Advocacy Associate/Advocacy Officer

POMED is currently hiring a new member of our advocacy team to support POMED’s efforts to strengthen U.S. support for democratic principles and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa. This will include supporting POMED’s own advocacy work as well as participating in collaborative efforts with allies aimed at influencing U.S. foreign policy and legislation. The position will also work to help strengthen POMED’s public advocacy and capacity in communications and public messaging. 

Under the supervision of POMED’s Director of Advocacy, the Advocacy Associate/Advocacy Officer will: 

• Contribute to POMED’s efforts to influence public debate and discussion around relevant issues of U.S. policy in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Identify and assist in building and maintaining relationships with congressional champions of human rights and democratic principles and of POMED’s specific policy goals.
• Draft proposed legislative text, official letters, public statements, talking points, and questions for the record for use by members of Congress and their staff.
• Provide support for advocacy efforts by representing POMED in meetings with policymakers, NGO coalitions, the media, and other relevant entities.
• Assist with building and maintaining key contact and distribution lists to broaden influence and distribution of POMED research and publications.
• Closely track all relevant legislative developments on Capitol Hill and monitor and engage with legislative initiatives from advocacy organizations, coalitions, and think tanks.
• Assist with coordinating advocacy meetings in Washington with visiting civil society leaders and other pro-democracy voices from the region, as well as with POMED staff, fellows, and allies.
• In cooperation with POMED colleagues, assist in development of proposals and concept papers, prospective budgets, and regular reports for institutional donors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2-4 years relevant experience in policy advocacy, policy research, U.S. foreign policy, and/or programs to support democracy and human rights.
• Excellent communication skills, a detail-oriented approach to work, strength as a team player, and the ability to multi-task.
• Strong analytical capabilities, writing and editing skills, and the ability to efficiently gather and utilize information from various sources to support policy advocacy.
• Experience in researching and analyzing foreign policy, including U.S. foreign assistance, and U.S. efforts to support democracy and human rights.
• Knowledge of the U.S. Congress and legislative process, including an understanding of the roles of various Congressional committees and processes for appropriations and authorization, is preferred.
• Native (or equivalent) fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of Arabic and/or French is helpful but not required.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, political science, international development) is required; a master’s degree is desirable but not required.
• Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa, interest in supporting genuine democratic change in the region, and a strong commitment to POMED’s mission and principles.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (preferably in the range of 750 to 2000 words) to hiring@pomed.org with your name and the position title in the subject line. Please include in your application materials the status of your authorization to work in the United States. We will begin reviewing application materials on Monday, July 12th.

The Project on Middle East Democracy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Project on Middle East Democracy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, or because he or she is a protected veteran.