American Univesity of Beirut

Position: A full-time Research Assistant to work primarily but not exclusively on a project titled “PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING VIOLENT EXTREMISM THROUGH COMMUNITY RESILIENCE” (PAVE) within the Arab and International Affairs program at the AUB Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI).

The Research Assistant will be actively involved in research, field work, coordinating events and meetings, as well as other administrative activities under the supervision and support of the Program Coordinator.

This research position is based on a grant.

The Arab and International Affairs Program (AIA) studies general trends of world politics from the perspective of their influence on Arab realities. More specifically, it examines the impact of policies designed and pursued by major international actors, states and international organizations on policies in Arab countries. The program focuses on the analysis of foreign policies in Arab countries as they are shaped by regional and national developments. It seeks to contribute towards informing the making of foreign policy drawing on research-based activities, contacts with the diplomatic community and other exchanges with actors concerned.

This European funded Horizon 2020 research project PAVE aims to examine driving and mitigating factors of radicalization and violent extremism in the Balkans and MENA region. In the light of an increase in radicalism and violent extremism in Europe and worldwide, there is a growing need for a common political strategy and effective prevention measures. PAVE aims to tackle the global issue of radicalization by examining its root causes and driving factors. Based on a participatory and inter-regional approach, the project aims to advance evidence-based knowledge on violent extremism in the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the Western Balkans, and to strengthen the capacity of policy-makers and community leaders for an effective prevention strategy between the European Union and its neighbourhood.

Conduct desktop research and literature reviews related to the project;

Assist with the identification of key stakeholders in Lebanon to conduct interviews with;

Conduct interviews in Arabic, with experts and stakeholders across Lebanon and engage in data collection, field work and support the management of field assistants;

Process data, including transcription, translation from Arabic to English and editing, and back-translation of interviews, manuscripts, publications, and program related material in both English and Arabic, in a timely manner;

Support research team in data analysis;

Organize meetings, workshops, lectures, and conferences related to the project, under the supervision of the program coordinator;

Keep records of all relevant documents per research review board criteria

Assist the lead investigator and program coordinator in other relevant tasks, including providing administrative support;

Ability to work pro-actively, independently and efficiently.

Master’s degree in social sciences or a relevant field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree with relevant research experience will also be considered;

1 to 3 years work experience preferable;

Excellent command of English and Arabic is a must (spoken, read and written). Prior research experience in Arabic is a plus;

Prior research experience on violent extremism in Lebanon or relevant topic is preferred;

Good administrative and organizational skills;

Ability to work pro-actively, independently and efficiently;

Willing to do field research in all regions across Lebanon;

Experience using NVivo or other qualitative data analysis programs is a plus.

Applicants must send a cover letter, a CV, and the names of two references with full contact information to the Program Coordinator, Rudayna al-Baalbaky, at ra270@aub.edu.lb, no later than June 18, 2021, with the subject, “Research Assistant – PAVE”.

Kindly note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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