Middle East Institute Scholar

The Middle East Institute is establishing an exciting new program on Middle East transitions and is looking for a scholar with regional expertise with a focus on any of the following areas: Egypt/North Africa/the Levant. The scholar will be part of a program whose mission is to examine the challenges posed by the political and social transformations underway in the Middle East arising out of the Arab uprisings of 2011 with a focus on good governance, institution-building and political movements. The scholar will be responsible for generating original research and analysis, including policy papers and op-eds; working with MEI staff to program conferences and roundtables, engaging actively with the media; giving talks and presentations; and working closely with other MEI scholars.

The successful candidate must have a track record as a well-published policy expert with expertise in any of the following: Egypt, Middle East politics, Arab civil society, Islamist and opposition movements, and democracy and reform-related issues. Strong writing and speaking skills in English are essential. Arabic fluency preferred.

Job Responsibilities:

• The scholar will work with a program director to define their areas of focus, and produce original research in the form of policy papers and analysis.
• Publish op-eds and analysis in media outlets and independent publications, as well as on the MEI website.
• Publicize research by presenting at conferences and panels throughout the U.S. and internationally.
• Actively engage with the media through regular broadcast and print appearances; oversee and participate in a dynamic social media strategy.
• Organize regular panels and roundtables featuring voices and ideas from the region.
• Travel to the region to conduct original research.
• Provide consultations for government, Congress, and corporate officials.
• Write foundation grants and solicit support to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must have strong regional expertise, with a portfolio of published policy and scholarly research focused on women in the Arab world.
• Ideally the candidate will have an advanced degree in international relations, political science, or a closely related field.   A minimum of 3-5 years of work experience preferred.
• Ability to research and write both long-form policy papers and op-eds on deadline and in a pressured environment.
• Excellent English writing and speaking skills are required; some fluency in Arabic is preferred.
• Excellent leadership and communications skills. Must be able to work closely and collaboratively with MEI staff and scholars, as well as to engage and build relationships with partner institutions, policymakers, and U.S. and foreign government officials.

DESCRIPTION OF MEI:

Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. Its founders, scholar George Camp Keiser and former US Secretary of State Christian Herter, laid out a simple mandate: “to increase knowledge of the Middle East among the citizens of the United States and to promote a better understanding between the people of these two areas.”

MEI has earned a reputation as an unbiased source of information and analysis on this critical region of the world, a reputation it has meticulously safeguarded since its creation. Today, MEI remains a respected, non-partisan voice in the field of Middle East studies.

SALARY:

Salary competitive. Excellent benefits. To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, writing samples and salary expectations to jobs@mei.edu, including "Arab Transitions Scholar" in the subject heading.