Center Director – Center for Energy and Natural Resources (CENR)

Full-time

Staff positions

October 16, 2025


The Center for Energy and Natural Resources (CENR) is a newly established research and policy hub at AUIS dedicated to advancing Iraq’s energy future through rigorous research, informed policy development, and capacity-building initiatives. The Center Director will serve as the senior leader responsible for developing and implementing CENR’s strategic vision, overseeing research and engagement activities, managing partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability through fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision:

  • Develop and implement CENR’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with AUIS’s mission and Iraq’s energy sector needs.
  • Oversee all programmatic areas including research, stakeholder engagement, and education/capacity-building initiatives.
  • Establish CENR as Iraq’s leading center for energy policy research and dialogue.

2. Research and Policy Development:

  • Direct and supervise cutting-edge research in energy security and economics, legal/governance frameworks, and the energy-water-environment nexus.
  • Commission and publish research outputs including policy briefs, reports, and recommendations for government, industry, and civil society.
  • Ensure all research meets high academic and practical policy standards.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:

  • Lead high-level engagement with policymakers, energy companies, civil society, and international partners.
  • Represent CENR at conferences, forums, and media platforms, promoting public dialogue on Iraq’s energy challenges.
  • Organize and host CENR’s Annual Energy Policy Summit, regular dialogue forums, and workshops.

4. Education and Capacity Building:

  • Collaborate with AUIS faculty to design and integrate energy policy and sustainability curricula into academic programs.
  • Develop executive education programs and professional certification courses for government officials, industry leaders, and civil society actors.
  • Oversee fellowship programs for students and early-career professionals to nurture future energy leaders.
  • Maintain teaching capacity for undergraduate courses in the future. While not an immediate requirement, the Center Director may be requested to teach courses in energy policy, energy engineering, sustainability, or related fields in upcoming academic semesters.

5. Fundraising, Grants, and Financial Sustainability:

  • Lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts, ensuring sustainable financial resources for CENR.
  • Aggressively seek and secure major grants and funding opportunities not only for CENR but also for AUIS as a whole, working closely with AUIS leadership and development teams. This includes proactively identifying grant opportunities, writing proposals, and building relationships with regional and international funding agencies.
  • Identify and cultivate partnerships with regional and international stakeholders, research institutions, and multilateral organizations.
  • Oversee budget planning and ensure efficient resource utilization in line with the Center’s mission.

6. Organizational and Team Leadership:

  • Recruit, supervise, and mentor CENR staff, including senior researchers, program managers, administrative staff, and fellows.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment that encourages innovation and high performance.
  • Report regularly to AUIS leadership and the CENR Advisory Board on progress and strategic priorities.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in energy policy, economics, political science, environmental studies, or related field.
  • 10+ years of senior-level experience in energy policy, research, academia, or government with demonstrated leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
  • Proven track record of fundraising, donor engagement, and grant acquisition with government, private sector, or international organizations.
  • Strong understanding of Iraq’s energy landscape, legal/regulatory frameworks, and regional energy dynamics.
  • Demonstrated experience in public policy advocacy, research publication, and thought leadership.
  • Exceptional communication skills and ability to engage effectively with policymakers, academia, industry leaders, and the public.
  • Fluency in English required; Arabic and/or Kurdish preferred.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to anticipate energy trends and policy needs.
  • Strong leadership, team management, and organizational development skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships across local, regional, and international levels.
  • Commitment to AUIS’s values of academic excellence, transparency, and sustainable development.

Compensation: 

The compensation package is competitive and includes base salary and benefits.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit the following documents via email, with “Center Director (CENR)” in the subject line, to [email protected]:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae

No telephone calls, please. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for a follow-up interview. AUIS is an Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity employer that believes cultural diversity is essential to education.


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