Member Spotlight: Dr. Saja Al-Zoubi

• Board Member at the Syrian American Academic Society (SAAS)
• Economic Development Expert

Dr. Saja Al-Zoubi is an economic development expert specializing in gender issues, forced migration, and development studies, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, she has dedicated her efforts to improving livelihoods, food security, and resilience among conflict-affected populations, particularly internally displaced persons, refugees, and female-headed households. Her research also addresses gender-based violence, education, youth capacity building, and host countries’ policies toward refugees and their economies.

Current Positions

• Professor in the Department of International Development Studies – Dalhousie University, Canada
• Consultant for Universities of Sanctuary in the United Kingdom
• Co-leader of the “Scholars at Risk” Initiative – Global Young Academy
• Member of the Steering Committee of the “Science in Exile” Initiative
• Member of the Scientific Committee of the International Science Council

Previous Academic Positions

• Lecturer in Gender, Forced Migration, and Middle East Policy – Christ Church College, University of Oxford
• Lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford, and participant in the Oxford–U.S. universities educational exchange program
• Researcher in the Department of International Development – University of Oxford
• Visiting Professor – University of Glasgow
• Lecturer – Saint Mary’s University, Canada

Work with International Organizations

Beyond academia, Dr. Al-Zoubi has served as a consultant for several international organizations, with a consistent focus on women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and livelihood development, including:

• UN Women
• Global Network of Women Peacebuilders – New York
• Delegation of the European Union to Syria

Experience and Awards

With over a decade of professional experience, she has collaborated with universities, governments, and international institutions, and has received multiple awards in recognition of her contributions to gender and development issues.

Humanitarian Vision

Dr. Saja Al-Zoubi is a strong advocate for academic and scientific freedom and remains deeply committed to supporting at-risk scholars around the world.