MEF Junior Fellowship

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.

Overview:

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.

Program Structure

  • 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

Eligibility Criteria

  • 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.

Core Components of the 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.
  • 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.

Performance & Evaluation

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

Compensation and Benefits

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

Application Process

  • 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.

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