The Council for the National Interest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that advocates a more balanced policy toward the Middle East. It was established in 1989 by two former congressmen, including Paul Findley (R-IL) who has written several books on the issue. CNIF works at both the national and grassroots level to change American attitudes toward the Middle East and the foreign policies that have prevailed since the Johnson Administration.

The Council for the National Interest Foundation's intern program attracts students from across the nation, particularly students at DC area universities, including Georgetown, George Washington, and American University. A work-study program is currently available for Georgetown University graduate students. Interns receive on-the-job training and education on U.S. foreign policy issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Prospective interns are students who have concrete skills to bring to the organization and are interested in learning more about the situation in the Middle East and the role of US foreign policy. Duties might include: assisting with organizational, educational, and fundraising programs, researching and tracking legislation on an area regarding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, lobbying, website management, information gathering, writing press releases, working with our members at the grassroots level, other groups, organizations, Congress, and the media, and administrative tasks related to the planning and implementation of programs.

Internships are unpaid; however we do offer travel reimbursement to and from our office in southwest Washington.

Graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply, particularly those concentrating on international relations, political science, or Middle Eastern studies.

Applicants should have a basic knowledge of the Middle East, particularly American foreign policy toward the region, the Arab-Israeli conflict, U.S. involvement in the peace process, and U.S. - Israel Relations. Congressional lobbying experience is a plus. Experience in media relations, a willingness to write Op-Ed pieces, and an interest in research are also useful.

Interns typically work up to 25 hours per week, or longer, if their schedules permit. Internships are available year round. If interested, please send a letter of interest, resume, and a two-page (maximum) writing sample to the CNIF Intern/Volunteer Coordinator (contact information below).

INTERNSHIP POSITIONS:

Government Affairs Internship:  assist with legislative tracking and hearings, organize and attend hearings; work with Congress, other lobbying groups and the general public; possible projects might include creating legislation to introduce to members of Congress

Online Advocacy and Recruitment Internship:  assist with work involving the administration and maintenance of the CNI and CNIF websites; potential projects involve working with other organizations to maximize the organization’s online advocacy and recruitment efforts

Media and Outreach Internship:  assist in media and press communications, creation of press releases and action alerts, monitor news of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, write letters to the editor and op-Ed pieces; potential projects can include the development of a hearing on Capitol Hill or at the National Press Club

Finance and Development Internship:  learn how to manage a small NGO, assist in member relations, create fundraising solutions, developing an annual budget, acquire basic accounting knowledge, database management and budgeting principles; potential projects may include projecting organizational development

Office of the President Internship:  assist the president of CNI / CNIF, foundation research and grant writing, Congressional tracking and attending high profile events in DC; potential projects can include working with the president on the International Foreign Policy Center on Capitol Hill

DEADLINES:

Fall 2007 Program

Applications for the fall internship program will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 14th, 2007. Chosen candidates will be notified no later than January 31st and the internship program will begin on September 19, 2007.  The length of the fall program may vary for each intern depending on the individual circumstances.

Spring 2008 Program

Applications for the spring internship program will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 18th, 2008. Chosen candidates will be notified no later than January 23rd.  The length of the spring program may vary for each intern depending on the individual circumstances.

Summer 2008 Program

Applications for the summer internship program will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 23, 2008. Chosen candidates will be notified no later than May 28th.  The length of the summer program may vary for each intern depending on the individual circumstances.

TO APPLY:

·        Resume

·        Letter of interest specifying the particular internship you are applying for and dates of availability

·        Two page writing sample

Applications can be mailed, faxed or emailed to:

Intern Coordinator

1250 4^th Street, SW
Suite WG-1
Washington, DC 20024
FAX: 202-863-2952
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