[Hiring] Middle East, Regional Expert @ACLED

Role Description

ACLED seeks a Regional Expert on Gulf security politics who will assess how regional conflict dynamics shape the security politics and policy decisions of the Gulf states, and what those decisions mean for national security and business interests, including critical infrastructure, supply lines, trade corridors. The role covers the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — and their security relationships with Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Israel, the Horn of Africa, and other theaters where Gulf states project influence or face security challenges.

This is an opportunity to shape ACLED’s analysis of one of the world’s most consequential security environments.

• Analyze how conflict dynamics and security policy affect Gulf interests.
• Focus on analysis rather than raw data collection.
• Combine data with regional knowledge and policy network for analysis.
• Create clear, concise, and timely analyses informed by locally grounded information.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to surface new opportunities.
• Represent ACLED in international media and high-level venues.

As Regional Expert, you will:

• Be located within the Middle East regional team of the Global Data Collection department.
• Report to the Middle East Regional Team Lead.
• Work with other regional experts and teams on the Africa team.
• Engage with ACLED’s Risk Centre, External Affairs, Global Engagement, and Revenue teams.
• Work remotely with flexibility to travel to the Gulf states and wider region.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in international relations, political science, security studies, Middle East studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years of professional experience in political or security risk analysis, conflict research, or policy analysis focused on the Gulf or the wider Middle East.
• In-depth knowledge of Gulf security politics and the foreign and defense policies of the GCC states.
• An established network in Gulf or international policy circles.
• A record of published or client-facing analysis, such as risk assessments, policy briefs, or forecasts.
• Fluency in English, with excellent writing and briefing skills.
• Fluency in Arabic is necessary.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the Gulf states.
• Ability to work across time zones, with flexibility during crises.

Requirements

• Sound judgment grounded in evidence and reason.
• Rigor in assessing the reliability of sources and the validity of information.
• Ability to turn complex regional dynamics into concise, actionable analysis.
• Comfort engaging with senior government and private-sector stakeholders.
• An understanding of how businesses and governments use risk analysis to make decisions.
• Familiarity with conflict event data, ideally including ACLED data.
• Independence and good time management in a remote team.

Benefits

• The salary range for this position is 50,000-60,000 (USD) annually, depending on previous experience and seniority.
• Other benefits vary according to local legislation in the country of employment.

Terms

• Start Date: January 2027
• Type of Position: Remote, Full-Time Employment.

Applications

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your qualifications, experience, salary expectations, and home of record. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are advised to apply early.