Expression of interest for becoming a MEDirections research trainer

The Middle East Directions Programme (MEDirections) is a research programme hosted by the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence (Italy). MEDirections promotes multidisciplinary research on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to address turbulent changes in the region that profoundly impact its peoples and cause repercussions for Europe. Based on fieldwork findings and collaboration with researchers from the region, MEDirections seeks the new paradigms and the new research focus that are needed to analyse the region and its on-going transformations to better guide policy-making. Middle East Directions is looking for a research trainer to mentor a team of Libyan policy analysts, in the framework of the Libya Initiative

Description of work

The MEDirections research trainer is expected to design and conduct periodic training sessions, comment on and edit draft papers and offer ongoing mentoring and support to the team. The research trainer would be based in Florence, Italy, with periodic travel to Tunisia (and potentially Libya, depending on the situation). The research trainer would work under a free-lance three month collaboration contract with the potential for extension, with a fee of approximately 9.000 euros.The research trainer would also have the opportunity to get involved in the wider research and training activities of the Middle East Directions team. 

The fee may be paid in different instalments, following the accomplishment of agree tasks. 

Subject to the availability of funds and the successful participation in a competition, an employment contract may succeed the free-lance contract. 

The research trainer would also have the opportunity to get involved in the wider research and training activities of the Middle East Directions team.

Interested candidates should submit their proposal consisting of two parts:

a) One page motivation letter;

b) Two pages CV.

Proposals should be submitted to the EUI by email to the attention of Mr. Donato Di Bartolomeo, MEDirections Programme Manager (donato.dibartolomeo@eui.eu).

Deadline for submission: 20 October 2019.

Extended deadline: 22 November 2019.

When deciding on the proposals, the EUI will take into account the following:

  • Native Arabic speaker with fluency in English. Ability to edit documents in Modern Standard Arabic is desirable.
  • Degree in a relevant social science (anthropology, political science, international relations or similar) with a strong background in qualitative research methods. An advanced degree would be desirable.
  • Very strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Knowledge of policy issues relevant to the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Knowledge of Libya in particular is highly desirable.
  • Experience of delivering training sessions.
  • Experience of advising or writing for policymakers.

For further information and informal queries you may contact MsVirginie Collombier, Director of the Libya Initiative (virginie.collombier@eui.eu).

Download the Call for Experts in PDF