Researcher: CADE MENA Case Study 2026—AI Regulations and Ethics

1. Scope of Work and Responsibilities:

SMEX is seeking a researcher with regional expertise and in-depth knowledge of the AI, ethics, and regulatory landscape across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt. The researcher should have strong research and analytical skills with a proven ability to map and identify regulatory activities related to AI, and assess their implications on human rights and civil society work. The researcher should also possess excellent communication skills: the ability to write and present complex policy concepts in accessible and straightforward language for diverse audiences.

• Review and analyze current national AI strategies, trends toward formal regulation and ethics, and the intersection of AI and cloud computing trends across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt.
• Map and document CSO involvement in AI policies and regulations development.
• Identify and document CSO advocacy efforts, including awareness-raising, coalition-building, and direct/grassroots lobbying.
• Explore how governments in the target countries are currently managing civil society organizations' involvement in shaping AI ethics and policy.
• Assess the efficacy and impact of CSO efforts, determining whether influence remains minimal or symbolic.
• Investigate the implications of AI regulations on privacy, data protection, safety, and security, and their specific impact on humanitarian and CSO work.
• Write the research brief, ensuring clear language and including comprehensive recommendations for governments, CSOs, and international businesses (business and human rights concept).
• Work closely with the SMEX team, submitting drafts for review, adjusting, and editing based on internal feedback.
• Produce a final research document ready for publication and promotion.

2. Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Computer Science etc.).
• Familiarity with SMEX's core work and a shared commitment to human rights values, including privacy, users’ rights, digital surveillance, data protection, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
• Demonstrated experience in governance research or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience in writing and publishing research reports, policy briefs, or academic papers on governance-related topics.
• Experience in governance best practices as well as governance models and legal context.
• Proven ability in gathering intelligence from publicly available sources, including industry reports, online forums, and specialized databases. 
• Proficient in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including conducting interviews, reviewing analytical reports, and designing surveys to assess impact.
• Strong ability to assess source reliability, verify information, and identify disinformation or misleading data.
• Strong command of both Arabic and English, enabling the review of regional legislation, even when English translations are unavailable.

3. Behavioral Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Time Management and commitment

4. Additional Information:

• Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
• Office Presence: Hybrid/Remote
• Employment Status: Consultancy    
• Reporting Line: Media Program Manager/Project Lead
• Duration: 4 months 
• Salary: A total of $3,000 (payment upon deliverables)