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 approximately 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 junior staffer to work as a Program Coordinator (PC) on a range of administrative and substantive activities in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. Most of the PC’s time (approximately 85 percent) will be spent on programmatic tasks and the remainder will be spent on research. 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. They will be a proactive self-starter and goals-oriented in balancing a diverse array of tasks. They will have exceptional analytical skills and a bias for action. They will also have robust research and writing skills, including resourcefulness and creativity in identifying sources and the ability to process large amounts of information to discern what is important.

Candidates must live in, or be willing to relocate to, the Washington Metropolitan area. The position will be predominantly in-person with some flexibility for remote working. The Program is aiming for a start date in August 2024.

The minimum salary range for this position is $55,000 – $60,000. Salary and title are based on the level of experience and expertise of the chosen candidate.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Providing substantial administrative support, including scheduling for the Program’s director.

• Supporting the Program’s finance and accounting needs.

• Editing and fact-checking program materials with a critical perspective and strong attention to detail.

• Contributing to the planning, execution, and follow-up for all program events and special projects.

• Helping produce the Program’s podcast.

• Supporting the work of the Program through independent research for research projects, publications, multimedia, and speaking engagements, as needed.

• A bachelor’s degree in Middle East Studies, International Affairs, Political Science, or a related field and a strong demonstrated interest in the Middle East.

• 1–2 years related administrative experience. Internships may be counted towards this experience.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, along with an ability to work well independently and in groups.

• Highly coachable and receptive to feedback.

• Demonstrable and strong research, writing, and communication skills.

• Strong written and spoken Arabic skills.

 Strongly preferred qualifications

• Experience studying or working in the Middle East.

• In-depth knowledge of at least one Middle Eastern country, combined with an ability to look broadly at the region.

• 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.

• Native/bilingual fluency in both written and spoken Arabic and English.

Interns should be able to come into the office at least three times per week. 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.

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, all college transcripts, and a 5-page writing sample (excerpts acceptable) at https://careers.csis.org/.

Candidates should also submit two letters of recommendation to [email protected]. Qualified candidates will not be interviewed until their lettersof recommendation have been received.