Director of Research

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (AQF) is a leading philanthropic organization based in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The Foundation supports the social, cultural, and economic development of RAK and the wider UAE through research, policy engagement, capacity development, and community programming.

The Director of Research serves as the Foundation's principal research leader and is responsible for shaping and advancing the Foundation's research vision, strategy, and impact agenda. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director provides intellectual, strategic, and operational leadership to ensure the Foundation produces high-quality, policy-relevant research that informs decision-making, contributes to knowledge generation, and supports the social, economic, educational, and community development of Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, and the wider region.

The Director leads the development and execution of a comprehensive research portfolio, overseeing research design, implementation, quality assurance, publication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement activities. The role is responsible for fostering a culture of research excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning while ensuring that all research activities meet the highest standards of rigor, integrity, and ethical practice.

The Director plays a critical role in strengthening the Foundation's position as a leading regional policy research institution, thought leadership, external engagement, and the development of impactful research initiatives. Working closely with government entities, academic institutions, international organizations, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders, the Director ensures that research outputs contribute meaningfully to public policy, practice, and community development.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished research leader with extensive experience in applied research, public policy, education, social sciences, or a related discipline, combined with a demonstrated track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex research portfolios, attracting research funding, and translating research into measurable social impact.

• Develop and implement the Foundation's research strategy, priorities, and annual research agenda in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide strategic, intellectual, and methodological leadership across all research initiatives.
• Identify emerging policy issues, research opportunities, and areas of strategic relevance to the Foundation.
• Ensure research activities contribute to evidence-informed decision-making and organizational impact.
• Lead departmental planning, performance management, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.

• Oversee the development and publication of high-quality research papers, policy briefs, reports, journals, and knowledge products.
• Promote a culture of research excellence and innovation across the Foundation.
• Strengthen the Foundation's reputation through thought leadership, publications, speaking engagements, and research dissemination activities.
• Ensure research findings are translated into practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as Co-Editor of the Gulf Education and Social Policy Review and support its strategic development and academic quality.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing research team.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous professional development.…