Director, Arab-Israeli Conflict Program, 03/2010
to Current
United States Institute of Peace (USIP) – Washington,
DC
Guide overall strategy and manage implementation of USIP's work on the Arab-Israeli conflict, to include grassroots peacebuilding initiatives, policy analysis and guidance, and grants management. Provide policy analysis and guidance to U.S. and international policymakers on Arab-Israeli diplomatic efforts, through regular convening of policy makers and subject matter experts, authorship of policy memos delivered and briefed to high-level Administration officials, and briefing of Congressional staff. Facilitate discussions on the history and contemporary challenges of the conflict, and USIP's work, with high school and university student cohorts, State Department-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program delegations, and high school instructors. Participate in regular media and other public engagements on a range of issues relating to the Arab-Israeli conflict, to include television and radio interviews (NPR Diane Rehm Show, BBC, Al Jazeera, Al Hurra, Voice of America), published papers, and policy panel discussions around Washington and in international Track II forums. Develop and nurture relationships and strategic partnerships with Israeli, Palestinian, US-based, and international NGOs to broaden footprint and impact of work. Build relationships and maintain regular communication with US, Israeli, Palestinian, and relevant international official policy representatives (US Department of State, USAID, National Security Council, Embassy and Consular officials serving in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israeli and Palestinian government officials), in order to raise USIP's profile, identify partnerships, and serve as a bridge between these interlocutors and the grassroots peacebuilding sector.Manage team of three senior and one junior staff and perform financial oversight of program resources.
Arabic Language Specialist, 05/2004
to 03/2010
United States Department of State – Washington,
DC
As a regular part-time, and later in-house full-time contractor, performed formal comparisons of the Arabic and English versions of international agreements and treaties between the United States and Middle Eastern counterparts (including Morocco, Bahrain, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, and Libya). Worked with the relevant US administrative entity to negotiate proposed changes with representatives from the relevant Arab ministries. Translated official government correspondence, formal agreements, and special projects.
