JOB SUMMARY:
At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
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 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
The CSIS Middle East Program seeks a creative, hard-working, and energetic individual to work on a wide range of scholarly and programmatic activities in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. The successful candidate will be a team player, possess excellent communication skills, and have a keen interest in and aptitude for the Middle East and public policy. The position reports directly to the Director of the Middle East Program.
The successful candidate for this position will have a superb grounding in Middle East studies and strong interest in supporting a broad regional portfolio, exceptional analytical skills, and an entrepreneurial bent. She/he will be proactive and goals-oriented in balancing a diverse array of tasks. Responsibilities will be split between supporting the programโs broad research agenda and executing such programmatic functions as project management and implementation, development, program representation at internal and external functions, budgetary matters, and external relations. The ideal candidate will be energetic, flexible, forward looking, and effective in tackling a diverse set of tasks.
The minimum salary for this position is $58,000.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
โข Compiling research briefs and literature reviews for fellows and research staff
โข Researching and drafting parts of public-facing reports
โข Pitching and researching articles for the Middle East Programโs monthly newsletter
โข Assisting with editing and production of the Middle East Programโs biweekly podcast, Babel: Translating the Middle East
โข Managing project workflow and ensuring timely reaching of milestones
โข Conducting analysis to support decisions about the programโs external relations activities
โข Planning and coordinating CSIS events and observing/summarizing external events
โข Assisting with development efforts
โข Drafting external communications via the programโs Facebook and Twitter pages and Pardot mailings
โข Completing other minor administrative tasks
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:
Required qualifications:
โข A bachelorโs degree or higher in Middle East studies, international affairs, political science, or a related field
โข Minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a U.S. scale or equivalent
โข Strong demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the Middle East
โข Demonstrated research skills
โข Outstanding written and oral communication skills
โข Zest for challenging assignments that demand creativity
โข Working knowledge of Arabic, Persian, and/or French with an emphasis on reading and listening skills
Strongly preferred qualifications:
โข Demonstrated excellence in project and workflow management
โข Experience studying or working in the Middle East
โข In-depth knowledge of at least one Middle Eastern country, combined with an ability to look broadly at the region
โข Demonstrated interest in/experience with at least one of four thematic lenses for studying the Middle East: environment & governance, humanitarian aid & reconstruction, great powers & geostrategy, social and political change
โข Native/bilingual fluency in both written and spoken Arabic and English
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.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resumรฉ, a writing sample of up to five double-spaced pages, and all college transcripts at https://careers.csis.org/. Writing samples should demonstrate the ability to research and write policy-relevant work on the region. Two letters of recommendation should also be sent to dsharp@csis.org.