New

Senior Fellow - Middle East Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies
$135,000-$165,000
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, tuition assistance, 403(b)
United States, D.C., Washington
1616 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest (Show on map)
Aug 06, 2026
JOB SUMMARY 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. CSISstaffmostly work downtown at our office in DC.All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategy and Research Leadership Servesas a key adviser to theMiddle East Program Director onMiddle East policy,including byhelping 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 Outreach and Engagement 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 andsupport for personnel management ofprogram staff KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE A master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies, International Affairs, Political Science, or a related fieldrequired At least 10 yearsof 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 briefingskills 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 todetail, andtime management skills 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 12 Paid Holidays Sick Leave Vacation leave APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS A resume detailing relevant experience and publication history is required. Please title the document "[Your name] resume". Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. CSIS reserves the right to close the application at any time. Salary Range $135,000 — $165,000 USD PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS 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. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer.