Opportunities

If you are interested in being considered for future roles please send us your resume and a cover letter.

The Middle East Forum internship program provides hands-on, practical experience to aspiring policy and writing professionals, while contributing to the research and advocacy initiatives of MEF. The program will focus on enhancing the interns’ understanding of policy analysis, research methodologies, and the public policy activities. It aims to prepare the next generation of policy leaders, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in think tanks, governmental agencies, and other policy-related careers.

The MEF Internship Program operates on a rolling admissions basis, with three program sessions offered annually:

• Fall Session: September 1 – December 31
• Winter Session: January 1 – April 30
• Summer Session: May 1 – August 31

Applicants may apply year-round and will be accepted into the next available session. Interns may request to extend their internship beyond one session, pending a formal performance review and mutual agreement.

Program Structure

1. Program duration and expected work schedule

• Work Schedule: 10 total hours of commitment - Monday through Friday
• Compensation: Stipend per session of $500
• Location: Hybrid model (On-site and remote work options, depending on the candidate’s location)

2. Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Background: Undergraduate or graduate students (preferred) in fields such as Political Science, Public Policy, Diplomacy, International Relations, Law, Journalism, or related disciplines.
• Experience: Relevant professional and academic projects, writing and research samples, or internships.
• Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, ability to work both independently and as part of a team, proficiency in Microsoft Office, familiarity with data analysis tools, and effective communication skills (both written and verbal).

3. Core Components of the Internship Program

• Virtual Orientation (sometime during Month 1): Meet the Executive Director. Introduction to the MEF’s mission, organizational structure, key research areas, and other activities.
• Project Work: Interns will be assigned to designated projects or publications, working on research, drafting reports, creating presentations, and whatever else the MEF stadd may need assistance with as it relates to the project or publication.
• Workshops and Learning Sessions: Regular skill-building workshops covering topics such as policy writing, statistical analysis, public speaking, and professional development.
• Networking and Exposure: Opportunities to attend internal and external policy events, webinars, and networking sessions with policymakers, academics, and industry experts.
• Capstone Project (Final 3 months): Interns will complete a capstone research project on a policy issue, presenting their findings to senior think tank staff and receiving feedback.

4. Performance & Evaluation

• Continuous Feedback: Regular check-ins with mentors to assess progress and provide feedback.
• Mid-Term Evaluation: A formal performance review at the six-month mark to identify strengths, areas for growth, and make adjustments to internship responsibilities if needed.
• Final Evaluation: A comprehensive performance review upon completion of the program, including feedback on contributions to projects, skill development, and the capstone project.

Compensation & Benefits

Stipend:

• Annual stipend

Benefits:

• Professional development budget for attending conferences or purchasing relevant materials.
• Tickets to D.C. policy conference
• Participation in MEF events in candidate location

Application Process

• Cover letter and resume to internship@meforum.org
• Virtual interview

The Middle East Forum offers remote volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to our mission, regardless of academic enrollment or professional background.

Many MEF volunteers have leveraged their experience to advance their careers in various fields. Some have launched businesses focused on the Middle East, worked with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, served as officers in the U.S. Army, published articles in major media outlets, and taken on roles with the U.S. House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact us.

The Middle East Forum Junior Fellowship program encourages serious, original work by up to five scholars, journalists, and analysts at a time. MEF hopes to provide a platform to enhance skills, share innovative ideas, and build networks among those working on the Middle East, Islamism, and related topics.
The Junior fellowship program is based on annual cohorts participating in September through June.

The application deadline will be July 15 with the start of September 1.

Mentorship: Each Junior Fellow will be paired with an experienced staff member or senior fellow who will provide topic guidance, editorial feedback, and connections.
Research and Writing: Fellows are invited to contribute to MEF publications and participate in talks, podcasts, and other discussions. Work will be promoted through MEF channels.
Skill Development: Opportunities to learn, and gain skills in research, analysis, and writing.
Networking: Opportunities to share ideas and connect with peers and leading experts.

• Duration: 10 months
• Schedule: Monthly virtual meetings with MEF staff, all other meetings are at the discretion of the mentor/Junior Fellow.
• Start Date: September 1
• Compensation: Stipend of $1500
• Location: Hybrid model (On-site and remote work options, depending on the candidate’s location)
• Cohort size: 5 participants

• Candidates will be selected based on the promise shown in their academic or professional work and their alignment with the Forum’s values and goals.
• Must be in the beginning to mid-career trajectory in the relevant field.
• Must hold an undergraduate degree or be in the final year of undergraduate studies.
• If relevant, must submit published work.

• Virtual Orientation (sometime during Month 1): Meet the Executive Director. Introduction to the MEF’s mission, organizational structure, key research areas, and other activities.
• Mentorship: Junior fellows will be assigned to a designated MEF staff member to determine collaboration parameters and activities.
• Monthly Sessions: Once per month, a virtual meeting with a different MEF staff member.
• Networking and Exposure: Opportunities to attend internal and external policy events, webinars, and networking sessions with policymakers, academics, and industry experts.
• Writing/Research: Junior Fellows will have the opportunity to pitch writing or research topics. If accepted, they will work with editors, with the possibility of being published on MEFO platforms.

• Feedback: Bi-monthly check-ins with mentors to assess progress and provide feedback.

• Annual stipend
• Tickets to D.C. policy conference
• Participation in MEF events in candidate location

• Send a cover letter and resume to juniorfellows@meforum.org.
• Round 2: Writing assignment
• Round 3: Virtual interview

Note: Applicants are not guaranteed to advance through each round of the selection process.