Senior Fellow - Middle East Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 128,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

12 Paid Holidays

Sick Leave

Vacation leave

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, seeks a full-time senior fellow to advance the Middle East Program's agenda under the director's leadership. You will guide research, manage multiple projects, and respond to ad-hoc requests from media, donors, and external stakeholders.

The role emphasizes scholarship, collaboration, and initiative-building within a dynamic policy environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field is required.
• At least 10 years of professional and research experience in Middle Eastern affairs.
• Minimum of two years' experience studying or working in the Middle East.
• Understanding of the policy process in the United States and abroad.
• Ability to conduct research in at least one regional language (Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian).
• Experience with grant proposals and fundraising.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills; ability to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Experience working in collaborative, team-based environments and mentoring staff.
• Experience planning events and conferences; ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Middle East Program Director on policy directions and develop a robust research agenda.
• Contribute to thought leadership and strategic guidance for the program.
• Conceptualize and execute original research projects, independently or with the Director.
• Produce in-depth reports, book chapters, journal articles and commentaries.
• Develop funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director.
• Engage with media, policymakers, corporate stakeholders, and scholars to share insights.
• Moderate expert discussions, convene groups, and represent CSIS publicly.
• Mentor program staff and contribute to day-to-day program management.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research leadership

Communication skills

Fundraising

Education

Master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies / International Affairs / Political Science

Job description

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) unpacks the complex dynamics of the region's emerging order through the "Middle East Emerging Order Initiative" founded on four strategic pillars focused on key diplomatic, economic, security, and stabilization trends in the region.

CSIS staff mostly work downtown at our office in DC. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

We are currently seeking candidates for a full-time, paid senior fellow. Under the supervision of the Middle East Program Director, the senior fellow will contribute to and sustain a broad intellectual agenda in accord with the strategic pillars of the program and maintain a high level of scholarship in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The senior fellow will work on several projects simultaneously, respond to ad-hoc requests from various stakeholders (media, donors and external stakeholders) and support on the day-to-day management of the program. They will need to be a team player and contribute to the broader work of the program, as well as develop their own initiatives that advance the program's strategic pillars.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Research Leadership

• Serve as a key adviser to the Middle East Program Director on Middle East policy, including by helping to develop a robust research agenda on key diplomatic, economic, security, and stabilization trends in the region
• Contributes to thought leadership and strategic guidance for the Middle East Program
• Conceptualizes, develops, and executes original research projects, both individually and in collaboration with the Director
• Produces in depth and influential reports, book chapters, journal articles, commentaries, and other written materials

Outreach and Engagement

• Develops new funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director
• Engages with the news media, policymakers, corporate stakeholders, the public, and other scholars to provide insight into areas of expertise
• Plays a leadership role in convening expert groups, moderating discussions, and representing the CSIS Middle East Program publicly
• Provides proactive and creative mentorship and support for personnel management of program staff

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• A master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies, International Affairs, Political Science, or a related field required
• At least 10 years of professional and research experience in Middle Eastern affairs
• A minimum of two years' experience studying or working in the Middle East
• Demonstrated understanding of the policy process in the United States and abroad
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research in at least one regional language (Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian)
• Demonstrated success with grant proposals and fundraising
• A record of research, writing, and communicating about the Middle East in clearly understandable terms
• Superior oral communication and briefing skills and professional poise
• Demonstrated success working in highly collaborative, team-based environments, with a commitment to professional development and mentoring
• Experience planning and leading events and/or conferences
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management skills

OUR BENEFITS

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance Short-term and long-term disability
• 403(b) for retirement planning
• Tuition Assistance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Vacation leave

Salary Range

$135,000 — $165,000 USD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.