Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Washington, D.C.
Since its founding in 1985, The Washington Institute has served as a training ground for future policymakers in both Democratic and Republican administrations. During its quarter-century history, an impressive array of talented scholars has been associated with the Institute. They have gone on to join government and help shape American foreign policy in the Middle East. At the same time, upon completion of their public service, some of the best minds from government are attracted to the Institute. This exchange of ideas and people with the executive branch is very much a part of The Washington Institute's effectiveness.
The Institute's prestigious intern and research assistant programs also provide a pathway for college graduates and graduate students to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. The Institute is proud of its interns and research assistants -- many of whom go on to serve in government and make their own contributions in the policy world.
Paid Summer Internship Application
8 weeks, June to August
Open to rising juniors and seniors
The Washington Institute is accepting rolling applications until February 21 for our 2023 summer intern class.
Interns are assigned to Institute research programs based on their skills and interests. Institute research programs cover a range of topics: North Africa, the Levant, Israel and the Palestinians, Turkey, the Gulf, Iraq, Iran, Arab-Israel relations, great power competition, Russia and China in MENA, counterterrorism and intelligence, military and security, and energy.
Interns support Institute research, publications, and events, gaining relevant experience for foreign policy careers. Intern positions are geared towards undergraduate (rising juniors or seniors) or Master’s students who are interested in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy.
Ideal candidates will be eager to learn about Middle East policy issues, regional developments, and U.S. policy making. Applicants should be team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, support research and event planning, and communicate clearly and directly. Background in Middle East and foreign policy subjects is preferred. Language skills in Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, Kurdish, Russian or Chinese are a plus, but not required.
The 8-week paid internship runs from June to August. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the February 21, 2023 deadline. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory.
Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.
Paid Research Assistant Application
Full-time entry level position for graduating seniors and recent graduates
Starts spring or summer 2023
The Washington Institute is accepting rolling applications for our 2023-2024 Research Assistant (RA) cohort. The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.
Selected applicants are assigned to specific research programs based on their skills, experience, and interests. Institute research programs cover a range of topics: North Africa, the Levant, Israel and the Palestinians, Turkey, the Gulf, Iraq, Iran, Arab-Israel relations, great power competition, Russia and China in MENA, counterterrorism and intelligence, military and security, and energy.
RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. or M.A. graduates, or other early-career professionals, with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Ideal candidates will be self-sufficient, highly motivated team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively, and write clearly and directly. Language skills in Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, Kurdish, Russian or Chinese are a plus, but not required.
Research Assistants report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director and Research Manager, as well as their assigned senior fellows. This is an entry-level position for graduating seniors, recent graduates, or early-career professionals. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position, plus benefits. Start dates will be in the spring or summer of 2023. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the February 21, 2023 deadline.
Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.