Middle East Programs – Spring 2022 Young Global Professionals

Our Young Global Professionals are an integral part of the Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs. With a small group, most of our projects are all-hands-on-deck and we encourage interns to actively engage with events, publications, and strategies. This position will expose the candidate to the writing and editing process for publications and articles, logistical elements of event planning, and the creation of strategic initiatives within a think tank.

Our work on the Middle East focuses on two broad themes: building peace and security and unlocking the region’s largely untapped human potential. The breadth of our work on this critical region spans several initiatives and centers at the Council. We have dedicated programs that address both security issues and economic and human development challenges focused on Iraq, Iran, North Africa, and Syria with in-house experts tracking the latest developments and crafting recommendations for transatlantic and regional policy makers.

The successful candidates will have a passion for the work, an entrepreneurial ethos, and a collegial spirit while also being an effective communicator and enjoying the fast pace of learning and growing in an organization. Demonstrated interest in international affairs and the Middle East through classwork and/or experience is strongly preferred. Interns are also encouraged to pursue their own research projects and to write and publish their own policy briefs or blog posts.

Job responsibilities

Conduct research to support the activities of the Center.

Handle logistical elements for program events.

Manage program contacts database.

Participate in weekly Middle East programs meetings and monthly Atlantic Council meetings.

Draft formal correspondence to government officials and invitations for events.

Take notes and photos at Council roundtables and strategy sessions for program archives.

Assist the Center in promoting publications, events, and press mentions.

Qualifications

Must be at least a college junior in good standing, a graduate student, or a recent graduate, preferably majoring in international affairs, especially Middle East security issues and global trends.

Must have at least a 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0) scale, or equivalent from a non-US institution.

Must work well with others and interact professionally with senior figures.

Ability to work full-time (40 hrs/week) is preferred.

Language abilities are an advantage, with a preference for Arabic, Persian, French, and/or Hebrew.