Senior Fellow - Middle East Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance Short-term and long‑way

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is seeking a senior leader for its Middle East Program in Washington, DC. This role shapes the research agenda and leads high-impact policy analysis on diplomatic, economic, security, and stabilization trends in the region.

The ideal candidate holds a master’s degree in Middle Eastern studies, international affairs, or political science, with 10+ years in the field, and at least two years in the Middle East.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Middle East studies, international affairs, political science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional and research experience in Middle Eastern affairs.
• At least two years’ experience studying or working in the Middle East.
• Demonstrated 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).
• Demonstrated success with grant proposals and fundraising.
• Record of research, writing, and communicating about the Middle East in clear terms.
• Superior oral communication and briefing skills; professional poise.
• Experience working in collaborative, team-based environments with mentoring.
• Experience planning and leading events and/or conferences.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Middle East Program Director and help shape a robust research agenda.
• Contribute to thought leadership and strategic guidance for the program.
• Conceptualize, develop, and execute original research projects, solo or with the Director.
• Produce in-depth reports, book chapters, journal articles, and commentaries.
• Develop funding opportunities with the Director.
• Engage with media, policymakers, corporate stakeholders, the public, and scholars.
• Play a leadership role in convening expert groups and representing CSIS publicly.
• Mentor program staff and support personnel management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Policy analysis

Oral communication

Team collaboration

Event planning

Mentoring

Time management

Education

Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies | International Affairs | Political Science

Job description

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. All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Strategy and Research Leadership

• Serves 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

Application Requirements

A resume detailing relevant experience and publication history is required. Please title the document “[Your name] resume”.

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. CSIS reserves the right to close the application at any time.

Salary Range : $135,000 USD - $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.