Rihla Initiative Regional Coordinator – Middle East and North Africa (2025)

Key Details:

• Title: Rihla Initiative Regional Coordinator – Middle East and North Africa

• Type: Part-Time Consultancy Contract

• Consultancy Period: March 2025 - March 2026 (12 months, with potential extension to 18 months)

• Compensation: $9,600 over 12 months

• Application Deadline: January 28, 2025

About the Opportunity:

The Bourse & Bazaar Foundation is seeking a Regional Coordinator to support the implementation of the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth, a unique project focused on green industrial policies, fostering investment, and promoting collaboration between the Gulf—especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—and countries in four regions around the world.

The Regional Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa will act as the primary point of contact for approximately 20 stakeholders from the region involved in the Rihla Initiative. Stakeholders will participate in either the Policy or Technical Council of the initiative and will meet virtually and in person during the period of the initiative. Council members will include individuals with policy, technical, and financial expertise on issues related to green investment, sustainable development, and climate resilience.

In addition, the Regional Coordinator will work closely with the initiative’s director to assist in facilitating partnerships, organizing convenings, and contributing to research and advocacy. This role is ideal for individuals with deep expertise in the region’s political, economic, and environmental landscape, along with a strong interest in fostering green growth across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Responsibilities:

• Regional Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with regional stakeholders, including policymakers, private sector leaders, and institutions.

  • Identify and pursue partnerships with regional think tanks and development organizations.

  • Act as the Rihla Initiative’s representative in the wider Middle East and North Africa region, ensuring alignment between regional priorities and the initiative’s objectives.

• Council Coordination

  • Facilitate communication and collaboration among council members across the Middle East and North Africa.

  • Organize and coordinate virtual and in-person convenings for the Policy and Commercial/Technical Councils.

  • Support council members in operationalizing policy frameworks for real-world climate finance projects. 

• Research and Advocacy

  • Produce region-specific reports, policy briefs, and memos on topics such as green energy, sustainability policy, and climate adaptation.

  • Develop actionable recommendations linking Gulf investments with regional needs and opportunities.

  • Participate in conferences, workshops, and media engagements to disseminate research and promote the Rihla Initiative’s work.

• Administration

  • Oversee the implementation of initiative activities in the region, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.

  • Contribute to grant proposals and funding applications with a focus on regional opportunities.

  • Maintain organized records of activities, partnerships, and outputs.

Eligibility:

• Regional Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in the political, economic, and environmental dynamics of Middle East and North Africa. A strong network of contacts in the region is highly desirable.

• Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, international relations, economics, or development studies. Graduate students may also apply.

• Experience: Experience in project coordination, partnership building, or policy research. Previous work with think tanks, NGOs, or regional institutions is a bonus.

• Language Skills: Advanced English proficiency is required. Proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.

• Location: Applicants based in the Middle East and North Africa or with significant experience working in the region will be given preference.

How to Apply:

• Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, January 28, 2025

• Candidates should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and one letter of reference.

• Candidates should also provide a writing sample, preferably one relevant to green growth or sustainable development.

• Applications should be emailed to Mehran Haghirian at mehran [at] bourseandbazaar [dot] com.

• Please include the word COORDINATOR – MENA and your LAST NAME in all caps in the subject line of your email. Your application will be acknowledged when received.

About the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation:

The Bourse & Bazaar Foundation is a think tank committed to economic development, economic diplomacy, and economic justice in the Middle East and Central Asia. Established in October 2020 as a non-profit entity in the United Kingdom, the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation began as a blog website of the same name in 2015. B&BF has been unique in its efforts to foreground economic issues in policymaking in the Middle East and Central Asia.