Jafar Javan

Jafar Javan received his Doctoral degree in Psychology from the North Carolina State University (USA) in 1998.  He specialized in the role of psychology in public policy.  As an advocate of community engagement in policy development and implementation he wrote his PhD dissertation on the impact of community empowerment for development projects.  He designed a methodology to measure empowerment at the community level. 

Dr. Javan received his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the School of International Service at the American University in Washington DC.

Prior to joining IE as a Professor of Practice, he spent over 30 years in the United Nations including 20 years in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).   During his tenure at UNDP, he focused on development policy in Asia, Africa, as well as Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).  

He recently retired as the Director of the UN System Staff College (UNSSC) where he practiced leadership and management responsibilities from 2008-2025. 

With his academic credentials and vast experience in the world of multilateralism Dr. Javan brings considerable benefits to the IE community.  His in-depth knowledge of international politics and development, regional experiences combined with academic rigor are significant and important contributions to enhancing IE’s reputation as a global centre of excellent for learning. 

Academic Experience

• Professor of Practice, IE University, Spain, 2025 – Present

• Lecturer, International Development, IE University, Spain, 2019 – 2024

• Adjunct Professor, University of Cape Town, South Africa, 2020

• Lecturer, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2018 – 2019

Academic Background

• Ph.D. in Psychology, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA, 1998

• Masters in International Communications, School of International Service, American University, Washington DC, USA, 1984

• Bachelor in International Relations, School of International Service, American University, Washington DC, USA, 1981

Corporate Experience

• Director, United Nations System Staff College, Turin, Italy, 2012 – 2025

• Deputy Director, United Nations System Staff College, Turin, Italy, 2008 – 2012

• Director, Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme, Regional Centre for Europe and the CIS, Bratislava, Slovakia, 2003 – 2008

• Head, Policy Liaison Office, United Nations Development Programme, Washington D.C., USA, 2000 – 2003

• Development Advisor, various regions including the Headquarters, United Nations Development Programme, 1988 – 2000