American University of Beirut

Research Assistants - Developing Beliefs and Religious Cognition

Applications are invited for up to four Research Assistant (RA) positions to assist Dr. Tamer Amin (AUB) and Dr. Maliki Ghossainy (Boston University) with research on developing concepts and beliefs and religious cognition in Lebanon. This work is being conducted in coordination with the Developing Belief Network, an international team of researchers examining the cognitive and cultural factors influencing the development of concepts and beliefs, with a particular emphasis on the domain of religion. The RA positions are for up to 9 months (September 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025, but start dates can be discussed). RAs hired for this position will be expected to dedicate up to 20 hours per week to this role.

• Participating in recruitment of families from diverse backgrounds across different regions in Lebanon
• Heavy involvement in data collection, including interviewing children aged 4-13, administering surveys, uploading all video and audio recordings
• Transcribing child interviews in Arabic and English
• Creating study stimuli
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Attending regular research team meetings
• Other research tasks as needed
• Allocating up to 20 hours per week to this position

• BA/BS (with preference for psychology, education, or other social science)
• Native fluency in Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic and Lebanese dialect) and excellent command of English (oral and written). At least one position will be filled by someone fluent in French (oral and written)
• Ability to translate between English or French, and Arabic (MSA and Lebanese dialect)
• Clear and effective communicator (oral and written)
• High level of maturity, punctuality, and strong work ethic
• Attention to detail is extremely important for this position

• Prior experience working with children
• Proficiency in French (oral and written)
• Interested in or currently pursuing graduate studies
• Previous research experience (including qualitative and/or qualitative data analysis)
• Ability to manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and appointments for research participants
• Organized, self-starter, and ability to work under time constraints
• Ability to work some weekends
• Access to a private car

• Interested candidates should send their applications (Letter of Interest, CV, and a writing sample) via email to Dr. Tamer Amin (tamer.amin@aub.edu.lb) & Dr. Maliki​​ Ghossainy (malikig@bu.edu)
• Review of applications will begin on August 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled
• At least 2 letters of recommendation should be sent separately by the recommenders directly to Drs. Amin and Ghossainy

Coordinator of the Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health for humanitarian settings in the Middle East and North Africa

The American University of Beirut (AUB) and Save the Children developed the Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health for humanitarian settings in the Middle East and North Africa (Dip CAMH) as an academic post-graduate training program for mid-senior mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) practitioners working in the region. The Dip CAMH aims to help strengthen the capacity of MHPSS practitioners, and contribute to reducing the gap in accessing CAMH-focused MHPSS in contexts affected by conflict and/or displacement in the Middle East and North Africa.

The American University of Beirut (AUB) is an institution of higher learning founded to provide excellence in education, to participate in the advancement of knowledge through research, and to serve the peoples of the Middle East and beyond. Chartered in New York State in 1863, the university bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. The university believes deeply in and encourages freedom of thought and expression and seeks to foster tolerance and respect for diversity and dialogue.

The DipCAMH was developed by a range of regional experienced researchers and practitioners, based on an extensive needs assessment of knowledge and competency gaps for specialists and non-specialist MHPSS providers. There are a total of 8 courses, each 10 weeks long, 3 hours per week. The content is designed to be delivered online and in Arabic. Students will then receive 10 weeks of practice-based supervision in order to apply learning and demonstrate competencies in their real-world setting.

The Dip CAMH will be delivered for this first pilot year in collaboration with the Continuing Education Center (CEC) at the AUB, the Psychology Department at AUB, and Save the Children. Supervisors will also be invited to provide feedback on their experience, to refine the Dip CAMH for future years.

The courses are listed here:

Semester 1 (Fall 2024)

• Child and adolescent mental health (asynchronous)
• Child development: strengths and challenges (asynchronous)
• Screening and assessment of child and adolescent mental health and development
• Evidence-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support interventions and contextual adaptation

• Competency/skills course: Working with children and adolescents I (individuals)
• Competency/skills course: Working with children and adolescents II (groups)
• Competency/skills course: Working with parents, families and the wider community
• Ethics and human rights in practice

2. Roles and responsibilities

• The Dip CAMH Coordinator will work within the project team to coordinate all aspects of the implementation of the Dip CAMH– with support from the CEC, Psychology Department and Save the Children
• They will be responsible for
• Coordinating communication between CEC, Psychology, Save the Children and students
• Supporting instructors to ensure content and materials are delivered on track
• Managing and supporting administrative tasks, such as setting up meetings, responding to students, taking minutes, or liaising with the office of grants and contracts
• Monitoring the timeline and ensuring students progress smoothly
• Participating in regular coordination meetings with the project team
• Troubleshooting for students and instructors
• Supporting marketing and student recruitment efforts
• Supporting in the preparation of donor reports, and budget management
• Supporting in the evaluation of the Dip CAMH
• Supporting data management and synthesis of data, and preparation of reports and presentations, as needed for the project
  
  

The Dip CAMH Coordinator will report to Tania Bosqui at the American University of Beirut (tb33@aub.edu.lb).​

• Essential:
  • At least Masters level degree in relevant field (e.g. Psychology, Nursing, Education, Public Health, Social Sciences), or equivalent experience
  • At least 2 years’ experience in leading or coordinating projects in a relevant field (i.e. mental health, psychosocial support, education, and/or child protection)
  • Extensive experience working within humanitarian settings and affected populations
  • Proven track record in completing project cycles
  • Experience in managing data
  • Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) and Arabic (oral and written)
  • Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision
  • Reliable and able to work to tight deadlines
  • Available for the project duration
    
    
• Desirable:
  • Previous experience with child and adolescent mental health
  • Previous experience with EQUIP or other practitioner competency tools
    
    

Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Beirut. Note that remote working is negotiable.

The position needs to be filled by the end of August 2024, and has a duration of 14 months, with the possibility of renewal after that. A two-month probation period will need to be passed.

The Dip CAMH Coordinator will receive 1,500 USD per month in gross salary on a part-time 75% basis (3.5 days per week).

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by sending their CV and a one-page motivation letter to Tania Bosqui: tb33@aub.edu.lb

Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis.