Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council seeks an experienced scholar of Arab politics to carry out research and develop policy initiatives for the newly established Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council. The fellow will conduct research, publish, and engage with transatlantic policymakers in order to advance policies that promote successful democratic transitions in the Middle East and North Africa. The senior fellow will have opportunities to pursue his/her own analytical interests under the guidance of the director, while cooperating with colleagues within the Hariri Center and other Atlantic Council programs to develop and implement regional and global initiatives. The fellow should be able to work independently, but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the Hariri Center. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of political transitions within the region, willingness to take ownership of and promote policy changes publicly, and a desire to help build a growing program. Demonstrated expertise in political systems and movements, the Middle East and North Africa, and foreign policy is required. On-the-ground experience and subregional knowledge of the Maghreb, Gulf States, or the Levant is necessary. Native or near-native fluency in Arabic is preferred; strong writing and speaking skills in English are essential. 

• Perform research and analysis: engage in projects under the leadership of the director related to topics of interest to the fellow and priorities of the Center.
• Publish in diverse media outlets: write ongoing analysis for the Atlantic Council’s website; provide scholarly commentary in stand-alone or external publications; co-author policy papers under the Atlantic Council’s aegis.
• Publicize work: communicate results of research and advance policy recommendations through media appearances, meetings, public events; facilitate opportunities for public discussion and debate on Middle East topics.
• Support public relations efforts: develop contacts in Washington, Brussels, and throughout the MENA region; cooperate with other researchers, governments, and international organizations.
• Plan conferences, workshops, and other events that advance the Center’s research agenda and policy outreach efforts.
• Support Atlantic Council/Hariri Center activities and other analysts: Provide consultation for research conducted by other analysts within the Hariri Center and function as an in-house expert on policy in the MENA region.
• Provide substantive research opportunities and guidance for other staff and interns. 

• PhD in Political Science, International Relations, or other closely-related field; 5-10 years work experience strongly preferred. Candidates without PhD will be considered if they have exceptionally strong records of academic or policy-oriented publication.
• Demonstrated track record in research and independent analysis in the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Extensive portfolio of published scholarly research on issues in the region through media outlets or research institutions.
• Ability to research and publish on a consistent basis, often responding to time-sensitive developments under tight deadlines and balancing competing demands.
• Superior spoken and written English skills are necessary; fluency in Arabic is strongly preferred.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to engage and build relationships with high level US policymakers, foreign government officials, and prestigious members of the Atlantic Council and Hariri Center board, as well as speak as an expert frequently in media and public forums.  

About the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East 

The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East was founded in May 2010. The goal of the Center is to bring North American, European, and Russian voices together with experts from the Middle East and North Africa to foster a policy-relevant dialogue about the future of the region at an historic moment of political transformation. In doing so, the Center aims to integrate views from these regions to build a common community based on the convergence of shared values and common interests. 

The Center pays tribute to the legacy of the late former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his efforts to rise above sectarianism and to promote innovative policies to support economic and political liberalization, sustainable conflict resolution, and greater regional and international integration. This newest addition to the Atlantic Council’s regional programs is made possible by its founding sponsor, Bahaa Hariri, the late prime minister’s eldest son and a prominent business leader. 

The position is located in Washington, DC. To apply, please send your cover letter, including salary expectations, resume, list of publications, and writing samples to meposition@acus.org Please reference the position you are applying for.

The Atlantic Council is an equal opportunity employer.