Prof. Ibrahim Al-Shaer brings over three decades of experience in higher education and social development. He served as Minister of Social Development in the Palestinian government from 2015 to 2019, where he played a pivotal role in shaping national policies and restructuring the ministry. This transformation shifted the ministry's focus from mere social welfare to comprehensive development, reflecting a fundamental change in its philosophy and objectives.

After concluding his ministerial tenure, Prof. Al-Shaer returned to academia, serving as Director of Al-Quds Open University’s branches in Jerusalem and Hebron from 2019 to 2024. Prior to his ministerial appointment, he was the Assistant President for Creativity and Excellence at Al-Quds Open University (2013–2015) and served as Director of the University’s Bethlehem branch from 2003 to 2013. He began his academic career teaching linguistics at Birzeit, Hebron, and Al-Quds Open Universities.

Prof. Al-Shaer earned his Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom in 2001, having been awarded a scholarship from the Arab Students Aid Fund. He also holds a Master’s degree in Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) from Lancaster University, which he obtained in 1989 through a scholarship from the British Council. In 1986, he completed his Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature, along with a teaching diploma, from Bethlehem University.

In 2016, Prof. Al-Shaer was promoted to the rank of Professor in recognition of his significant contributions to research in linguistics and e-learning. His work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, both nationally and internationally. That same year, he received the Distinguished Research Award for his outstanding contributions to research in both Arab and international scientific publications.

Throughout his career, Prof. Al-Shaer has made notable contributions to Al-Quds Open University, driving innovation and promoting academic and administrative excellence. One of his remarkable initiatives was the development of the University’s Guide to Excellence, Creativity, and Innovation in 2015. He also enriched the academic content by translating key studies and articles, including "Distance Education in the Digital Age: Translation of 'Communication Media Technologies in Distance Education'" (2008). Furthermore, he translated the evaluation report of Al-Quds Open University, prepared by a European-Canadian team led by Kathleen Matthews (2007). Additionally, Prof. Al-Shaer developed a Guide for Writing Graduation Projects for English Language students, which significantly enhanced the quality of student research.

Beyond his academic and administrative roles, Prof. Al-Shaer has been deeply committed to serving the Palestinian community. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Institution for the Economic Empowerment of the Palestinian People (2015 to 2019), where he played a key role in advancing development and economic initiatives. During this period, he also led the Social Protection Sector Team and contributed to the formulation of national policies aimed at protecting marginalized groups. Moreover, Prof. Al-Shaer was a member of the Advisory Council for Bethlehem Governorate from 2020 to 2024 and served on the Technical Committee for Humanities and Social Sciences at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education from 2013 to 2015.

Prof. Al-Shaer also chaired the Higher Council for Childhood and the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) in Palestine. In the realm of rural development, he led the Palestinian Rural Development Foundation in the Bethlehem area from 1993 to 1998 and was a member of the Committee of National Institutions in Bethlehem Governorate during the same period. Additionally, he served as Vice President of the Al-Quds Open University Employees Union from 1992 to 1994.