Senior Fellow - Middle East Program

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.

The CSIS Middle East program is 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. 

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.