Institution
The Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani
Position Type
This is a commissioned Senior Contributor role, with compensation provided on a fee-per-report basis. It is not a full-time or consultancy position.
Location
Candidates may be based in the Gulf or Iraq, provided they have strong familiarity with Iraq–GCC economic relations, including trade, investment flows, infrastructure connectivity, and regulatory frameworks.
Overview
The Iraq Economic Review (IER) is an independent platform that produces rigorous, policy-relevant economic analysis on Iraq. It engages policymakers, civil society actors, and researchers, and examines economic dynamics at the local, national, and regional levels. A core focus of the IER is on how Iraq’s economic trajectory is shaped by its regional relationships, particularly through trade, energy linkages, and infrastructure development.
IRIS is seeking a Senior Contributor to examine how economic strategies and investment patterns across the Gulf are shaping Iraq’s integration into regional markets. The work will focus on the role of GCC states in Iraq’s evolving economic landscape, including their participation in large-scale infrastructure initiatives such as the Development Road, as well as broader dynamics of trade, finance, and connectivity.
Scope of Work
The selected contributor will produce two analytical pieces: (1) The first will examine how Iraq–GCC trade and investment flows are evolving in the context of regional economic diversification strategies, with attention to sectors such as energy, logistics, and infrastructure. (2) The second will assess the role of GCC actors in the Development Road, including financing, infrastructure integration, and regulatory coordination across corridors linking the Gulf to Iraq and beyond.
Across both pieces, the contributor is expected to analyze the political economy of Iraq–GCC economic engagement, including constraints on investment, institutional bottlenecks, and the role of state and quasi-state actors. The work should also examine logistics networks, transport corridors, and emerging connectivity projects linking Iraq to Gulf markets. Contributions should draw on interviews with investors, policymakers, and private sector actors, and should provide grounded insight into how economic integration functions in practice.
Profile
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in Iraq–GCC economic relations and a strong understanding of regional trade and investment systems. They should be familiar with infrastructure development, logistics, and Gulf economic policy, and capable of analyzing both formal frameworks and informal dynamics. Experience producing high-quality, policy-oriented analysis is essential.
Deliverables
The contributor will submit two written pieces, each between 1,500 and 3,000 words, depending on format and editorial direction. The contributor will also be expected to engage in an iterative editorial process to refine the analysis for publication.
Compensation
Compensation will be provided as a fee per accepted contribution, with payment made upon final approval of each piece.
Application
Interested candidates should submit a short statement of interest of 300 to 400 words, outlining relevant expertise and proposed angles for the two contributions. Applicants should also include a CV and one writing sample. Applications should be sent to [email protected].
