Program Coordinator, Fellowships and Research Administration

About the Organization 

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, executive and graduate education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the goal of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples. 

As part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, MEI believes that being a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right, but also central to our ability to achieve our mission. We do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, income, or status as a veteran. 

About the Position

MEI is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Program Coordinator, Fellowships and Research Administration, to administer MEI’s fellowship programs, research awards, and related activities. Reporting to the Associate Director, this role is responsible for executing core programs, ensuring smooth operations, and providing faculty, students, and scholars with opportunities to deepen their engagement with the MENA region. This is an early- to mid-career, operations-oriented role ideal for someone with 3-5 years of experience who is eager to support these programs in a mission-driven academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Fellowships: 

• Under the direction of the MEI Associate Director, implements fellowship advertising, recruitment, and nomination processes aligned with program priorities.
• Administers application, selection, nomination, and hiring processes on behalf of MEI, in coordination with MEI leadership and relevant faculty committees.
• Administers the annual fellowship renewal process in close coordination with MEI Associate Director.
• Drafts fellowship letters and related correspondence on behalf of MEI Faculty Chair.
• Works with the Harvard International Office to procure visas for fellows as needed.
• Provides logistical support for fellows’ arrival and onboarding.
• Tracks and maintains records of fellowship status, evaluations, and alumni updates.
• May read fellowship applications and make recommendations to MEI leadership and/or relevant committees.

Research Administration: 

• Administers application and award processes for MEI Faculty Research Awards and MEI Student Research & Internship funding opportunities, including: coordinating with MEI leadership and relevant faculty committees; implementing relevant HKS central timelines, procedures, and policies; marketing award opportunities (in coordination with the Program Coordinator, Events and Communications); preparing and reviewing applications and making recommendations to the MEI Associate Director, Faculty Chair, or committees as relevant; and administering award disbursements.
• Tracks and maintains records of faculty research progress reporting and publications, as well as student activities supported by MEI.
• In collaboration with MEI’s Communication and Events Coordinator, drafts content for MEI website, publications, and reports to donors, Belfer Center, and other stakeholders. 
• Attends relevant Center- and School-wide meetings related to fellowships and research administration on behalf of MEI and briefs MEI Associate Director.
• Assists with fundraising, including researching grant opportunities, developing budgets and narrative proposals for new gifts/grants, and assists the MEI Associate Director with managing existing donor reporting requirements. 
• Acts as a resource for MEI Program Coordinator, Events and Communications, on production of MEI research publications.
• May serve on student degree fellowship reading committees as needed. 

Administrative:

• Processes invoices and other expenses related to MEI fellows, faculty affiliates, and research activities.
• Helps manage office suite inventory and equipment (e.g., office supplies, printers).
• Other duties as required.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Collaborative, humble, and eager to learn and contribute to a small team.
• Highly detail-oriented and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Calm, diplomatic, and professional in high-pressure or high-visibility settings.
• Comfortable working closely with the Associate Director and MEI leadership, following guidance and supporting program priorities, while proactively managing key administrative and operational tasks.
• Comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace frequent change with professionalism, self-assurance, and composure.
• Comfortable working closely with a diverse range of constituents—from students and junior researchers to visiting dignitaries and senior scholars—and able to exercise sound judgment when handling media requests and other invitations.
• Mission-driven and genuinely interested in the Middle East and public policy.