Dr. Nader Said, AWRAD’s President, is considered a pioneer in his field – locally, regionally and internationally. Dr. Said’s expertise derives from his academic and research experience in United States universities, earning an M.A. in Economics and a Ph.D. in Sociology, with a focus on sociology of development and research methodology. Dr. Said boasts over two decades of experience in survey research, consultancy and development projects and exhibits excellent skills and capabilities to lead, conceptualize, design tools, manage field work and present results to key senior level actors and donors. His work on four exit polls in Palestinian elections was considered ground-breaking in social sciences within the Arab region. As a result of his capabilities, Dr. Said has been requested to lead research, projects and trainings for a variety of donors across the region. He has extensive research, survey and project implementation experience in Palestine, Libya, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Pakistan. In his regional work, he has endeavored to create a culture of polling and democracy, as well as boost the technical capacities of regional partners so they can serve as advocates. Throughout Dr. Said’s professional career, he has conducted copious work on democracy, public sector reform, education, gender analysis, development and human rights and, finally, the assessment of marginalization in the Palestinian context.
Dr. Said has exceptional experience in developing national and sectoral strategies for the future, with a particular emphasis on transition. In his professional career, Dr. Said served as the team leader and main author for four separate Human Development Reports. In this capacity, Dr. Said assessed the current state of several critical dimensions, such as human security and human development, later crafting these indicators and data into actionable recommendations. Furthermore, Dr. Said served as one of the main developers for the National Development Plan, 2014-2016 proposing feasible strategies to improve Palestinian institutions, improve the relationship between the government and communities, and, ultimately, continue the endeavor of state building in Palestine. At the helm of AWRAD, he has initiated and supervised the implementation of hundreds of opinion polls and social surveys in Palestine and the region over the last 20 years. AWRAD has conducted these polls on a regular basis, and the results have been cited by governmental and non-governmental professionals, as well as referenced in reputable newspapers and periodicals. Under Dr. Said’s leadership, these polls have addressed some of the most sensitive contemporary issues, such as the ongoing peace process, as well as the daily life of Palestinians in a manner designed to accommodate changing circumstances.