Director of Research (DR)
MAS is seeking to engage a highly motivated Senior Economist to lead its versatile research team
The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (M’ahad Abhath As-Syasat Al-Iqtisadiya 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 macroeconomics, 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, Symposia, and workshops.
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 while managing tasks among the MAS researchers assigned. The research function includes related activities, including managing public lectures, staff colloquia, workshops, and presentation of research outcomes, conducting roundtable meetings on topical issues, and specialized symposia and conferences. The DR shall act as the Deputy Director and carry out the duties and responsibilities delegated to him by the Director General during the latter’s absence. The appointment will take effect by the decision of MAS’s Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Director General of MAS, for a one-year period, renewable.
The Director of Research (DR) is a management position reporting to the Director General (DG) of the Institute. The DR leads and oversees the research function, supervises the research teams, and works 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 projects with a keen eye on quality and research demand.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Overall supervision of the Research Department and related activities.
- Designing research programs and supervising their execution.
- Undertaking high-quality and economic policy research relevant to Palestinian conditions.
- Organizing presentation of research, including at conferences and public meetings.
- Supervising the research staff. Setting research function and individual employee goals and providing 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.
- Any additional duties or responsibilities outlined in the Institute's Bylaws.
Academic Capacities
- PhD degree in Economics with at least 8 years of research experience.
- Record of relevant scholarly policy research and publications, including in peerreviewed journals.
- Demonstrated expertise and analytical skills in macroeconomics and political economy of development.
- 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 workflow 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 in data analysis and modelling programs.
- Native fluency/proficiency in Arabic and English with strong drafting and editorial skills in both languages.
MAS offers one-year renewable contracts and would consider a longer-term contract after a first successful year of 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.
MAS premises, Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine
Starting Date: 1 January 2026.
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 30 June 2025 to hr@mas.ps.
Only candidates who fully meet the Required Qualifications will be shortlisted and informed of subsequent written and oral evaluation by August 2025.