Program Coordinator & Research Assistant OR Program Manager & Research Associate - Middle East Program

 

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 250 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 Program Coordinator & Research Assistant (PC/RA) or Program Manager & Research Associate (PM/RA) to work on a range of substantive and administrative activities in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. The title will be based on the candidate's experience. The Program is aiming for a November 2024 start date. 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 have exceptional analytical skills and a bias for action. They will 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. They will also be a proactive self-starter and goals-oriented in balancing a diverse array of tasks.

 

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000 for a PC/RA and $58,000-$63,000 for a PM/RA, based on experience.

 

 

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

 

Project and Program Management, Administrative Duties (70%) 

 

• Tracking the progress of all projects and ensuring that the director and staff are kept apprised of all program developments and can prioritize them accordingly. This includes coordination internally with other CSIS programs and with the central offices.

• Generating and developing ideas for new projects, partnerships, collaborations, events, and speakers in partnership with the director.

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

• Providing substantial administrative support to the program.  

 

Research and Writing (30%)

 

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

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

 

 

 

Required qualifications

 

• A Bachelor’s or Master’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 professional experience. Internships may contribute toward this experience, but preference will be given to applicants with at least a year in a full-time professional role. 

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

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

• Strong attention to detail.

• Highly coachable and receptive to feedback.

• 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.

 

 

 

This position will be based out of our Washington DC headquarters and is expected to be in-office. 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

Military Leave

12 Paid Holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

 

 

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, all college transcripts, and a 5-page writing sample (excerpts acceptable) at https://csiscareers.silkroad.com. Candidates should also submit two letters of recommendation to middleeaststudies@csis.org. Qualified candidates will not be interviewed until their letters of recommendation have been received.