Diplomatic Outreach Officer
CIRAS Directorate for Intergovernmental Relations – DIR (interim)
Dr. Mohamed Bashir Kharrubi serves as Diplomatic Outreach Officer of the CIRAS Initiative, appointed on an interim basis during Phase 0 (Constituent Transition Phase).
In this role, Dr. Kharrubi supports CIRAS in strengthening its international engagement and diplomatic outreach, contributing to structured communication pathways with institutions, strategic stakeholders, and aligned cooperation networks.
Dr. Kharrubi is recognized for his extensive international leadership background across government, institutional, and executive environments. His experience includes serving as Member of the Board of Directors of the Eli Lilly Foundation (Indianapolis, USA) (1988–1992), working as an executive coach for senior management in American production-sector environments (1990–1994), and holding public leadership responsibilities as Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Prisons and Reform (Colorado Springs, USA) (1990–1999).
He also served as Dean of the Higher Institute for Diversity Studies at the University of Denver (USA) (1996–1999), and was a member of the “America 2000” team with former US President Bill Clinton (1998).
Dr. Kharrubi further contributed to strategic leadership roles internationally, including Acting Chairman and Executive Director of Medmar Holding Group (South Africa) (2005–2010) and Executive Director of the United Nations Development Program (South Africa) (2008–2010).
His later engagements include membership in the Libyan Reconciliation Commission (2011–2014), serving as Advisor to the President of OPEC (2014), and Advisor to Nigeria’s Minister of Communications (2017–2018).
In addition to his role at CIRAS, Dr. Mohamed B. Kharrubi is a Member of the Board of Directors of World Investments (Private Joint Stock Company), supporting governance and strategic oversight within one of the UAE’s established investment and financial brokerage institutions.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, World Investments is considered a pioneer in financial brokerage, investment services, and fund establishment and management in the UAE. The company is a member of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Stock Exchanges, and operates as a licensed and regulated entity under the supervision of the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority.
Key Contributions and Expertise:
- Diplomatic & International Liaison Leadership supporting institutional engagement across multi-regional stakeholder environments
- Strategic Governance & Board-Level Advisory experience in philanthropic, public-sector, and investment structures
- Executive Coaching & Senior Management Support, strengthening leadership capacity and organizational performance
- Public Institutional Leadership & Reform Systems Expertise, including ministerial-level coordination and governance frameworks
- International Development & Program Direction, including executive responsibility within United Nations development structures
- Conflict Resolution & National Reconciliation Experience, contributing to structured commission-based dialogue mechanisms
- Energy & Communications Sector Advisory, including strategic engagement with OPEC leadership and national communications ministries
Impact at CIRAS:
At CIRAS, Dr. Kharrubi contributes to the organization’s Phase 0 foundation by supporting formal external outreach capacity, strengthening CIRAS’ readiness for structured cooperation with aligned institutions, diplomatic stakeholders, and future partner entities. His role supports CIRAS in building a credible international engagement posture, aligned with CIRAS’ long-term objective of establishing a legally constituted global framework for research collaboration, innovation diplomacy, and multi-sector scientific advancement. The Core Founding Team recognizes Dr. Kharrubi as a preferred candidate for a corresponding diplomatic function within the future CIRAS organization to be constituted under international law, subject to the adoption of the CIRAS Charter and the formal procedures provided therein.
Why Dr. Kharrubi is a Strong Fit for CIRAS – IIGO
Dr. Mohamed B. Kharrubi is a strong fit for CIRAS–IIGO due to his rare combination of high-level diplomatic outreach capability, international institutional leadership, and strategic governance experience across diverse regions and sectors.
His background in government advisory roles, international development leadership, reconciliation and dialogue frameworks, and executive-level board responsibilities positions him to support CIRAS in building credible international engagement pathways—particularly during Phase 0, where strategic relationship-building, structured external communication, and stakeholder confidence are essential.
With demonstrated experience working across complex organizational environments that demand discretion, protocol awareness, and long-term strategic vision, Dr. Kharrubi strengthens CIRAS–IIGO’s ability to connect with decision-makers, aligned institutions, and key partners supporting global scientific cooperation and future-oriented development.
