Middle East Studies | Internships & Jobs

Internships

The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development 2011 Summer Internship Program

Application Deadline: Friday, April 1, 2010

The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development offers summer internship positions with its educational program, the Palestine Center, for undergraduate students. The internship program provides students with an opportunity to conduct primary-source research, develop writing and organizational skills, build valuable D.C. contacts, gain hands-on experience and observe the extensive political and policy-related happenings in the metropolitan D.C. area. As important members of our team, interns gain valuable exposure to the functions of a highly productive non-profit organization working on issues of national and international significance.

Summer interns coordinate a summer lecture series, write an in-depth information brief on a topic related to the Palestine issue and assist with Palestine Center briefings,film screenings and symposia. All interns are encouraged to attend relevant events in the area during their internship and to pursue avenues of research that are of personal interest to them, provided the research relates to the work of the Center. The Palestine Center staff provides guidance on research and logistics, helps to educate interns on the Palestinian issue and advises them as needed on career development.

For more information about the internship program or how to apply, please visit The Jerusalem Fund website.

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Fellowships:

2010 Washington, D.C. Summer Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 15, 2010
Program Dates: June 1 - August 6, 2010

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations' Washington, DC Summer Internship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students a professional, academic, and career opportunity internship in the Nation's Capital. The program combines professional work experiences with a parallel two-month series of seminars. By design, the primary focus of the academic component of the program centers on a sub-region of the Arab countries, the Middle East, and the Islamic world: Arabia and the Gulf.

The program is administered by National Council professionals and staff, together with more than two dozen of America's foremost scholars and leading foreign affairs practitioners. Included are educational development and exchange, bimonthly and quarterly publications, humanitarian relief, public broadcasting, academic area studies, international transportation, foreign trade, and peace and justice advocacy. An additional feature of the program is site visits to public and private sector institutions such as Arab embassies, energy corporations, congressional committees, and executive branch agencies.

Nearly 170 students have participated in this program to date. Some have joined the U.S. Foreign Service. Several work as staff to Members of Congress or congressional committees dealing with matters of foreign policy. Many have proceeded to graduate school to obtain their masters degrees or doctorates in international relations with an emphasis on the Arab countries, the Middle East, and the Islamic world.

For more information and application, please visit the program website.

Critical Languages Research Analyst Program
Summer 2010

Application Deadline: February 19, 2010

DETAILS:

The U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) has several unclassified open source analysis units in the Washington, DC area to conduct research related to national security issues and is looking for undergraduate and graduate student summer research analysts who can conduct native language research on the internet, apply social science research methods to identify social and political trends, and critically analyze and present information.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in spoken Arabic (Yemeni dialect), Dari, Farsi, Indonesian, Pashtu, Somali, Turkish or Urdu required. Advanced listening comprehension required. Ability to read target language strongly preferred.
• Excellent research and oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytic/critical thinking skills
• Advanced internet proficiency
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a close team environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
• Strong academic background (3.0)
• Completion of at least sophomore year of college by the beginning of summer 2010
• U.S. citizenship required

The work performed will involve unclassified research only so there will not be a full security clearance process conducted. However, each selected individual will undergo some security processing. Final selection for the program is contingent upon the successful completion of the security vetting process. The security vetting process will not equate to eligibility for access to classified information and only allows participation in the Critical Languages Summer Research Analyst Program.

COMPENSATION:

This will be a paid position for a 40 hour week for a maximum of 10 weeks. The hourly rate will be commensurate with education and experience. There are no benefits other than free parking. Work location is not easily accessible by public transportation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Email cover letter detailing your interest in the position and your qualifications to Doris.B.Johnson@ugov.gov. Attach your resume, a writing sample in English (maximum of 5 pages), and the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for two academic references, one of whom must be able to verify your language skills. Please also provide a student copy of your transcript – a download from your institution’s website is acceptable for initial consideration.

The Cultural Attache of the Iraqi Embassy

The Cultural Attache of the Iraqi Embassy, Mr. Hadi al-Khalili, has a request for 3-4 interns to start as soon as possible. Please contact Kimberly Bednarski for further information on how to submit your resume or if you have questions.

The Human Rights Watch

The Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch is seeking a part-time, qualified graduate or undergraduate level intern for the Fall 2009 semester. The intern will assist staff by translating short documents and tracking regional press on relevant women's rights and migrants' rights issues in the Middle East, North Africa, and Arabic speaking world. We seek someone who is fluent in oral and written Arabic and able to translate correspondence to government officials without needing additional vetting.

This internship will involve conducting background research, translating, responding to inquiries, and monitoring current events in the Arabic-speaking world. While the internship will have a research and writing component, and there is an opportunity to develop a project according to the intern's interests, the intern will also be expected to assist staff with administrative and clerical tasks. The location for this internship is flexible and may be based in HRW's offices in New York, Washington, DC, Beirut, or other locations.

Internships are generally unpaid, although work-study funds are available. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other U.S. and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Qualifications:

• This internship is open to current students or graduates. 
• We are looking for someone who is available for 10 to 15 hours a week with a flexible schedule. 
• Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable.
• Applicants must have a commitment to public service, and a strong interest in international human rights and current affairs in the Middle East, North Africa and the Arabic-speaking world.
• Fluency in Arabic is required.
• Familiarity with the region and relevant coursework are highly desirable.
• Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.

To Apply:
Please apply immediately (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing a letter of interest specifying language skills, resume, names or letters of reference, preferred location and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) to wrd@hrw.org. Please use "WRD Arabic Internship Application - Fall " as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
For more information, see HRW's website.

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC)

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is accepting applications for part-time and full-time interns for the Spring to operate out of NIAC’s Washington DC office. Starting date is around mid-January for Spring semester interns. NIAC will assist in helping interns get school credit, but positions are unpaid. The deadline for Spring applications has passed for this year.

Qualifications: NIAC seeks dynamic undergraduate or graduate students, preferably in international relations, political science, government, or public policy. Excellent written and spoken communication skills, a highly organized approach to work, and proficiency in the use of computers are essential.

Additionally, as the situation in Iran following the June president election remains uncertain, NIAC interns with a working knowledge of Persian will translate news and information coming out of Iran for our blog, www.niacInsight.com, which has been one of the foremost sources of information on the unfolding events in Iran.

Responsibilities: Interns work in conjunction with NIAC staff in Washington, DC, on NIAC's programs, including monitoring of Congressional activities, researching legislation, and drafting analyses and action alerts on issues related to immigration, civil rights, and foreign policy. Responsibilities also include covering Congressional hearings and policy conferences and writing reports for NIAC's website. Interns work on various NIAC civic education projects and collaborate closely with Iranian-American organizations across the country. Interns assist with program implementation, database management, community outreach, event planning, logistical support for staff activities, and other administrative duties.

To apply: Please email resume, cover letter, writing sample, and the names and phone numbers of two references (professional or academic) to sphalsaphie@niacouncil.org.

Jobs

Research Positions at the University of Singapore's Middle East Institute

The Middle East Institute, National University of Singapore, is pleased to announce three new research positions, two post-doctoral fellowships, and two short-term project-oriented research openings.  For specific descriptions, please see the posted announcement.  The deadline for applications for Research Fellows and Post-Doctoral Fellows is November 30, 2010.  There is no fixed deadline for Short-Term Research Positions.  Candidates attending the Middle East Studies Association Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA November 18-21 may seek to arrange an interview.   

Program Manager needed for a new AU Abroad program in Aleppo, Syria

CET Academic Programs is looking to hire a Syria Program Manager to manage a new AU study abroad opportunity in Aleppo, Syria. This position offers a wonderful opportunity for someone with the appropriate expertise in the region and an interest in international academic programming to be involved in what promises to be a very exciting, worthwhile and successful project. For the full position description and additional information see the CET website. Candidates should apply to CET directly.

TWO TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITIONS : RACE AND RESISTANCE STUDIES PROGRAM, COLLEGE OF ETHNIC STUDIES AT SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY

• MUSLIM ETHNICITIES – Search #4.09
• ARAB DIASPORAS – Search #5.09

The Race and Resistance Studies Program, College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University invites applicants for two full-time tenure-track appointments in the Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED), to begin fall 2010.

Description: Successful candidates will be expected to teach courses in Arab or Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas, develop successful awards for curricular, research and collaborative projects, and maintain innovative research agendas relevant to one or more of AMED’s intellectual foci: Mapping Arab Diasporas: Justice-Centered Activism; Mapping Muslim Ethnicities: Combating Islamophobia; and Gender and Sexuality Studies in the Global South: Arab and Muslim Communities. The two potential positions are broadly anchored in the following areas: 1) Arab Diasporas, and 2) Muslim Ethnicities. Preference will be given to the candidates whose research agenda also address one or more of the following: Gender and Sexuality Studies in Global South with a focus on Arab and Muslim communities; Justice-Centered Activism; or combating Islamophobia and Anti-Arab discrimination.

Qualifications: PhD must be completed by August 1, 2010. Experience and interest in developing curriculum required. Fluency in Arabic, Urdu or other relevant languages and evidence of developing successful research awards is preferred.

Rank and Salary: Appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and is fully competitive.

Application Process: Review of applications began on October 1, 2009, and will continue until positions are filled. Initial screening will take place at relevant professional meetings such as the ASA (DC, November 5-9, 2009), NWSA (Atlanta, November 11-15, 2009), MESA (Boston, November 20-23, 2009).

Send application dossier with a cover letter indicating the position search number(s) and characteristics that distinguish qualifications for the position for which you are applying. If the application is for both positions two dossiers must be submitted. The cover letter should also detail teaching and research interests. The dossier should include curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, evidence of teaching excellence, including sample syllabi and student evaluation. For doctoral candidates send a précis and two chapters of your dissertation.

Send all materials to:
AMED Search Committee, Muslim Ethnicities Search #4.09 or AMED Search Committee, Arab Diasporas Search #5.09 Office of the Dean, College of Ethnic Studies San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Ave, EP 103 San Francisco, CA 94132

OXFAM PROGRAMME POLICY ADVISER - YEMEN

Location: Oxfam's International Division, Sana’a, Yemen

In this position, you will work with Oxfam to overcome poverty and suffering.  In addition, you will lead the analysis, policy formulation and advocacy work for the Yemen programme.  Additonal responsibilities include: responsible for developing advocacy, communications and media strategies for Yemen and providing strategic direction on advocacy objectives on Yemen (with focus on humanitarian and development assistance, National Reforms Agenda, civilian protection, food security, and poverty eradication issues). Primary objective is to ensure strong linkages between the programme and policy.

• A commitment to fighting poverty and injustice and promoting basic rights
• Considerable public policy analysis or advocacy experience
• Demonstrated experience in influencing governments, especially foreign government, other organisations, donors, UN bodies, regional and global institutions (e.g. GCC, EU), and local, regional and global media
• Understanding of humanitarian principles, recovery and development best practices and civilian protection in fragile states and international humanitarian law
• A sound understanding and experience of the possibilities and tactics for influencing Arab Governments through evidence-based policy research, media and lobbying.
• Experience of building inter-agency coalitions for the purposes of policy influencing.
• Well developed interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible and sensitive in demanding situations.
• Track-record of working well with others and of diplomacy and tact
• Demonstrated experience of operating in a conflict environment and sensitively managing complex negotiations between individuals with strongly held beliefs.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically, innovatively and practically to influence influential actors policies and practises.
• Effective and sensitive communication skills including fluency in English, Arabic skills an advantage. Capacity to write appropriately for different external audiences

Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED)

Two positions are available: Senior Associate, Editor of policy brief series and Office Manager

Senior Associate, Editor of policy brief series: Responsibilities include editing and overseeing a new policy brief series, as well as contributing to other projects. Candidates should be entrepreneurial individuals with a deep interest in U.S. foreign policy. They should possess knowledge of and experience in the Middle East as well as a commitment to POMED's mission. They should have exceptionally strong writing skills.

Office Manager: The Office Manager will focus primarily on bookkeeping, payroll, and development; however, opportunities to assist with other areas may arise. Candidates should possess knowledge of the Middle East as well as a commitment to POMED's mission. This position is ideally suited for an entrepreneurial graduate student seeking to complement academic coursework or an internship with part-time paid employment. Office experience and attention to detail are essential.

Deadline for applications is April 23, 2010.  For more information and requirements, please see the POMED website.