Vacancy Announcement: Managing Director
The Economic Research Forum (ERF) is seeking a Managing Director (MD) with a distinguished track record in economic research, familiarity with the Middle East and its economies, management experience, and fluency in Arabic and English.
ERF is an independent, non-profit regional research network operating in the Arab Countries, Iran, and Turkey (http://www.erf.org.eg). It is headquartered in Cairo. It has 25 staff members and an annual operating budget of US$4 million. Founded in 1993, ERF’s core mission is to enhance the production and dissemination of economic research in and about the region, as well as to build solid research capacity of its affiliates. It draws on its large pool of research associates and research fellows to produce independent, high-quality economic research, and to carry out well-structured training programs. Its output is disseminated through multiple platforms, including a refereed journal and various events and policy dialogues. The institution is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Job summary
The initial appointment of the MD is for up to five years, starting February 2026, and is renewable only once. The MD is accountable to the ERF Board of Trustees and is responsible for all executive functions of the institution: guiding and leading research activities, fund-raising, administrative and financial management, and the appointment of staff. The MD is expected to shape and lead the network’s strategic direction, expand its network of affiliates, reinforce its links with the academic and policy-making communities, and actively pursue funding for both research programs and the ERF endowment fund. All of the above will be carried out according to the rules embodied in the ERF charter.
Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing a strategic vision for ERF, along with the associated programs, actions, and funding for review and approval by the Board.
- Preparing and submitting annual work plans for review and approval by the Board of Trustees.
- Carrying out all day-to-day executive functions, including planning and supervision of research, training, and dissemination activities, management of administrative and financial functions of the ERF, and the appointment of staff.
- Mobilizing funds from current and new donors to enhance the ERF endowment and to generate adequate project funding, while ensuring the most effective use of the resources at the disposal of the ERF.
- Ensuring the effective functioning of the network of ERF affiliates and its various organs, while protecting the institution’s independence.
- Leading ERF communication efforts; working with and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Representing ERF legally as necessary, signing all contracts and agreements on behalf of the ERF, and delegating authority to various officers within the organization to ensure efficient management of ERF’s operations.
Required skills and qualifications
- A PhD degree in economics, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 15 years of experience in leadership positions, preferably within a non-profit, academic, or professional association.
- Demonstrated excellence across a spectrum of areas, including:
- Intellectual Leadership: Track record of setting and implementing a strategic vision, fostering innovation, and generating exciting novel ideas to guide an organization or field.
- Management & Financial Leadership: Expertise in organizational management, operational oversight, complex budget stewardship, and ability to develop high-performing teams.
- Funding Mobilization: Track record in fundraising, resource development, and knowledge of diverse funding sources.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage a network that represents the full diversity of the MENA region.
To apply, please fill in the application form at the following link:
https://erf.org.eg/managing-director-vacancy-application-form/
The application deadline: December 31, 2025