Senior Fellow - Middle East Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.•Washington, DC

3h•$135,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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
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