Research Program Coordinator Jobs

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Research Program Coordinator to join our team. Reporting to MEI’s Associate Director, this position plays a key role in curating and implementing MEI’s research and fellowship programs. Through the administration of these programs, this position establishes a diverse and exciting cohort of scholars each year and supports the intellectual trajectory of MEI’s scholarly output.

The ideal candidate is extremely organized and detail oriented, has excellent written and oral communication skills, enjoys working collaboratively on small teams, and wants to help create a robust intellectual community for some of the leading and emerging scholars on Middle East and North Africa public policy. The successful candidate will be a motivated and resourceful self-starter with the ability to meet deadlines, creatively and independently problem-solve, track multiple projects and deliverables, and communicate clearly with a broad range of MEI stakeholders including senior MEI leadership, faculty, distinguished guests, and students. The candidate will need to have a level of subject matter expertise and a substantive interest in the Middle East and North Africa, culture, and foreign policy. Proficiency in a regional language could be helpful but it’s not required. Experience and interest in higher education is ideal.
The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. MEI convenes policymakers, scholars, and intellectuals from the region and beyond to expand our understanding of this complex part of the world and to contribute to the search for solutions to its most pressing policy challenges. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, executive and graduate education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the aim of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples.

As part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, we believe that being a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right, but also central to our ability to achieve our mission. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply, and we do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, source of income, or status as a veteran.

Duties and Responsibilities include:
Research Programs: Coordinates, implements, and has direct responsibility for administration of MEI research programs, as well as faculty and student research grants. Duties, based on current programs, include:

• Completes all relevant forms and works with appropriate departments to appoint fellows and process research awards.
• Works with the Harvard International Office to procure visas for fellows as needed.
• May serve on committees for student degree fellowship selection.
• In collaboration with MEI’s Program and Communications Coordinator, drafts content for MEI website, newsletters, e-blasts, and reports.
• Builds linkages with research institutions and universities working on the Middle East.
• May represent MEI at Belfer and HKS student-focused events. - Other duties as required.
• Helps compile and works with Belfer Communications team to publish the MEI Research Series.
• Manages fellows’ arrival and onboarding, including acquainting them with campus life.
• Oversees application cycles and selection processes for research fellows, working closely with relevant faculty committees.
• Serves as principal administrative contact and liaison with other HKS and Harvard research programs.
• Administers application and award processes for faculty research and for student research and internship funding.
• Administers advertising, recruitment, and/or nomination strategies for resident and non-resident research appointments.
• Tracks faculty and student research progress reporting, fellowship evaluations, and fellowship alumni updates.

Events

• Organizes and staffs regular research fellows seminars.
• Works with MEI RAs and Program and Communications Coordinator to organize senior fellows’ study groups.
• May support event coordination and senior fellows as needed.

Executive Education

• Liaises with Executive Education to track, record, and ensure accurate payment of Executive Education fellowships funded through MEI.

Bachelor's Degree and a minimum three years professional work experience managing complex programs; a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with strong possibility of renewal.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Salary Range: $58,965 - $93,830
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.