Policy Expert

Policy Expert

Location: Washington, DC area (Hybrid, International travel may be occasionally required)

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Position Type: Full-time

About Anera

Since 1968, Anera has helped refugees and others hurt by conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan live with purpose and hope.

Anera, which has no political or religious affiliation, works on the ground with partners in Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), Lebanon and Jordan. We mobilize resources for immediate emergency relief and for sustainable, long-term health, education, and economic development. Our staff serve in their communities, navigating the politics that constrict progress to get help where it’s needed most.

That’s how Anera received more than $171 million in support of programs in 2023 alone, and it’s how we will keep building better lives until hope finds its way in the Middle East.

Position Summary

The Policy Advisor guides and supports Anera’s U.S. government relations and provides strategic analysis of political developments between the United States and governments across the Middle East. The Advisor is responsible for maintaining strong, informed relationships with congressional offices, executive branch officials, embassy staff, and other relevant interlocutors.

The core function of this role is not budget advocacy or appropriations work. Instead, it focuses on:

• Advancing understanding of the reality of emergency and community development programming among stakeholders in the US legislative and executive branches.
• Protecting and facilitating Anera’s humanitarian access and operational presence;
• Monitoring and interpreting shifts in U.S.–Middle East political relations; and
• Ensuring Anera’s leadership is positioned to engage effectively and appropriately with key policy actors.

Key Responsibilities

U.S. Government Relations

• Build and sustain strong, bipartisan relationships with congressional offices, committees, and relevant U.S. government agencies. (e.g., State Department, USAID, NSC as appropriate).
• Serve as a credible, neutral source of information on humanitarian conditions in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan.
• Track relevant hearings, statements, legislation, diplomatic developments, and/or policy shifts that may affect Anera’s ability to operate or access communities.
• Help position Anera as a trusted, nonpartisan source of information for policymakers and stakeholders. Organize and support congressional meetings, provide talking points, and situational context to policymakers and staff.
• Communicate Anera’s nonpolitical mission clearly and consistently in all engagements.

External Representation & Stakeholder Coordination

• Participate in relevant policy forums, NGO gatherings, and working groups to stay informed on U.S.–Middle East developments
• Work closely with the Communications team to ensure public statements reflect accurate political context and adhere to Anera’s nonpolitical principles. Support the development of public-facing policy materials — including statements, fact sheets, talking points, etc.
• Collaborate with peer organizations to advance understanding of humanitarian needs in the region while avoiding political advocacy.

International Political Monitoring & Middle East Diplomatic Analysis

• Monitor and interpret political developments and diplomatic dynamics between the U.S. and governments in the Middle East, and assess how bilateral relations, major events, elections, sanctions, regional tensions, or diplomatic initiatives may impact Anera.
• Provide regular internal briefings and written analyses for Anera leadership, country teams, and crisis response efforts.
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with embassy personnel or other relevant liaison staff.

Internal Advisory, Risk Monitoring & Strategic Support

• Provide timely, accurate insights on reputational and operational risks tied to policy shifts or political developments.
• Monitor and brief senior leadership on U.S. and regional political trends affecting security, access, registration, or operational continuity.
• Document and maintain internal guidelines to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations governing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, public policy, Middle Eastern studies, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in U.S. government relations, policy analysis or advocacy, ideally within the international development or humanitarian sector.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with Congress, US federal agencies, or policy networks on international or foreign assistance issues.
• Strong understanding of U.S. foreign policy processes and Middle East political dynamics.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey nuanced political contexts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build bipartisan and international relationships with discretion and reliability.
• Ability to work independently, manage sensitive information, and exercise sound political judgment.
• English fluency required.

Preferred

• Arabic language skills or experience living/working in the Middle East.
• Experience interacting with U.S. officials, congressional staff, and international officials regarding Middle East events, politics, or humanitarian issues.
• Prior experience working with or within a 501(c)(3) organization and familiarity with legal restrictions on advocacy and lobbying.
• Familiarity supporting organizations or senior leaders during periods of crisis or rapid change.

Our values:

We are inspired: We are committed to energize, engage, and motivate others to forge the best outcomes for the diverse communities we serve.

We are people-centric: We are respectful and empathetic. We believe that each person, no matter their circumstances, embodies promise and has the power to shape the lives of their community and world.

We are collaborative: Teamwork and collaborative action are at the heart of how we do our work and deliver results.

We are versatile: In a region burdened by obstacles, we make the right connections to find a way and bring can-do, innovative approaches to everything we do.

We are impactful: We make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve by delivering impactful solutions at the local community level.

We are accountable: Our words, actions and results stay true to our mission and values.

Anera is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The estimated salary range for this role is $89,600 - 95,735. This represents Anera’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, specialized skills, and training.