He earned a Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics from the American University of Beirut in 1972, as well as a master's degree in nuclear physics from the University of Mainz in 1969.

He worked in numerous countries in teaching and research before joining Birzeit University in 1980, where he held multiple positions, including Vice President for Academic Affairs (1985-1989).

He was summoned in 1991 to join the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid Peace Conference, and he participated in the negotiations at various times until the year 2000.

He formed and became the first head of the Palestinian Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) in 1994. He held this role until 1998 when he was named minister in charge of the Bethlehem 2000 project.

He was named Minister of Tourism in 2000, and in 2003 he was appointed Minister of Planning, and he remained in this position until 2004.

He was appointed president of Birzeit University in 2004.

He was appointed Minister of Finance from 2012-2014.

He is currently the Director General of the Palestinian Economic Policy
Research Institute (MAS).