Middle East Programs Intern – Fall 2020 Internship
Our interns 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, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, North Africa, and Syria with in-house experts tracking the latest developments and crafting recommendations for transatlantic and regional policy makers.
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.
Fall Internships will begin on the following dates:
- September 8, 2020
- September 14, 2020
The deadline to apply is July 31, 2020, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until a successful candidate has been selected.
The positions are unpaid, but candidates gain valuable skills, experience, knowledge, and contacts in the international policy community. A monthly metro reimbursement is offered, along with workshops and briefings with fellows, as well as other senior-level staff.
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.
International applications are welcome, but candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. The Atlantic Council does not facilitate visas for internship applicants but can assist in having a third party sponsor a visa. Internship applicants are responsible for any costs associated with the visa sponsorship.
This fall internship will be remote due to COVID-19 , however, there is a possibility for in-office opportunities for local interns.