Host: Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) in partnership with Atlas Corps Fellowship at Cultural Vistas
Location: Washington, DC (in-person, full-time, 40 hours/week)
Duration: November 15, 2025 – May 15, 2026 (6 months)
Deadline: August 28, 2025 (11:59 pm EST)
About the Fellowship
Established in memory of Egyptian writer and commentator Bassem Sabry, this fellowship is awarded to a young professional committed to democratic and inclusive change in the MENA region. The program provides an opportunity to immerse in Washington, DC policymaking while producing policy-relevant programming and analysis that furthers democratic values.
Fellowship Benefits
- Lead a policy-relevant mandate on a topic and country of choice (within TIMEP’s focus areas).
- Contribute to analysis, advocacy, events, and policy engagement with DC decision-makers.
- Receive skills-building, leadership training, mentorship, and access to TIMEP’s global network.
- Support from Atlas Corps, including:
- Pre-, mid-, and end-of-fellowship orientations.
- Visa, travel, and logistics support.
- Health insurance, phone bill, and monthly stipend for housing, meals, and local transport.
- Post-fellowship stipend (upon successful completion).
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Age 35 or younger.
- Proficient in English (Arabic proficiency strongly preferred).
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Based outside the United States and committed to returning to home country post-fellowship.
- Valid passport (6+ months beyond program end).
- Connected to civil society, grassroots groups, and/or MENA experts.
Mandate Requirements
Applicants must propose a specific, policy-relevant mandate consisting of:
- Topic (e.g., governance, law, economy, migration, security, minorities).
- Geographic focus (Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon, or Sudan).
Examples from past fellows: Women Political Prisoners (Egypt), Transitional Justice (Tunisia), Organizing in Exile (Egypt).
Application Materials
- Resume.
- One-page Cover Letter (background, motivation, link to Bassem Sabry’s values).
- Two-page Statement of Interest (mandate proposal, relevance, fit with TIMEP’s mission, tools to be used).
- Three professional references.
- Copy of bachelor’s degree diploma or transcript.
- (Optional) Proof of English proficiency.
Selection Process
- Deadline: August 28, 2025.
- Interviews: Early to mid-September 2025.
For details and submission, apply via TIMEP’s website.
Questions: fellowships@timep.org
