Director of Research

About the role

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (AQF) is a philanthropic organization based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, supporting social, cultural and economic development through research, policy engagement, capacity development and community programming. The Director of Research is the Foundation's principal research leader and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping its research vision, strategy and impact agenda. The role leads a comprehensive research portfolio, from design and implementation to publication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the research strategy, priorities and annual agenda, and lead departmental planning, performance management and resource allocation.
• Oversee the production of research papers, policy briefs, reports, journals and other knowledge products, and promote thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements and dissemination.
• Serve as Co-Editor of the Gulf Education and Social Policy Review and support its development.
• Lead, mentor and develop the research team, including research associates, fellows, interns and visiting scholars, and support succession planning.
• Build partnerships with government entities, universities, think tanks, international organizations and philanthropic partners, and represent the Foundation at forums and conferences.
• Identify collaborative research, external funding and grant opportunities, and support policy dialogue and knowledge exchange.
• Establish research governance, quality assurance and ethical review processes, and monitor project performance and impact.
• Manage departmental budgets, prepare research proposals and funding applications, and present findings to stakeholders and policymakers.

Required profile

• PhD in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Development or a related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in research, policy, academia, philanthropy, think tanks or international development.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary research teams and complex projects, with a strong publication record.
• Experience managing research budgets and externally funded projects is highly desirable; UAE or GCC experience is an advantage.

Required skills

• Advanced research design and methodology (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods)
• Academic and policy writing, and research publications and knowledge dissemination
• Stakeholder and partnership management, and strategic planning
• Project and budget management, research ethics and quality assurance
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning; presentation and public communication