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Arab Center Washington DC

Internship Opportunities

Arab Center Washington DC

Arab Center Washington DC (ACW) is an independent non-profit organization located in Washington, District of Columbia dedicated to providing insight and research on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, as well as furthering economic, political, and social understanding of the Arab World in the United States. ACW is affiliated with the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) headquartered in Doha, Qatar, one of the premier independent research institutes in the Arab world.

Internship Summary

The Arab Center Washington DC currently offers three internship opportunities for undergraduate students, recent college graduates, or graduate students. The internships provide students the opportunity to contribute to this unique growing think tank and learn through events and research activities related to the Arab world and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Interns will be based in Washington DC, and will contribute to events coordination, research programs, and communication and outreach activities for the projects of the Arab CenterWashington DC (ACW). Through this unique opportunity in the heart of Washington DC, interns will gain professional, analytical, and organizational skills and exposure to the Washington DC think tank scene.

Internships are available in threemain areas: Research, Events, and Media and communications. The internships are unpaid, however the interns receive a stipend (a total of $1000 for undergraduate students and $2000 for graduate students) and D.C. area unlimited Metrorail pass. Interns will work 20 hours per week at the Arab Center Washington DC (ACW) offices in downtown Washington DC, for the duration of 10 weeks (Fall, Spring or Summer Term). One year internships are available following satisfaction with the intern’s performance after the first semester of internship.

*** For Spring 2016 internships, send your applications by January 15th ***

Internship Duration and Deadlines

Internship Term / Internship dates / Application deadline
Spring / January - May / October 15*
Summer / June-August / March 15
Fall / September-December / July 1

*SPECIAL DEADLINE for Spring 2016 internships

Applications currently accepted until January 15th, 2016

Application Procedure

All materials must be submitted via email to:by the application deadline. The special deadline for the upcoming Spring 2016 internship applications is January 15th, 2016.

Please supply the following documents as attachments:

1.Completed application form (below), including a statement of motivation and benefits;

2.Curricular Vitae or Resume;

3.Transcript of courses taken during university studies (unofficial transcripts accepted at the application stage)

4.At least Two (2) references (one academic and one professional). Recommendation letters should be sent by e-mail directly from referees e-mail accounts

5.Work samples (e.g., writing sample, media product, creative work, term paper, etc.)

Shortlisted and selected applicants only will be notified shortly afterJanuary 15th

Below you will find more information about the internship opportunities available at Arab Center Washington DC (ACW).

1. Research Internship

Responsibilities

The Research Intern’s primary responsibility will be to provide assistance and support for the center's research, analysis, and writing projects, in addition to supporting the staff in planning and implementing research-related activities. Specific tasks may include:

  • Search for source materials for analysis papers;
  • Collect and summarize relevant literature and sources, and prepare literature reviews;
  • Help in proofreading, fact-checking, and editing written work;
  • Contribute to the writing and preparation of papers(analysis, reports, updates, etc.);
  • Track media coverage of Middle East issues, and contribute to creating news briefs;
  • Research, monitor, and document developments in Middle East issues;
  • Attend and report on events related to the Middle East;
  • Data management and presentation (e.g., archiving,diagrams, fact sheets, etc.);
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of events;
  • Other administrative and logistical tasks as needed

Eligibility requirements

1.Currently enrolled graduate or advanced undergraduate students (juniors/ seniors), or recent graduates (within one year of graduation).

2.Working towards a degree in a relevant field (e.g., Middle East studies, political science, international affairs, international law, US foreign policy, or similar fields).

3.Academic training and demonstrated interest in Middle East studies, political science, international relations, US foreign policy, or similar fields.

4.Excellent research, writing, editing,reasoning, and analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.

5.Working knowledge and familiarity with computer and data applications (e.g., MS Excel) and internet research tools.

6.Previous experience in writing and research desirable.

7.English fluency required, proficiency in Arabic or other regional languages a plus.

8.Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

What you will learn

  1. Research methods, data gathering, and analysis techniques
  2. Writing skills and editing written work
  3. Skills in preparing and writing policy analysis papers and congressional reports
  4. Understanding the Think Tank nature and scope of work and how U.S. congress works
  5. Access, exposure, and connections to the DC Think Tank scene and U.S. congress
  6. Gain experience and information in U.S. Middle East policy and U.S. - Arab relations

2. Media and Communications Internship

Responsibilities

The Media and Communication Intern’s primary responsibility will be to provide assistance and support for the center's website, social media platforms, and visualization tools, in addition to supporting the staff in creating and managing media and communications activities and products. Specific tasks may include:

  • Assist in maintaining and managing the Arab center's website and social media sites (e.g., updating website, uploading and posting new content, etc.)
  • Videography and photography: Filming/ photographing events, editing and creating videos for the website, obtain images, and creating short video reports;
  • Contribute to data visualization and media analytics (e.g., infographics, videos, etc.)
  • Assist in compiling, managing, and updating mailing lists and media/ press lists;
  • Contribute ideas and innovative ways to present the Arab Center to our stakeholders;
  • Work with social media analytics and enhance social media presence and outreach;
  • Assist in writing and editing communications materials and press releases;
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of events;
  • Other administrative and logistical tasks as needed

Eligibility requirements

1.Currently enrolled graduate or advanced undergraduate students (juniors/ seniors), or recent graduates (within one year of graduation).

2.Working towards a degree in a relevant field (e.g. communications, journalism, broadcast, media production, marketing, or similar fields).

3.Excellent technical skills, multimedia production, writing, attention to detail, teamwork.

4.Working knowledge and familiarity with multimedia applications, videography, social media tools, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

5.Previous experience in media production desirable.

6.Academic training or demonstrated interest in Middle East studies desirable.

7.English fluency required, proficiency in Arabic or other regional languages a plus.

8.Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

What you will learn

  1. Experience and understanding of the design and implementation of media strategies
  2. Social media & marketing experience including innovation, analytics, media production
  3. Writing communication materials and editing written work
  4. Understanding the Think Tank nature and scope of work
  5. Access, exposure, and connections to the DC Think Tank scene
  6. Gain experience and information in U.S. Middle East policy and U.S. - Arab relations

3. Events Internship

Responsibilities

The Events Intern’s primary responsibility will be to provide assistance and support for the center's events, projects, and activities, in addition to supporting the staff in organizing meetings and events in Washington DC. Specific tasks may include:

  • Assist in the planning and implementation of events;
  • Assist in identifying and communicating with speakers and participants;
  • Assist in the administrative and logistical tasks related to events;
  • Prepare and edit event-related documents (e.g., announcements, speaker bios, etc.);
  • Maintain and update the calendar of external events;
  • Attend events and prepare memoranda;
  • Maintain and manage the mailing lists, RSVPs, and contacts database;
  • Event marketing and outreach, and audience relations management;
  • Help in the preparation and distribution of publications;
  • Other administrative tasks as required

Eligibility requirements

1.Currently enrolled graduate or advanced undergraduate students (juniors/ seniors), or recent graduates (within one year of graduation).

2.Working towards a degree in a relevant field (e.g., events planning, hospitality, management, marketing, or similar fields).

3.Academic training or demonstrated interest in Middle East studies, political science, international relations, US foreign policy, or similar fields.

4.Strong writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and attention to detail.

5.Working knowledge and familiarity with computer and internet applications

6.Previous experience in event coordination and office management desirable.

7.English fluency required, proficiency in Arabic or other regional languages a plus.

8.Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

What you will learn

  1. Events management and organizational skills
  2. Marketing techniques and interpersonal communication
  3. Writing skills and editing of written work
  4. Understanding the Think Tank nature and scope of work
  5. Access, exposure, and connections to the DC Think Tank scene
  6. Gain experience and information in U.S. Middle East policy and U.S. - Arab relations

Arab Center Washington DC (ACW)

Internship Application Form

PART I: INTERNSHIP PREFERENCE
  1. Please select the field in which you would like to complete your internship *
/ Preference
1st / 2nd / 3rd
Research and Analysis Internship
Media and Communications Internship
Events and Programs Internship
* Interns may receive an assignment that is a combination oftwo of the positions above
  1. Please select the term in which you would like to complete your internship
/ Preference
1st / 2nd / 3rd
Spring 2016 (January – May 2016)
Summer 2016 (June – August 2016)
Fall 2016 (September – December 2016)
PART II: PERSONAL INFORMATION
  1. Please provide your personal information below

  1. Family name(s)
/
  1. First (and middle) name
/
  1. Sex
Male
Female /
  1. Date of birth (dd,mm,yy)

  1. Place of birth
/
  1. Present nationality/ies
/
  1. Marital status:
Single Married Separated Widowed Divorced
  1. Permanent home address
/
  1. Present address
/
  1. Email address
/
  1. Phone #

  1. In case of emergency notify
/ Name / Relationship / Phone #
PART III: EDUCATION & SKILLS
  1. Languages

What is your mother tongue:
Other languages / Read / Write / Speak
Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced
  1. University education or equivalent

Institution
(name and place) / Dates attended (Month/Year) / Degree obtained or expected / GPA / Main field(s) of study
From / To
  1. School education or other form of training (since starting high school)

Institution
(name and place) / Dates attended (Month/Year) / Degree or training title / Certificates or diplomas obtained
From / To
  1. Work and professional experience

Employer / Placement details / Dates attended (Month/Year) / Position / Job title
Indicate internship with *
Indicate voluntary work with ** / Main duties and responsibilities
From / From
  1. Computer skills
/ Basic / Intermediate / Advanced
Word processing
Spreadsheets
Presentation software
Mailing lists and merge
Email and internet research
Statistical analysis
Graphics/Image/Photo software
Web page design & maintenance
Video and Sound software
Adobe Creative Cloud
  1. List activities in civic, public, or international affairs and community contributions

  1. List awards and honors

  1. List publications and other published work

  1. Other relevant skills
/ Basic / Intermediate / Advanced
Familiarity with Middle East
English writing and editing
Research and data collection
Organizational skills
  1. References
You are required to submit at least two written references with your application, one should be academic. Please provide full details of the referees providing the references below (referees should not be family members)
Full Name / Title / Institution / Email / Phone #
PART IV: OTHER INFORMATION
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense
No
Yes. Please explain:
Do you have any physical disability or condition which may need taking into consideration in the workplace?
No
Yes. Please explain:
How did you hear about this internship position?
My university’s career center
Staff at Arab Center Washington DC (ACW)
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Email
Other. Please explain:
PART V: STATEMENT OF MOTIVATION & BENEFITS
What motivates you to apply for an internship with Arab Center Washington DC (ACW)? How do you think the learnings from this internship will be useful in your professional and personal life?
Please write a concise statement of motivation and benefits (no more than 1000 words), describing your interests, career goals, and why/how you believe the internship at ACW will contribute to these goals and interests.
PART VI: DECLARATION
Internship Terms and Conditions
Once placed, the intern will need to complete the term for which the placement has been agreed upon.
ACW will provide a Certificate to the intern on completion of the term and based on the report from the mentor.
The internship lasts for 10 weeks and the intern is expected to work 20 hours per week
The internship is unpaid. The intern is responsible for any travel or living expenses during the internship period. The intern will receive a stipend and D.C. area unlimited Metrorail pass (weekly, for the duration of the internship).
The intern will follow ACW rules and conform to the values and work ethics of the organization.
Although not considered a staff member, the intern will be subject to the authority of the Executive Director and other supervisory staff and mentors at ACW
ACW does not provide interns with insurance or other benefits. The intern will need to have their own medical, accident, and other insurance. ACW will not provide this facility.
In case of a medical emergency or any genuine problem preventing the intern from completing the mandatory days, the mentor can recommend extension of the term depending on the requirements for the project. In such cases, the certificate will be given only if the internship is completed.
The intern must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and must obtain all the necessary documents
By signing this application form, I declare that all the information I have given is true and I have disclosed all relevant information that could affect my internship application. I understand that if I have made any incomplete or untrue statements or willfully been misleading in any answers given, that this may lead to a delay in an offer of internship, the withdrawal of an offer of internship or where an internship has already commenced, the termination of such.
By signing this application form, I authorize Arab Center Washington DC (ACW) to carry out all necessary enquiries to verify the information I have entered on my Internship Application Form.
I hereby confirm that I have read and accepted the Internship Termsand Conditions at Arab Center Washington DC (ACW).
SIGNATURE: ______DATE: ______
PART VII: ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
Applicants are required to submit copies of documents to support their application.
The checklist below is to assist you with the compilation of your submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Curricular Vitae or Resume
Transcript of courses taken during university studies (unofficial transcripts accepted at the application stage)
Two (2) references (one academic and one professional)
Recommendation letters should be sent by e-mail directly from referees e-mail accounts
At least 1 work sample (e.g., writing sample, media product, creative work, term paper, etc.)

Please make sure that you have all the required documentation before submitting your application.

All applications and questions should be sent to the following email address: