Quick Job Summary
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Position: Research Program Director / Research Agenda Lead
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Location: Doha, Qatar
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Job Type: Full-Time | On-site
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Organization: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
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Experience Required: Minimum 8 Years (Research Leadership)
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Qualification: PhD (Mandatory)
About the Organization
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a globally respected research-driven institution based in Doha, Qatar, operating under the Qatar Foundation ecosystem. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and policy-relevant scholarship across social sciences, international relations, and global studies.
The Gulf International Studies and Research (GISR) initiatives at HBKU play a critical role in shaping evidence-based research, policy dialogue, and global academic collaboration. To strengthen its research leadership and execution capacity, HBKU is seeking an experienced research professional to lead and manage the institute’s research agenda.
Role Overview
The Research Program Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of the Institute’s research strategy, working closely with the Executive Director. This role requires a senior research leader with proven experience in managing large research programs, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and delivering high-quality academic and policy outputs.
The successful candidate will ensure that research initiatives align with institutional priorities, international standards, and ethical guidelines while maintaining operational excellence and research impact.
Key Responsibilities
In this leadership role, you will be accountable for the strategic, operational, and academic success of the Institute’s research portfolio, including:
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Developing an annual research strategy and detailed action plan aligned with the Institute’s priorities
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Designing frameworks and performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of research programs
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Preparing and overseeing policies and procedures related to research governance, ethics, and project management
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Managing the administrative and operational aspects of research projects, including supervising thematic managers and research fellows
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Supporting the Executive Director in commissioning new research initiatives and coordinating ongoing projects
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Monitoring project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and budgets, and reporting progress to senior leadership
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Conducting independent research and publishing outputs such as peer-reviewed journal articles and opinion pieces in internationally recognized platforms
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Writing and reviewing research proposals, policy briefs, analytical reports, and presentations
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Leading research programs from conceptualization to completion, ensuring quality, relevance, and timeliness
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Providing day-to-day guidance and support to GISR research staff
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Managing workload distribution among research staff and adjusting allocations based on evolving project requirements
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Reviewing research applications and contributing to ethics approval processes
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Evaluating project outcomes against predefined objectives and submitting detailed reports to the Executive Director
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Ensuring all research activities comply with local regulations, international standards, and internal institutional policies
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Contributing to the performance review and professional development of research staff
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Identifying research capacity-building opportunities, funding calls, and skill development initiatives
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Coordinating with internal HBKU departments to support smooth research operations and institutional collaboration
Required Qualifications & Experience
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
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PhD in a relevant academic discipline (mandatory)
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Minimum 8 years of experience in a senior research leadership or managerial role
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Prior experience in an internationally recognized think tank, research institute, or large academic organization is highly preferred
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Proven ability to initiate, manage, and monitor complex research projects
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Strong publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals
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Demonstrated expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
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Experience in research monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
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Familiarity with institutional research operations and support services
Skills & Competencies
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Exceptional research, analytical, and academic writing skills
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Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities
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Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
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Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely
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High attention to detail and strong ethical standards
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Proven leadership and team management capabilities
Why Join HBKU?
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Be part of a prestigious research-focused university in the Middle East
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Lead impactful research with regional and global relevance
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Collaborate with international scholars and policy experts
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Access a dynamic academic environment with long-term growth opportunities
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their CV and relevant research portfolio via email.
Email Subject: Research Program Director – HBKU Qatar
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