ACMER Leadership Development Program Internship

Position: Leadership Development Program Summer internship 

Location: Washington, D.C. 

Date posted: April 2, 2026 

Deadline: Priority deadline is April 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. Applications submitted after April 19 will be considered on a rolling basis. 

Compensation: $5,000 stipend  

Job Description 

The American Committee for Middle East Rights (ACMER) is pleased to launch its inaugural Leadership Development Program (LDP), a paid internship for undergraduate students. 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 participants in congressional offices and NGOs working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security. Students receive hands-on experience and direct exposure to the policymaking processes that define U.S. foreign policy.  

Over the course of the summer, interns will work in congressional offices or DC-based NGOs where they will gain direct insight into the legislative and advocacy processes that drive U.S. foreign policy. Alongside their placements, ACMER offers structured professional development sessions and networking events designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks. The program aims to equip students with the tools and connections needed to launch careers on Capitol Hill and in the broader policy and advocacy community. 

Program Objectives 

Promote MENA-American representation in U.S. foreign policy and encourage engagement with MENA-related issues 

Provide substantive, hands-on experience working in congressional offices and DC-based NGOs 

Deepen participants’ understanding of U.S. policymaking and the legislative and advocacy processes that shape it 

Strengthen participants’ leadership skills and professional networks through structured programming and networking events 

Program Details 

Program Dates: June–August 2026 (exact dates flexible; commitment is approximately 2-3 months)  

Compensation: $5,000 stipend paid by ACMER 

Location: Washington, DC. Interns are responsible for coordinating their own housing for the duration of the program.  

Hours: Interns are generally expected to work a full-time schedule. Some host offices or organizations may offer a part-time schedule; stipends are unaffected either way. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled as rising juniors or rising seniors in a full-time undergraduate program, or who graduated in spring 2026. 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, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 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 four short-answer questions, and upload a copy of your resume (2 pages max), a list of 2-3 references, and an unofficial transcript no later than 11:59pm PT on Sunday, April 19. Any applications submitted after April 19 will be considered on a rolling basis. You will be asked to indicate your placement preferences (please select any you’re interested in): Democratic, Republican, or Independent congressional office, or a DC-based NGO. Only completed applications submitted through this link will be considered. Please do not apply through LinkedIn or other job sites. No calls, please.  

Selection Timeline 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by early May. Selected interns will then go through a host placement process and should expect to be available for additional interviews with host offices or organizations in April or May. All selected interns should expect to attend a mandatory virtual orientation during the week of May 25. 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.