alongside their individual research papers, joint fellows are expected to be active members of the ME Council and IFI communities, engaging with their colleagues, participating in public events, monthly meetings, policy roundtables, and contributing op-eds covering relevant, current policy issues. Joint fellows will have the opportunity to engage with policymakers, academics, government officials, business leaders, and journalists.

The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, to cover the costs of living and research while in Doha and Beirut. ME Council will cover the cost of travel to Doha and Beirut and a return ticket home.

Joint fellows must be available for a full-time affiliation with IFI and ME Council during the fellowship.

Qualifications

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should have (1) a Ph.D. in a field relevant to the area of research or (2) an advanced / graduate degree with at least five years of professional experience in a relevant field. They must have a demonstrated ability to conduct professional, in-depth research and a proven record of publishing and fluency in English. Working knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Application instructions

Applicants should submit the following documents:

  • A CV including professional and educational experience, three references, full contact information, and a list of publications.
  • A writing sample (no more than 6,000 words) in English. Writing samples should, if possible, be in a format similar to the policy papers published by The Middle East Council and must not be co-authored.
  • An original research proposal of between 800 and 1,000 words long. The proposal should include the key questions to be addressed, relevance to policymakers, methods of research, and estimated timeline.
  • A cover letter, along with any additional information, that should include the preferred start date and fellowship duration (between 6 and 12 months).

Note

  • The submission deadline is June 30, 2023.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered.