Career Opportunities

Director of the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW)

This position is no longer open.

The Lebanese American University (LAU) has extended the deadline for applications for the position of Director of the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW). Established in 1973, IWSAW is committed to pioneering academic education and research on women in the Arab world. The Institute seeks to empower women through development programs, community education, and policy change regarding women’s rights in the region. More information about the IWSAW can be found at: http://iwsaw.lau.edu.lb/.

The Director will be entrusted with establishing the vision and strategy to take IWSAW to the next level of excellence. The Director will liaise and collaborate with similar institutes, pertinent non-governmental organizations, and policy makers locally, regionally and internationally. She/he will identify and strengthen links with donors to increase support for IWSAW’s programs. She/he also will spearhead new research initiatives to address regional women’s and gender issues, engaging IWSAW and LAU faculty, staff and students in scholarly work. The Director is expected to possess strong communication skills in English and Arabic.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

  1. Oversee implementation of the recently established M.A. program in Women and Gender   Studies.
  2. Partner with LAU faculty to strengthen the gender component in graduate and undergraduate programs.
  3. Organize conferences, workshops, and seminars that raise awareness and build capacity for addressing women’s issues in Lebanon and the region.  
  4. Oversee the publication and enhancement of Al-Raida, the Institute’s journal.
  5. Manage the Institute’s human and capital resources.
  6. Represent IWSAW at regional and international forums that address women’s and gender issues.
  7. Serve on and support IWSAW’s Advisory Board.

Candidates for the position should hold a PhD and have an established record of accomplishment in the area of women’s and gender studies or a related discipline. The Director will have a faculty appointment in the School most appropriate for her/his discipline. She/he will be expected to teach and contribute to the work of that school. Furthermore, the Director reports to the Provost on academic matters and to the President on other issues pertaining to the Institute. The initial 3-year appointment will be at a rank commensurate with the academic background and qualifications.

LAU (www.lau.edu.lb) is an Equal Opportunity Employer operating in Lebanon under a charter from the Regents of the State University of New York, and is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Submit applications electronically to the Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, apaa@lau.edu.lb. Refer to position no. IWSAW-14-1. Applications should include a cover letter describing teaching, research, grant writing and community outreach experiences, a detailed CV, and names and contact information for at least four references.

Start date for the appointment is September 2015. Review of applicants will begin on January 15, 2015, and continue until the position is filled.