The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Naoufel Gaied as its new Executive Secretary.

Mr. Gaied brings extensive experience in justice, counter-terrorism, and international cooperation to the Institute. He joined the IIJ in October 2024 as Director of the Academic Unit and a member of the senior management team. In this role, he has led efforts to strengthen national capacities in counter-terrorism, including through the development of specialised excellence modules addressing terrorism and transnational organised crime.

Prior to joining the IIJ, Mr. Gaied led the Mission to Combat Violent Radicalisation at the French Ministry of Justice. Over the course of his career, he has developed more than two decades of public service experience as a criminal justice practitioner, including eleven years dedicated to counter-terrorism within both the Ministries of Justice and Interior.

Mr. Gaied’s professional background reflects a strong commitment to advancing the rule of law and supporting practitioners on the front lines of preventing and responding to evolving security threats.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Executive Secretary at the IIJ,” Mr. Gaied said. “The Institute plays a vital role in supporting criminal justice practitioners worldwide. I look forward to continuing building on its strong foundations and further strengthening international cooperation to address the complex challenges posed by terrorism and transnational crime.”

In addition to his operational experience, Mr. Gaied has contributed to policy development and capacity-building initiatives across jurisdictions, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in the field of counterterrorism and justice sector reform.

The IIJ looks forward to Mr. Gaied’s leadership as it continues to deliver impactful, practitioner-focused programming in support of its global mission.