Arab Center Washington DC Job Recruitment For Liaison for US Government Affairs – U.S.A

Position description

The Liaison for US Government Affairs monitors activities in the three branches of the US government (Congress, the White House and Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch) and prepares a weekly report (Washington Policy Weekly) of all activities pertaining to the Middle East.

The Liaison for US Government Affairs provides ACW executives and researchers with daily analyses of legislative and policy issues related to US policy in the Middle East in all its aspects. S/he initiates and maintains regular contact and professional relationships with relevant congressional staff serving on the foreign affairs committees and other committees or subcommittees dealing with Arab world and Middle East issues as well as with federal government employees at relevant agencies and departments.

Also see: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Job Recruitment – U.S.A

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare the weekly report, “Washington Policy Weekly,” outlining and analyzing developments in US government policy toward the Arab world and the broader Middle East and covering activities in the three branches of the US government pertaining to the Middle East, including:
• Activities in the Legislative Branch in both chambers of the US Congress such as legislation, nominations, hearing and briefings, and personnel and correspondence.
• Activities in the Executive Branch (White House, Department of State, and other departments relevant to US foreign policy including defense, intelligence, justice, among others) covering calls, meetings, visits, trips, talks, agreements, reports, sanctions, policies, etc.
• Activities in the Judicial Branch related to the Arab world and the Middle East.
• Analyze relevant legislation, executive orders, and other government actions and write analysis papers on issues and areas related to US Middle East policy, relations with the Arab world and effects on foreign affairs, foreign aid, human rights and democracy in the Arab world, national security, immigration, and other relevant issues and areas of interest.
• Work with members of the ACW Research and Analysis unit, including the Director of Research and the Publications Editor, to develop and execute papers, reports, and research projects.
• Work with the Executive Director and the Assistant Executive Director to design, develop, and execute research and analysis efforts, publications, and events on topics related to US government policy in the Middle East and current affairs in the Arab world.
• Attend (or stream) and report on relevant congressional hearings, think tank briefings, conferences related to Congress and US Middle East policy, and hearings by other relevant government entities (e.g., the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom).
• Cultivate strong working relationships with congressional staff and members of Congress, including House and Senate leadership staff and relevant congressional caucuses, and act as the ACW liaison with members of the US government working on Middle East issues.
• Liaise with congressional staffers, federal government employees at relevant agencies and departments, think tanks, relevant organizations, as well as journalists and members of the media.
• Facilitate providing informational materials to members of Congress and federal government employees working on Middle East issues by helping to organize special events, provide copies of publications, and maintain regular communications and email updates.
• Propose and organize Capitol Hill briefings for congressional staffers on Middle East issues.
• Maintain and manage a contact database for members of the US Congress and the Executive Branch working on Middle East policy.
• Maintain a calendar of external events, including congressional hearings and think tank events, related to Middle East issues.
• Assist in creating and updating relevant materials for the ACW website, email newsletter, and other publications.
• Represent ACW in a professional, courteous, and congenial manner at all times while meeting with congressional staff, federal employees, members of the think tank community, and the public.
• Raise the profile of ACW as an educational resource for congressional staff and members as well other relevant Executive Branch personnel.
• Track media coverage of Middle East issues and organize, edit, and deliver daily internal press briefings highlighting regional developments, relevant event schedules, and Arab Center Washington DC press coverage.
• Supervise and manage the work of the Congressional Affairs Intern.
• Assist with planning and executing other projects as needed including events, conferences, and publicity.
• Perform other tasks as directed. 

Also see: American University Job Recruitment For Academic Program Coordinator GGPS, USFP – U.S.A

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, with major in political science, public policy, international affairs, Middle East studies, or relevant field.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience with congressional and/or legislative affairs and US foreign policy.
• Familiarity with and basic understanding of the legislative and policy-making process, congressional committee structure, leadership positions, executive and federal agencies working on Middle East issues, and the congressional authorization and appropriations processes.
• Substantive knowledge of Arab and Middle East history, society, and politics.
• Analytical ability and excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
• Ability to plan, manage, and execute tasks with minimal direction; highly organized with attention to detail.
• Competency in prioritizing responsibilities, delegating work, and supervising intern(s).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment, often under stringent deadlines.
• Experience with a non-profit research center or think tank preferred.
• A team-oriented individual with strong interpersonal skills and ability to network with other research organizations, analysts, journalists, and members of the US government and their staff.
• Ability to use and engage with the different social media platforms and to stay abreast of relevant conversations on social media.

Application instructions

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter, indicating the position title in the subject line of the email. We will review applications as they are received, so please apply early.

Accepting applications until the position is filled.

Salary commensurate with experience.

To apply please send an email to: careers@arabcenterdc.org