[Hiring] Education & AI Policy Researcher @Manara

Role Description

We are looking for a Policy Researcher to support a regional initiative focused on the intersection of education, technology, and AI. The role will focus on understanding government priorities, policy and regulatory environments, institutional structures, and emerging developments that may influence the adoption of AI and technology within education systems across the MENA region. This is an applied research role. We are looking for someone who can go beyond collecting information and translate research into clear, practical insights and recommendations for program and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Research national policies, strategies, regulations, and government initiatives related to education, AI, digital transformation, and teacher development.
• Analyze how governments and education authorities are approaching AI adoption and responsible use within education.
• Identify relevant policy developments, opportunities, constraints, and potential risks.
• Map key government entities, ministries, education authorities, regulators, universities, and other relevant institutions.
• Identify key stakeholders, decision-makers, influencers, and potential institutional champions.
• Map existing government-led and institutional initiatives related to AI, digital education, and educator development.
• Analyze potential barriers and enablers to institutional adoption.
• Identify opportunities to align initiatives with national education and AI priorities.
• Develop recommendations for government and institutional engagement.
• Prepare concise briefing notes ahead of stakeholder meetings.
• Track relevant policy and regulatory developments throughout the engagement.
• Support the team in understanding potential pathways for long-term institutional adoption and sustainability.

Expected Deliverables

• Country-level policy and landscape briefs.
• Government and institutional stakeholder maps.
• National strategy and policy mapping.
• Mapping of relevant existing initiatives.
• Opportunity, barrier, and risk analysis.
• Stakeholder prioritization and engagement recommendations.
• Briefing notes for government and institutional meetings.
• Regular updates on relevant policy or regulatory developments.
• Strategic recommendations based on research findings.

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy, education policy, government affairs, international development, or policy research.
• Strong research and analytical skills, particularly in interpreting government strategies, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Good understanding of government and institutional ecosystems in the MENA region.
• Experience in education, technology, AI policy, digital transformation, or workforce development is highly desirable.
• Ability to translate complex research into clear recommendations for non-policy audiences.
• Strong stakeholder-mapping skills.
• Excellent written communication and ability to prepare concise executive-level briefs.
• Ability to work independently and manage research across multiple markets.
• Professional fluency in English; Arabic is strongly preferred.

Nice to Have

• Previous experience working with or researching Ministries of Education, government entities, education authorities, or universities.
• Experience in AI policy, responsible AI, EdTech, or digital education.
• Experience supporting regional or multi-country initiatives.
• Familiarity with public-sector decision-making and government engagement in MENA.

What Success Looks Like

The researcher provides the team with a clear understanding of the policy environment, government priorities, relevant stakeholders, potential barriers, and opportunities in each market. Research should enable the team to make better decisions, approach the right stakeholders, anticipate policy considerations, and identify realistic pathways for institutional adoption and long-term sustainability.