Position: ACMER Leadership Development Program Graduate Fellowship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Date posted: April 28, 2026
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is May 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
Compensation: $35,000 stipend
Job Description
The American Committee for Middle East Rights (ACMER) is pleased to launch its inaugural Leadership Development Program (LDP) Fellowship, a paid fellowship for graduate students, law students, or those who have recently finished a graduate program. ACMER strongly encourages applications from individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent, as well as those with a demonstrated interest in MENA-related foreign policy, human rights, and national security. The LDP places fellows in congressional offices working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security.
Over the course of the nine-month term, fellows will work in congressional offices to gain direct insight into the legislative and advocacy processes that drive U.S. foreign policy. Alongside their placements, ACMER offers structured professional development and networking designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks. This program is designed to support policy specialization and post-graduate career placement, preparing fellows to pursue mid- to senior-level positions on Capitol Hill and within NGOs, and cultivate the next generation of policy and advocacy leaders.
Program Objectives
Promote MENA-American representation in U.S. foreign policy and encourage engagement with MENA-related issues
Deepen participants’ understanding of U.S. policymaking and the legislative and advocacy processes that shape it
Support policy specialization and facilitate post-graduate career placement
Build lasting professional networks in Washington, D.C. and strengthen participants’ leadership skills and professional networks through structured programming and networking events
Program Details
Program Dates: Summer 2026-Spring 2027 (exact dates flexible; commitment is approximately 9 months)
Compensation: $35,000 stipend for related expenses
Location: Washington, DC. Fellows are responsible for coordinating their own housing for the duration of the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens currently enrolled in a master’s, JD, or PhD program, or have recently completed their graduate studies. While the LDP welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, it strongly encourages individuals of MENA descent, as well as those with demonstrated interest in MENA-related foreign policy, national security, or human rights. Candidates should ideally be pursuing degrees in international affairs, political science, law, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in or attend school within the districts of participating congressional offices.
Application Procedure
To apply, please visit the application form where you will be asked to answer a series of short-answer questions, upload a copy of your resume (2 pages max), a writing sample (ex. policy paper, op-ed, etc.), a list of 2-3 references, and an unofficial transcript. The priority deadline is May 24, 2026 at 11:59pm PT, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. You will also be asked to indicate your placement preferences (please select any you’re interested in): Democratic, Republican, or Independent congressional office. Only completed applications submitted through this link will be considered. Please do not apply through LinkedIn or other job sites.
Selection Timeline
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by early June. Shortlisted fellows will go through a host placement process and should expect to be available for additional interviews. All selected fellows should expect to attend a mandatory virtual orientation ahead of their start date. We will make every effort to notify all applicants of their status.
About ACMER
Founded in May 2022, ACMER is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening the longstanding relationship between the United States and the Middle East and North Africa through a principled U.S. foreign policy rooted in democratic values and human rights.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, ACMER will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. For assistance – such as an alternative application format, auxiliary aids, or interview modifications – please contact ACMER Senior Program Manager Gabriella Lewis at gabriella@acmer.us. ACMER is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
If you have any further questions, please reach out at ldp@acmer.us.
