The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is seeking a project assistant to work in Washington, D.C. for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team’s programs. The project assistant will be responsible for conducting research on country specific programs, attending meetings and seminars on Middle East and North African affairs, and providing administrative support on country projects. NDI is recruiting for a position available Mid-February 2021 for a term appointment lasting three months with the possibility of extension for an additional three months based on performance. Candidates with advanced working proficiency in Arabic will be prioritized in the hiring process. 

This is a full-time position, consisting of 40 hrs/week.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in providing administrative support to assigned country projects, such as coordinating travel for staff/consultants/participants, reviewing financial expenditures, processing payment requests, filing/copying/shipping documents, and other assigned tasks related to backstopping field office activities
• Produce daily news updates for distribution to the MENA team by reviewing foreign and domestic newspapers, magazines, or journal articles pertaining to the Middle East and North Africa
• Research and gather materials for country or regional specific programs
• Attend meetings and seminars on Middle East and North African affairs and prepare oral and written presentations to MENA team members
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of periodic reports, such as country-specific political and program updates 
• Conduct special projects as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in political science, international relations, Middle Eastern studies or additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis
• Advanced working proficiency in Arabic (written and spoken) will be prioritized in the hiring process.
• Knowledge of, experience and interest in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Strong attention to details with experience prioritizing and managing multiple tasks
• Excellent writing skills
• Experience with Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) strongly desired

Comments:

This is a paid temporary position. Selected applicants must be available to start by no later than March 01, 2021 at the latest. 

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship. Only candidates residing in Maryland, Virginia, Oregon, California, Illinois or Washington, D.C. will be considered for this opportunity.

NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees.  NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making.  Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition.