Program Assistant, Middle East Programs

Atlantic Council; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Atlantic Council seeks a creative, hard-working program assistant to support the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs in Washington, DC. You will manage scheduling, travel, reporting, and administrative duties for the Center’s Senior Director, while contributing to regional projects and events.

The role requires 4 days per week in-office, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and 1–2 years of experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Middle East Affairs, International Affairs, Economics, or related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience with data management/analysis; HTML and web skills are a plus.
• Interest in the MENA region and regional protocol familiarity is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for scheduling, travel, memos, and expense reports.
• Manage weekly Middle East Programs meetings (virtual and in-person).
• Draft weekly/monthly ME Programs activity reports.
• Liaise with high-level officials, diplomats, executives, and staff.
• Maintain files, documents, contacts, and confidential records.
• Support events and activities for ME Programs initiatives.
• Assist in fact-checking and background research for op-eds and proposals.
• Process invoices and payments; onboard new staff; provide trainings.
• Support other ME Program activities.

Skills

Strong writing

Analytical skills

Communication

Middle East language

Data management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

HTML

Job description

The Atlantic Council seeks a creative, hard-working, and motivated program assistant to work on a range of administrative and programmatic activities for the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and background in the politics and economics of the Middle East through academic and/or work experience. The program assistant will work closely with the Middle East Programs’ senior management on all aspects of day-to-day program management. The ideal candidate will be remarkably well-organized and detail-oriented and will have demonstrable administrative and research experience.

The program assistant will be primarily focused on managing scheduling, travel arrangements, programmatic reporting, and other administrative duties in support of the Center’s Senior Director. The program assistant will also be involved in regional and thematic projects conducted by the Middle East Programs’ various initiatives, including event coordination, publication management, and social media management.

The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, communicate effectively, and proactively seek out opportunities for growth. Proficiency in a Middle Eastern language is a plus.

This position is based in Washington, DC, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $55,000 to $60,000. Applications submitted by September 25, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and logistical support for the Senior Director including scheduling, arranging travel, drafting internal and external memos, and completing expense reports.
• Manage weekly Middle East Programs meetings through virtual and in-person settings as appropriate.
• Draft weekly and monthly Middle East Programs activity reports.
• Serve as a liaison for internal and external offices, including high-level U.S. and foreign government officials, diplomats, business executives, board members, and internal Council employees and management.
• Organize and oversee the proper maintenance of files, documents (e.g., proposals, presentations, notes, speeches, etc.), contacts, and confidential records to assist senior management in tracking and prioritizing various tasks and projects.
• Provide operational, logistical, and administrative support for events and activities related to the Middle East Programs’ various initiatives (e.g., high-level luncheons and dinners, policy workshops, conferences, strategy sessions, and task forces).
• Assist in fact checking and background research for op-eds, speaking engagements, funding proposals, and other written products.
• Submit and approve Middle East program-related invoices and payments.
• Support the onboarding of new staff and provide trainings as needed.
• Support other Middle East Program activities as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Middle East Affairs, International Affairs, or Economics.
• Demonstrable interest in the MENA region.
• Approximately 1–2 years’ relevant work experience.
• Strong personal and professional judgement; a familiarity with regional protocol expectations is a plus.
• Strong writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Technical skills in data management and analysis strongly preferred; HTML and web skills are a plus.
• Experience living, studying, or working in the MENA region and/or fluency in a regional language is a plus.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.