Research Fellows at Middle East Research Institute

The Middle East Research Institute (MERI) is a newly established, independent, not-for-profit think tank organisation, focused on policy issues relating to the people, the land and the system of governance in the Middle East in general, and Kurdistan and Iraq in particular. It is based in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This Region is known as ‘The Other Iraq’ for its stability, security and economic prosperity. Kurdistan is a secular country and welcomes international visitors. For more info on Kurdistan Region, contact MERI or seek independent expert advice.

MERI’s mission is to contribute to the process of nation building and democratisation in the Middle East via engagement, research, analysis and policy debates.  Its key objective is to promote and develop human rights, democracy, good governance, the rule of law and social and economic prosperity.  MERI aspires to become a global leader in strategic research.

MERI seeks to appoint an experienced Research Fellow in any one of these five research Programme Directorates, including:

  A. International Politics and National Security [Code: J1011]
  B. Democracy and Governance [Code: J1015]
  C. Economics, Energy and Environment [Code: J1019]
  D. Health, Education and Public Services [Code: J1023]
  E. Community, Civil Society and Cultural Development [Code: J1027]

Job description

• Producing high quality reports, academic papers and journal articles of a publishable standard 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. 
• Identifying and developing new policy research projects, and obtaining funding for proposals (including academic, private and public sector) 
• Manage external relationships with funders and other stakeholders.
• Present papers based on policy and research work to policy-makers, academics and other audiences including the media. 

Person specifications: 

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant field 
• Excellent writing and communicating skills in English 
• Ability to work independently while offering support and guidance to more junior members of the research team.
• Demonstrable experience of, and solid track record in:
  • working on issues related to one of the Programme Directorates 
  • policy-relevant research, including practical use of a range of approaches to using evidence in policy-making 
  • high impact publications
  • producing high quality reports for publication in either an academic or policy environment. 
  • writing engaging articles, briefs and reports for different audiences; the dissemination of research and the presentation of results in an academic, public or policy setting. 
  • project leadership, developing project proposals and raising funds, Extensive experience in using evidence to contribute to practical policy debates, including practical experience of designing, implementing and supporting projects and programmes.
  • managing multidisciplinary teams in a rapidly-moving environment with demanding clients. Therefore, ability to manage and work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams on research, advisory work and public affairs would be required 

Seniority will be determined by level of experience in policy research, project management, fund raising and publication.

More information available on www.meri-k.org

Applicants should submit the Institute’s online application form and submit a CV and a covering letter to jobs@meri-k.org.

Closing date (Friday, 28 February, 2014).  
Interviews: Late March, in London, Washington or Erbil.
Contracts are for 2 years, renewable.
Salary: $36,000 - $72,000 (tax free)
Post holders will be based in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.